new, and pissed

CRAZ28 · Aug 28, 2008

Hi everyone, I'm new to the board. I just bought a '84 Ranger and everything went to hell immediately. Since I bought 3 weeks ago, I have rebuilt the rear wheel bearings, new rear pumpkin gasket, total transmission rebuild, and I am sending in my carb to be remanufactured. I hope this all works out cause i love my little Ranger, but dont hav the cash for this. Anyone have any advice, or list of common issues with the 2.8

85_Ranger4x4 · Aug 28, 2008

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8L_Performance.html

I would be shopping for a different carb rather than rebuilding the stock one, and saving my pennies for a Duraspark ignition...

The stock feedback carburator and ignition system is a mess, but is pretty easy to fix (replace with something better)

There is a link to the duraspark swap down towards the bottom of the attached page.

85general · Aug 29, 2008

do the duraspark dont rebuild yur stock anything

igiveup · Aug 29, 2008

Hello

I durasparked my B2 and its the best thing that ever happen to that motor. Trust me and get it done. You wont be sorry. Your 84 is a lot easier then my 85 was. Read the tech pages on it and you will be good to go.

igiveup

CRAZ28 · Aug 30, 2008

Is it possible to do the DuraSpark conversion if my truck is equipped with California emissions? Thanks

skippy · Aug 30, 2008

CRAZ28 said:
Is it possible to do the DuraSpark conversion if my truck is equipped with California emissions? Thanks

Hell yes!

skippy · Aug 30, 2008

skippy said:
Hell yes!

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8Duraspark.html

Expect to pay around $300 without carb,about $600 with carb.

post up issues with engine and drivebility so we can help you through other diy projects to get you out there driving one of the best little trucks ever made.

enginepaul · Aug 30, 2008

To be clear here: If you need to pass smog, check with your local Motor Vehicle Department first. In California we must retain all original equipment. (I had to go to a special station because I spliced some wires and they called that "tampering" even though it passed the test. I call it being jerks, they call it thorough) When all the original stuff is working, everything is great; when it isn't everything is a pain. Getting all the stock stuff can be expensive, too.
SO: If you can DursSpark it, DO IT. I've run them on other cars for years with only one failure of the 'box'. We used to do a DuraSparks on old points v-8's all the time and it was the only way to go. I've also had good success with junk yard parts. You may have trouble finding the distributor but if you want to save cash, try.

On the carb - check the recent posts including the ones about the metering block on a stock carb if you're short of cash because it sounds like you already have been spending some bucks.

I bought my first 85 to be used just now and then around the city; I started driving it as my main transportation because it's a great little truck; you may grow to like yours too - when it runs right.

CRAZ28 · Sep 1, 2008

thanks for all the help boys, I hav ordered all the parts, including the Holley carb :secret:

. and I'll let you know how it goes once i get started. O and my transmission just went out to the shop, and the transfer case is sitting in my garage winters comin :annoyed:

CRAZ28 · Sep 2, 2008

Is there any better step by step write up, with pictures, for the duraspark conversion than the brief one on http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...Duraspark.html

85_Ranger4x4 · Sep 2, 2008

CRAZ28 said:
Is there any better step by step write up, with pictures, for the duraspark conversion than the brief one on http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...Duraspark.html

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_8Duraspark.html

Dunno if that is the one you are refering to but it is the three of the ones I had to go by a year ago combined.

I reused the stock coil, it saved a large amount of the wiring hassle, and I don't see how either the distributer or coil would know that they are not hooked up to what they were originally. As I remember all you have to do is hook up the green tach wire from the coil to the duraspark box and that is all there is, disreguard everything about the resister and start-bypass.

I got the box, harness that connects the distributor and Duraspark box, and the second plug with the red and white whires for the Duraspark box used from junked vehicles/engines.

1 year and everything still works perfect.

Capt Jay · Sep 2, 2008

The things to look out for is the 2.8 can warp heads, so be careful not to overheat. The valves aren't hydraulic. They have to be manually adjusted. Not a problem to do. Buy a manual and follow instructions. Takes a little time but it quiets the engine down considerably. I enjoyed mine for a few years until I hit a bump and a v-8 fell in.

Eric Kropp · Sep 5, 2008

All of the above is true. If I could I would go with some other carb and ingition. But...I am in California, and as Engine Paul said, they are a bunch of doo doo heads out here. Looks like you are not from CA so life should be good. The cool thing about the 2.8's are the solid lifters and timing gears. Seem to make the engine last forever. Mine has 324,000 miles and no rebuild in sight. Doesn't use oil between 2000 mile changes. My Ranger is 98% stock, only a lift kit and different wheels and tires from the previous owner 18 years ago.....

Eric<><

CRAZ28 · Sep 7, 2008

Sounds good. all the parts just arrived, the project starts soon

CRAZ28 · Oct 4, 2008

Well, everything is done and easier than I thought. :yahoo:

I am just waiting for my tranny to get back from the shop so I can fire her up

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