ok so my 1995 ranger with its 2.3l has 232k(ish) miles is gonna die sooner or later. i have a coolant leak of unknown origins. i keep forgetting to top up the coolant and keep running low on water, luckily never truly overheating the engine, but i have a noise that i can only describe as a rod knock, its faint and somewhat intermittent but its there.

question is, do i start pricing replacement engines or replacement trucks?
this thing had a looooooong list of things i need to replace. things like all the suspension bushings, door locks/latches, all the interior is rattling, the fuel filler neck even. its an XLT so it has all the neat bits, but those neat bits are wearing out, like the lumbar support airbag is blown.

i like the truck, have had it about 7 years and it has never left me stranded, though it tried once with a dying fuel pump. it looks like hell except for the 16" wheels it got last year to replace the 14"s.
if i decide to get a used/rebuilt, who is a reputable seller?

thanks for any input.

 

2000 was the last year of the Lima engines, 2.3l or 2.5l, so any used engine will be at least 16 years old.
But the Limas were a very good engine, could run up the miles on these.

With a Used engine you could be buying someone else's headache, you never know until it is in, and warranties don't cover labor.
Same with a Used Truck, except no warranty, lol.

IMO rebuilding is a better way to go.

That being said look in the local auto/truck seller ads, see what a good running Ranger(or similar) truck is selling for.
Then, by looking at these ads, estimate what your truck in it's current leaking/rod knocking, general disrepair state, would be worth.

Now find out how much it will cost to rebuild the engine and the other bits and pieces.

Write it all down, decision will be easier then

 

well its not dead yet, and i think i run it until it goes pop. basic plan for now is get a junkyard motor and do a rebuild, maybe even juice it a little, so when it does pop, i'll have a spare on hand.

the question always was whether or not to put any money in it. i want to spiff it up again as it is done with the daily labors it had when i was in construction and is now a point A-B daily driver. i'd rather not buy another truck, the whole inherited problems idea, and i can't afford a new truck, so putting a bit in here and there seems the best option.