Story by Dorian Thistle
I have found a cheap and easy way for running a K&N filter. I used a mass air flow sensor from a 1992 3.8L Ford Taurus. I made sure that the plug-in letters (ABCDEFG etc) matched mine and just plugged it in and had no problems since. I have run this set up for two years and Canadian cold winters do remind you of an open-air filter at initial start-up when wanting to go somewhere before the engine warms up. Other than that, no codes from the computer or problems. After seeing all the work other people have done to convert their mass air flow sensor to work with an open-air filter, I figured the price of a used mass airflow sensor from a 3.8L costs less and a lot of less work as well. Below are some pics of the air filter and mass air flow sensor. It was really easy and simple and after two years and no problems I can honestly say works great.
About The Author
Jim Oaks is the founder of The Ranger Station, one of the longest-running Ford Ranger enthusiast communities on the web. He has spent over three decades owning, modifying, repairing, and driving Ford Rangers on the street, trail, and cross-country routes.
Since launching TheRangerStation.com in 1999, Jim has documented thousands of real-world Ranger builds, technical repairs, drivetrain swaps, suspension modifications, and off-road tests contributed by owners worldwide. His work has been referenced by enthusiasts, mechanics, and off-road builders looking for practical, experience-based information rather than theoretical advice.
Jim’s hands-on experience includes long-distance overland travel, trail use, drivetrain and axle upgrades, suspension tuning, and platform comparisons across multiple Ranger generations. The content published on The Ranger Station is grounded in first-hand experience and community-verified data, not marketing claims or generic specifications.