1993 Ranger - What to look for.
 

Im going to go look at this ranger friday
http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/cto/2641916919.html

Just curious if there is anything specific I should look for?

I know the normal things, but anything that rusts out on rangers or common things to look for.

Im guessing one thing would be the leaf spring shackles
front cab mounts

not sure what else

At 122k it should have a new timing belt by now.
And check the lower radiator mounts for rust.
Maybe bring a voltmeter and a jumper wire and, if they'll let you,check for pending codes. Or at least battery voltage before and after starting .

Check for oil leaks. Anything that old with that low of miles could indicate it sat for a while or wasn't driven much. Seals tend to dry up and crack. Could be perfect... but just a thought... crawl under it.

Get under it, check the springs, they can tell you alot about how the trucks been used, if they're sagged out you can assume teh truck hauled some weight, axle seals, pinion seal, look for oil leaks, and anything else that seems out of the ordinary.

Check for major rust, around the leaf mounts for sure. Front core support.

X2. check the seals at the bottom of the radiator, that's the most common leaking place.

He said he does not know if its ever been changed:ponder:

There you go
 

You got some very good pointers regarding things to watch out for. The price doesn't seem to be unreasonable, and if you are mechanically inclined you can change that timing belt, as probably should for good measure, not knowing whether it's ever been changed.

I offered him $1500 and he said we could negotiate a price. So Im hoping 1650.

As for the timing belt. These engines will not grenade like the other ones if the belt snaps. So im not worried a bout it. Maybe down the road if I get some free time.

Yeah, you shouldnt have to worrk about bent valves or anything, but it would suck when you go somewhere and end up broken down.
For 1650 I'd buy it.

$1650 for a clean title running vehicle is reasonable. If you only get 6 months out of it you have spent less than you would on a car payment. If you like it buy it and get the work done at a place you trust or do it yourself.

This is to replace my beater DD car. Which I hope to sell for $600 so that means I only spent $1,000 on this.

Around here this is a pretty good deal. There are lots of rangers in the 1200-2200 area. Anywhere from 1985 - 2000 but most of them have 150k plus miles or are complete crap.

I only found one other ranger at 1800 with 130k but the paint was messed up and it was 3+ hours away

rust