ve been thinking that my '93 will be in need of being replaced in the next year or two, and while id rather have a manual trans, the automatics seem to be more plentiful, ive found a s/c edge with a 3.0 and a automatic for a pretty reasonable price, its a 2010, havent seen it in person, just the internet listing, its a 2wd and though id rather have another 4x4, i could live with it being a 2wd and even the 3.0, (id probly get a junkyard 2011 axle and regear it to 4.88's and put a lock-rite in) but my biggest sticking point is the auto trans, i found a longbed 2wd 2.3 i like, its the newer 4-valve 2.3, and while id love the 30 mpg highway milage (and its a manual trans) i know i wouldnt have enough motor for the 6x10 box trailer i occasionally pull, its also a 2wd.
so, basically what im wanting to know, is there a automatic to steer clear of? (besides the old a4ld) my chances of finding my "ideal" ranger are very rare, heck, ideally id like to find a 4.0 s/c 4x4 5 speed manual '97 (yes, im still a fan of ttb) with under 100K miles. my '93 is at 165K, its biggest issue is a bent/twisted frame, its still driveable, but has some "intresting" driving and handling issues because of it. and seems to be leaking from almost every seal possible....but it is a 20 year old truck.

 

2.3 with no power? Simple mods will change that! My 98 2.5 has cold air intake, electric fan swap, msd ignition, and a Stage 3 clutch. I don't have any issues. Its also a 2wd. I did all the upgrades for about $300.

I also had the brain box set up with a tune in it that I can change with my laptop with more power, or more fuel economy.