What did you do to your Ranger today? (Part Deux!)

[Roert42]

@Bill - I would change out the iac. I have had multiple vehicles where they just start sticking and sometimes its hard to tell. I even had one new one sticky out of the box, so even a new one is no guarantee that it will function correctly.

I’ve had similar issues with thermostats. Every thermostat I’ve bought from and auto parts store was stuck closed or opened too late. After playing that game three or four time I said I will not buy a parts store thermostat again. OEM only.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Trimmed the fenders and made upper coil retainers. The coil retainers were easier than I anticipated. Some 1/4” thick 2.5x3.5” angle iron with over sized washers to clamp the coil to the coil bucket without having to drill holes in the coil buckets.

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I actually used spring retainers from an F-150 on my choptop

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

I actually used spring retainers from an F-150 on my choptop

From the 70’s erra?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

From the 70’s erra?

Nope, when I replaced the coil buckets on my 95, I bought new spring retainers. Then I realized they fit about perfect on my choptop springs and all I had to do was drill a hole like the 150 coil buckets had from the factory so that’s what happened. I dunno if I’m really going to do much today, but if I think about it and make my way down to the choptop I’ll see about a pic or two

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

Nope, when I replaced the coil buckets on my 95, I bought new spring retainers. Then I realized they fit about perfect on my choptop springs and all I had to do was drill a hole like the 150 coil buckets had from the factory so that’s what happened. I dunno if I’m really going to do much today, but if I think about it and make my way down to the choptop I’ll see about a pic or two

I didn’t know the newer trucks had coil retainers. I haven’t messed with many that were newer than 79.

 

[Bill]

@Bill - I would change out the iac. I have had multiple vehicles where they just start sticking and sometimes its hard to tell. I even had one new one sticky out of the box, so even a new one is no guarantee that it will function correctly.

Maybe. but I don't think it is sticking. When I took it off to clean it, it only had a small amoun of dusty carbon in it. It may just be worn and performing out of spec. I've also read that oxygen sensors have done this on some vehicles if their response time is too slow. At 186.000 miles I'm not too concerned about replacing a part that may still be good. The issue I do have with doing that right now is I'm between jobs and I don't want to spend money like that right now.

I’ve had similar issues with thermostats. Every thermostat I’ve bought from and auto parts store was stuck closed or opened too late. After playing that game three or four time I said I will not buy a parts store thermostat again. OEM only.

OEM parts are rebranded parts from other manufacturers. The idle air control valve on these engines are made by SMP or Hitachi, injectors and most sensors are usually Bosch, the coils/coil packs are SMP, sometimes NTK, etc. I think the MAF sensor on my truck was made by Hitachi, etc. I only buy the name brand parts, and I've never really experienced a problem. If you avoid the "economy" lines that most manufacturers carry to satiate the people who only buy the least expensive option you shouldn't have a problem.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I didn’t know the newer trucks had coil retainers. I haven’t messed with many that were newer than 79.

1995 F-150 (note there is a little difference in the design, the top coil tucks in, the retainer actually fits in a notch on the inside, but it’s still like a 3/16” thick tab)

1989 Bronco II (ok so I probably should have took a drivers side picture) That coil is a James Duff 3” lift coil, but the tab fit just fine and has held up just fine thus far

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Today I drove it home

 

[Rowdy Fitzgerald]

View attachment 82016
1995 F-150 (note there is a little difference in the design, the top coil tucks in, the retainer actually fits in a notch on the inside, but it’s still like a 3/16” thick tab)

View attachment 82017
1989 Bronco II (ok so I probably should have took a drivers side picture) That coil is a James Duff 3” lift coil, but the tab fit just fine and has held up just fine thus far

I see, I didn’t think they had a tab. I assumed that they would have the little bent over tabs like the RBV’s

 

[Curious Hound]

I’ve always had to add my own.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've found that if the truck never leaves the driveway... there really is no need for coil spring retainers.

I'm seriously going to have to look at my Bronco II... I don't think I've seen spring retainers on it.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I've found that if the truck never leaves the driveway... there really is no need for coil spring retainers.

I'm seriously going to have to look at my Bronco II... I don't think I've seen spring retainers on it.

I didn’t think it was really going to be a problem until one popped out. The little tabs seem to be fine for street use and even stock suspension. As soon as it’s modified and you head off road though…

 

[Maritime Drag Racing]

It's a little off topic but I thought I would share this drone view of my home track Cape Breton Dragway, Nova Scotia. This was Saturday AM before the gates opened 2 weeks ago during our Labour Day race.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Doesnt look like you get much for spectators...

 

[Maritime Drag Racing]

That was before the gates were opened for spectators. Every rig there was racers that were staying overnight. Spectators usually line the right side of the track.