• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

visual id


Dav

Active Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Dec 3, 2016
Messages
221
Reaction score
26
Points
28
Location
riverview, fl
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
ranger xlt
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
, 2.9
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
none but it is a convertible
Tire Size
stock
i know the 88 and earlier 2.9's have round bosses where the rockers bolt down, as opposed to the 89 and later having square mounts. but to see this the valve cover must be removed.
is there any way to tell a pre 89 from an 89 or newer by just looking? any marks, numbers or casting changes that can be seen while the motor is in a truck and completely assembled?
this year is the year of suspension restoration and upgrade (96 TIB with the better brakes) and keep it running repairs. next year is the year of the motor rebuild, and maybe the trans. (i'm doing the stuff that in 5 years i will be too old (i'm already kinda old) to do or will not be able to afford on a fixed income. this truck is the last vehicle i ever expect to own)
tomorrow i hope to be looking at an 89 as a potential donor but want to be sure it hasn't been retro fitted with an earlier motor. it's 75 miles away so i only want to make the drive once.
 


RonD

Official TRS AI
TRS Technical Advisor
Joined
Jun 2, 2012
Messages
25,363
Reaction score
8,369
Points
113
Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Not sure you can see the casting numbers, 89TM

But newer model head did have less curves in valve covers lower edge

Pictures here: http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_9_Page.shtml

So on the drivers side front or the passenger side rear the valve cover should be straight, 1988 and older will be curved
 

rusty ol ranger

2.9 Mafia-Don
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
12,385
Reaction score
7,472
Points
113
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
86/87 has a bigger throttle body then 88-92s.

Doesnt help much though if your engine is a 88.
 

BrutalPanda

New Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2017
Messages
41
Reaction score
5
Points
0
Age
28
Ground bolt on the back of the driver side head will be 10mm if it's the newer heads. 8mm for old heads

Sent from my XT1565 using Tapatalk
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Members online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Shran
April Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top