1986 Ranger 4x4 STX Value

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My co-worker has offered to sell me her 1986 Ranger 2.9L, 5-speed, 4x4 STX with 160,000 miles for $1000. She has owned it since new, but is having to add water to it now and then for her 15 mile commute to work.
There's no oil in the radiator, and no water in the oil, no visible coolant leaks, and it seems to run fine.
Overall, the truck is in Fair to Good condition, with no rust, and it needs tires and shocks.
It also has the factory-installed front grille guard, and in the bed it has the factory-installed roll-bar with lights.
Is this worth taking a gamble on?
I've heard that those roll bars are as rare as hen's teeth.
Also, does anybody have any experience with the ceramic-based head and gasket sealants that go for about $80?
Thanks for your help.

 

[410Fortune]

$1000 with no rust if the 4x4 works is a good deal
the 2.9L mostl likely needs a head gasket or heads, the leak is likely just not large enough to fill the cylinder with water yet...

I drove a 2.9L with a cracked head, adding coolant like you describe)for a few years, as long as you dont overheat it again it can hold up

the 4.0L swap would be a natural into that STX

You can pick up rangers like that here in CO all day long for $800-1500 depending no teh work done to them and condition of the body/interior

1986 is a good year for the ranger, the 2.9L is a good little engine, but its likely an internal leak.