Hi! This is my first post, but I have been lurking around for a while.
I have acquired a 1997 xlt 2.3L manual and i love it even though it is really slow and sounds like a bunch of pots n pans when it drives around.
This is my first truck and I learned to drive manual with it, so it is like my own baby
Finally, is there anything I should know about the 97 model? Good or bad

Thank you! Have a good day y'all

 

Welcome to the forum.
The 2.3 with the timing belt is basically a Pinto engine, very reliable and pretty straight forward.
Is there any history when the belt was changed, should have been done at the 70k mark.

I checked out your public profile, is that your truck there, if it is, it's kind of rare, not many were made with the extended cab with the 2.3 ?
The 2.3 was a little under-powered for the longer cab, so I don't think many were made.

 

Yes that is my pots n pans in those pics.
And the previous owner kinda just left it the garage forever so it's only at 50k miles. I will keep that belt change in mind.
thanks!