Still mourning the loss of my '91 Ranger. I was cleaning out a drawer that had keys in it and came across a set of spare keys for my '91 Ranger STX 4X4 and the memories came back.

I special ordered it back in about late May 1991 and had to wait 7 long weeks for it to finally show up. It had everything I wanted and, more importantly, everything I didn't want. Manual transmission (got money back as auto was standard for the package), manual hubs and transfer case (got money back on this, too), manual windows, limited slip differential, 4.0, extended cab, sliding rear window. I had it until 2011 or 2012 when it developed either a head gasket leak or cracked head. I got rid of it for not much more than scrap value.

It only had about 170K on the clock. The A/C still worked. Original clutch. I took care of it and it took care of me. I could tell how fast I was going by the sound of the engine and the gear I was in. Trips to the desert, trips to the mountains, to work no matter how bad the snow was. Always driven in a state that didn't salt the roads and no rust anywhere. Paint was in great shape, body in good shape except where the wife did a little "bodywork" on the right rear fender. Sure the ride was a little rough compared to the trucks of today but I wish I never got rid of it. Probably my last new truck/car, at least for the next 10 years. But none of the new stuff appeals to me. Too much "fluff".

I admit, I get attached to my cars and trucks. After taking care of them for so long, it's hard not to.

If you get a new truck and maintain it well, don't ever get rid of it - unless you're cold and have no feelings and treat your trucks like objects.

 

I know how you feel. I still have "special feelings" for the special order 99 Ranger in my signature, that I still have & it brings a smile to my face every time I start that puppy up.
IMO Ford got it's recipe mostly right. It's a light weight truck, but has without hesitation done Everything I've ask of it without so much as a whimper. So far its been one of, if not The best automotive Bang for my bucks.
Too bad the short sighted, unimaginative, light weight, Ford management, (lower case intended), without the management skills to keep it updated, used a dwindling sales excuse to kill it!!!! I don't want or need the F-150, so I'll likely keep & maintain the Ranger as long as I can drive!!!

 

I hold on to my trucks a long time and I get attached.

Sold my 87 F150 last summer. Bought it right out of high school and had it 28 years. Sold it to my buddies kid so I still get to see it.