I'm looking for a Late 80's to early 90's Full size Ford pickup with a reliable Engine / Tranny combination. I will be towing a 2000 Lb boat and I'd like to stick with a manual transmission 'cause of that. Can you guys recommend a reliable engine/tranny combo ?

300 Six, 5 speed. (4 w/low first would be a better choice, but they stopped making those in '87 as I recall).

I'm afraid that age group is out of my reach....though a Ranger with the big V6 and the stick shift would handle your load.

I dunno if the Ranger had the 4.0L V6 then or not, but there's nothing wrong with that 4.0L other than it's a bit fuel hungry. I can't comment on the tranny as i dunno about the manuals in that year.