What to look for in used Ranger/S-10 type truck

kilby

kilby

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Location
Charlotte, NC
I'm searching for a beater truck... looking at around 87-97 model year Rangers and S-10's. Seems there are more of them around than other trucks, and they're in my price range.

So far, I've heard nothin' but praise for the 4 banger Ranger and 4.3L S-10 from owners (they're totally different, I know).

But I want to know about known issues with these types of rigs (if there are any). What should I look for? Anything either of these models is notorious for? How much mileage is too much? Some of 'em for sale locally have better than 200k on the clock... not sure about that.

You know, if it was an XJ, I'd know to check manifold cracks, fuel injectors and stuff like that. But with the smaller domestic trucks, I'm not sure what to do other than check the basics and fire it up and spin it around the block a time or 2.
 
stay with the ranger had a s 10 94 I think put a engine in at 89k and a tranny at 94
 
well, the most important thing to look for is on the grill. when you first pull up to the potential vehicle, make sure theres a blue oval on the grill.

the s10s didnt have a very long life expectancy did they?
 
Ranger 2.3, with a manual 5 speed are pretty healthy. If it isn't obvious, then it's probably OK. The Rangers with the 2.8 or 2.9 have issues like thin cast heads. Perfect maintenance may still net you a cracked head, and you don't have to ever let it run hot.
The AOD trannys aren't too very hearty either. When you visit a bone yard, you will see the first things to go are the trannys/
The S-10's are an OK truck. 2.8 V-6's don't have too good of a rep. Any of them are prone to heater core leaks. The 4.3 in Vortex engines are also prone to cracked heads, cracked blocks. But they deliver decent power.Again, I am not a fan of the AOD units.
Just what I know of both.

All given a Ford 2.3(2300) with a five speed would be my choice.
 
x4 on 4 banger ranger. just have less issues with it and will last a while even if not taken care of. I have seen only one manual tranny give up in one of those trucks, but it was put through 200k miles of HELL by one of my best friends.

my experience with 2.9 v6 rangers, is not good. and stay away from those northern vehicles! (but you already know that.) :)
 
Ranger 3.0 v6 isn't as stout as a 4.0 v6, but will probably last longer. what's your price range? looking for 2wd or 4wd?
 
mosh5186 said:
whats up with all the ford boys???? 4.3 chevy all the way u cant kill them. im sure someone else can back me up on this
Click to expand...

I had one in a W/T 1500 w/5speed and it went 281K before I sold it.I would say either a Ranger w/a 2.3 or a S-10 w/a 4.3 The 2.8/2.9 rangers were weak and the valves rattled bad and the 4.0's had cracked head issues.The 2.5/2.8 S-10 motors are turds.
 
S-10s have 4.3 700r4s and 208s....
 
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