Which truck would you keep

[larscot]

Which one is most useful to you? Do you need the power of the V6 for hauling or will the 2.3 work just as well?

I do dump runs, no trailer pulling, although I'm giving it thought. I think the 97 w/3.0 engine has a gvwr of less than 2000 lbs, not a plus.

 

[Curious Hound]

My preference would be the '97. But not by much. I'm all for giving the kid his choice.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I do dump runs, no trailer pulling. I think the 97 w/3.0 engine has a gvwr of less than 2000 lbs, not a plus.

If it had a GVWR of less then 2k itd be overloaded just sitting there.

My 87 has a GVWR of like 4600 or something. Either way itll handle alot more then you think. The 3.0 is pretty gutless compared to other EFI RBV V6s but its somewhat better then a 4.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I say got with the 97. You know when to add oil and are used to doing it. You can add a pair of $30 helper springs for those occasional dump runs. (I threw a set on and they are wonderful for the 2-3 times a year I load up to 1,400 pounds total payload. 1,200 in the bed, 200 in the drivers seat.)

 

[racsan]

I have a set of coil helpers that mount between the axle housing & frame, works great. Ive used this setup on every ranger Ive had and on the ranger trailer as well. Changing your rear gear ratio will help as well, I went from 3.45’s to 4.10’s and its well worth it, I bought a whole assembly from a junkyard, replaced seals, wheel cyls, brake shoes, springs & lines. If youre real lucky you could even upgrade to a 8.8 from a 7.5 and get 10” drums instead of 9”. I wasnt that lucky but both axles are of the same weight carrying capacity so its still worth it.

 

[larscot]

If it had a GVWR of less then 2k itd be overloaded just sitting there.

My 87 has a GVWR of like 4600 or something. Either way itll handle alot more then you think. The 3.0 is pretty gutless compared to other EFI RBV V6s but its somewhat better then a 4.

Yeah you're right I was talking out my ass on that number. What I meant to imply was that I think it will tow @ 2,000 lbs. I was just now thinking of towing, using the 3.0 to pull a teardrop trailer, nothing huge. Still the teardrops can get a little over 2k loaded up, but my gut tells me yeah, the 3.0 would be doggy but it would do it. I'd just manage my expectations on the drive...foolish assumption? I like the idea of using it for weekend camps, but I may be asking for more than it could deliver...Thoughts?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Yeah you're right I was talking out my ass on that number. What I meant to imply was that I think it will tow @ 2,000 lbs. I was just now thinking of towing, using the 3.0 to pull a teardrop trailer, nothing huge. Still the teardrops can get a little over 2k loaded up, but my gut tells me yeah, the 3.0 would be doggy but it would do it. I'd just manage my expectations on the drive...foolish assumption? I like the idea of using it for weekend camps, but I may be asking for more than it could deliver...Thoughts?

Make sure you got good trailer brakes, a trans cooler, and a frame mounted reese style hitch i wouldnt think twice.

 

[larscot]

The Decision: I kept the 97: The extended cab and the older truck mojo it has just won out. Son #1 gets the 2006. Goddam, I'll miss it, but it stays in the family, along with my 2000 2.5 XL that son #3 now has.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Thanks for letting us know.

 

[Locotomb]

You made the right choice. The 97 looks really clean and nice. Plus, kids just think newer means better. And it's a four-cylinder. Granted its a newer four-cylinder. It'll keep him out of trouble.