Need help with ranger selection

[DisasterXJ]

Well I have a motor and trans (complete with entire ecu system) out of an 85' TC, I am somewhat in the middle of a deal with accquiring an 83' ranger, I'm on a tight budget to say the least. It's clean and I'm getting a rolling shell. In all honestly would the 83' be a decent choice? I'd like to have this together for less then 3K invested, and with the 83' it would be $400.00 deep in the entire build so far, being as I did a bit of bargaining for a crate replacement (the 85' motor) which has roughly 40K miles on it. If I would the truck I'd need to have my decision made by 4/12/08, any comments/thoughts/advice? Thanks in advance. -Sean

[Jesshwarren]

Be a good deal if the truck is fairly clean. You in the south? I know where I am there are few early 80's left that are not rusted out.

[DisasterXJ]

No I'm in new jersey, I'm going to look at the truck on saturday, but from what the guy tells me, underneath is very clean, and the truck isn't too beat up, it has a couple small dents on both sides of the front fenders but I could always order repops from LMC truck for $80 a peice. I was just worried the truck being a pain in the ass for the actually swap, I was relying on the fact since it's an 83' the electronics is very minimum, My thoughts were just going to gut the truck and wire in everything from the TC harness. It is the 2.3 N/A in the ranger now, is that harness at all compatible?

[DisasterXJ]

And I left out a few important details, Here's what the deal would be. The deal is with 3 people, myself, another buyer, and the owner of the ranger. I want the shell, and The otherguy wants the motor an trans. I alone don't have enough cash for the complete truck itself, so i'd just be getting a shell. I'm just want to know it the 83' is an ideal choice

[bruiser]

yea i dont see why not they have quite a bit of engine space as well

[Ranger4banger97]

Hmm, where at in jersey? in up in bergen

[DisasterXJ]

I'm live on the border of monmouth/ocean county in Howell Township, grew up a like 2 miles from E-town raceway, and then I was inducted to say the least :peelout:

[DisasterXJ]

Well I bring bad and good news, The owner of the truck I wanted to purchase, his other vehicle apprently broke, so the deal is no longer going to be able to happen, however, I did find a 2000 mercury mountineer 8.8 rear with 3.73's and a LS, for $350 (springs included) only downside is high mileage about 140k roughly, any opinions?

[taknotes]

is that in a junkyard? usually, at least down here, you can get one for 200-250 from a jy if you pull it

[DisasterXJ]

no, it's from an autobody shop that parts out vehicles that are pretty much useless like new car wrecks