buying a used pickup

WatertownBob · Post by **WatertownBob** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 12:04 pm

Thinking of buying a 1988 ranger 4wd.

Any thoughts on the 2.9L v6

How many miles will the engine go?

Bob

Liquifire 4/6 · Post by **Liquifire 4/6** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 1:00 pm

Hi Bob.....Though I've never driven a Ranger with the 2.9, I was unwise enough to have purchased a new Bronco II with the same 2.9 back in 87. It was the worst POS I've ever owned. The engine, though reliable, was incredibly gutless and a real pig on fuel.......and that despite being a 5-speed manual. In 88, I made a trip from Manitoba to West Yellowstone with it hauling 2 sleds on a trailer. I think I topped off with fuel at almost every fuel station I found along the way, and some of the steeper hills had me down in second gear. This being said, I realize a Ranger is considerably lighter than a Bronco II, so perhaps you might find it OK, but I just thought I'd throw my opinion your way.

Mr. Deere · Post by **Mr. Deere** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 3:16 pm

Danger Ranger.

WatertownBob · Post by **WatertownBob** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:02 pm

thanks for the info

I Don't pull anything to heavy. If its in good shape I think I will buy it. It would fit my need and the price is right.

4wd extra cab for my to little girls to ride has topper keep the dog and hunting stuff out of the cab.

does the 2.9 have a timing chain or belt?

Does have some rust. Any luck with products that claim to stop the rust from spreading?

Bob

Mr. Deere · Post by **Mr. Deere** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 10:31 am

Use this http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=44 after using this product. http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProduct.asp?pid=41
Anything Rustoleum or Professional Auto body stuff is good. Browse the Paint Isle at the Auto Parts place and you will find some good stuff.

jdsledwheelman · Post by **jdsledwheelman** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 2:39 am

I had an 89 bronco II with the 2.9L and the auto overdrive trans. It got 16mpg and had 150,000 miles when it was sold to the son of a friend of the family. It had 375,000 on it when they sold it and the motor was never apart. I would say fair fuel mileage but long life motor. It's way better than the 4 cylinder if the body is good go for it. The only real problems with the motor is lifter knock and EGR valve which is an easy fix.

good luck, nick

WatertownBob · Post by **WatertownBob** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:58 am

I guess the 88 and older 2.9 had head cracking problems, I have to watch not to overheat it..They say that synthetic oil is a must in these older 2.9 it appaerently has hot spots in the heads. Any thoughts about brands of synthetic oils?
Bob

Mr. Deere · Post by **Mr. Deere** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:26 pm

Royal Purple.

WatertownBob · Post by **WatertownBob** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 10:08 am

Did not buy it. It was junk

Looking at a full size gm truck.

Bob

wycrumb · Post by **wycrumb** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 1:14 pm

Now you getting warmer, find a midsized Toyota T100 (if your looking for something a little older)

Mr. Deere · Post by **Mr. Deere** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:35 pm

Nice support Gm they need it

Dakota Boy · Post by **Dakota Boy** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:49 pm

you want a decent small truck? I have a 1996 GMC Sonoma High-Rider (fender flares, big tires, offroad susp.) that has served me very well. Find yourself one of those. They quit making them in 2004 when the Canyon came out.

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 9:55 pm

Look for a Forenza.

WatertownBob · Post by **WatertownBob** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:41 am

Paid 2200.00 cash for a 94 GMC ext cab short box. Only has 120xxx for miles. Some rust but allot of truck for the money. Still real tight and the 350 is a proven mil. Only prob is the power windows, radio, and aftermarket cd player are all dead. also no dome light. checked all fuses across with a ohm and non are open.
Any ideas? How about a wiring diagram all the wires seam to be color coded.

Bob

JDT · Post by **JDT** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 9:57 am

There is a fuse box under the hood on your model also Bob. On the fender near the master cyclinder.