reliability?

[Rusty_Ranger]

is the old 2.8 a reliable engine for a daily driver??? and is there any tricks to keeping it reliable other then proper matinance?

[JoshT]

IMHO if the engine is in good shape, and you properly maintain it and make necessary adjustments then yes. On-the-other-hand you have to keep in mind that the newest 2.8 is over 20 years old now, and that they are based on a design that's almost 35 years old.

[84Ranger4X4]

Mine is daily driven and has 272,xxx on the original engine. All I do is change the oil and airfilter and add a can of engine restorer to it at every oil change.

[enginepaul]

Very reliable engine.
No special tricks to keep it going.

[85_Ranger4x4]

is the old 2.8 a reliable engine for a daily driver??? and is there any tricks to keeping it reliable other then proper matinance?

Its reliablity resembles that of a hammer. Just keep oil in it and don't get it hot and it will last you a long time. That is of course if you lose all the computer controlled junk on it and run a non feedback carb and duraspark it.

[skippy]

i have a 2.8 that is still going after 25 yrs and 3 owners.

[OilPatch197]

Very reliable engine.
No special tricks to keep it going.

I would however replace the FIBER camshaft timing gear....

Mine just literally blew apart on my way home from work a few years ago, replaced it with aftermarket aluminum gear.

That is the only mechanical problem I've had with the 2.8, most of my problems with the 2.8 is the ignition/electical system, but that needs upgraded to the Duraspark conversion and the replacement of that rear solenoid regulator on the carb with a custom valve,you shouldbe good to go!

and that mysterious "10 tooth starter gear" mod, but I am nit-picking. :P

[JoshT]

"10 tooth starter gear" what's up with that? Did you break a few off.

[Rusty_Ranger]

what do i need to do to get rid off all the "computer controled junk and convert to dura spark". the truck is a 83 if that helps