Hi Scotty, long time listener.  Was in the 4x4 market at $5500 price point.   Got this Ford explorer sport trac 2002 with 128,000mi on it {black}:scared: .

Mission:  Drive 23 miles from Cotulla airport to S Texas ranch and get in/out in wet weather.   Valve train quiet when cold,  rattling after warmed up {black}:pray: that's me on the 23 mile trip down HWY35.  

Suggestions, limit RPM? magic in a can or should I sell it before I'm hitchiking back to the airport??  Replaced the plastic thermostat housing with aluminum after mkt one, newed up the water pump, radiator fan, tires, belt, hoses and fluids....  Battery on a solar charger and starts quick...