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New Here, 1988 Ranger XLT


88RangerNate

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1988
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Ford Ranger
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Hey everyone,

So I'm embarking on my to-do list here soon and would love to hear if anyone has had to replace the oil pump or main bearings, and if anyone has experience with these in high altitude environments. I'm hearing some valve tap after a trip up the Rockies and suspect low oil pressure stemming from somewhere. I've switched to 87 octane since then as opposed to 85, changed the oil and added some Seafoam, but still getting some inconsistent valve tap and now the oil light is on. Any advice? Any other 88 Rangers in Denver?!

Nathan
 


PetroleumJunkie412

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Ranger
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2.9l Trinity
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Manual
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4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
Hey everyone,

So I'm embarking on my to-do list here soon and would love to hear if anyone has had to replace the oil pump or main bearings, and if anyone has experience with these in high altitude environments. I'm hearing some valve tap after a trip up the Rockies and suspect low oil pressure stemming from somewhere. I've switched to 87 octane since then as opposed to 85, changed the oil and added some Seafoam, but still getting some inconsistent valve tap and now the oil light is on. Any advice? Any other 88 Rangers in Denver?!

Nathan
Oil pump is a major job on a 2.9. Easiest to take the engine out and roll it over on a stand.

If you do run seafoam, use rhe spray can, not the liquid. Much better stuff.

Running a catch can on your pcv will help as well.
 

Uncle Gump

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Ottawa IL
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Ranger/BroncoII
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The first thing I would do is put an oil pressure gauge on it and see what the oil pressure really is.
 

88RangerNate

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1988
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Ford Ranger
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Anyone have any experience replacing the valve lifters on an 88? I'm getting some valve tap. Added some seafoam to the crankcase and have gone about 1500 miles since then. Still starts to tap if the engine gets real warm or if I'm on the highway. Pretty quiet when I'm just driving round town, though.

Also, anyone know of any meetups or events in the Northern Colorado/Denver area?

Nathan
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
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1987
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Ford
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2.9 V6
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177 CID
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Manual
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2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
Anyone have any experience replacing the valve lifters on an 88? I'm getting some valve tap. Added some seafoam to the crankcase and have gone about 1500 miles since then. Still starts to tap if the engine gets real warm or if I'm on the highway. Pretty quiet when I'm just driving round town, though.

Also, anyone know of any meetups or events in the Northern Colorado/Denver area?

Nathan
Put yourself a real mechanical oil pressure gauge on it and see what the oil pressure is.

Valve tap/lifter noise isnt really a concern on 2.9s. They all do it. Its not really a cause for concern as long as its holding good oil pressure.

Ive been on this site for 18 years and can only recall a very small number of 2.9s with actual oil pressure issues. The 2.9 also has a very robust (relativly speaking) bottom end, and with only 85k miles, i doubt you have any real issue,
 
Last edited:

88RangerNate

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1988
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Ford Ranger
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That's great to hear! I'll pick up a gauge and test it out. Thanks!
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
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A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
That's great to hear! I'll pick up a gauge and test it out. Thanks!
No problem. If you have any more questions or find out you really do have oiling issues, post over on the 2.9 forum where me and a few other rabid 2.9 loyalist hang out and we'll get it solved for ya.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

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Ranger
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Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
I'm another one of the 2.9 Mafia guys. Paulos and Nez should be around here somewhere as well.

Rusty is certainly the 2.9 Don.
 

Russella1

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Age
64
Location
Yellville, AR
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger XLT Supe
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9 L
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
N/A
Total Drop
N/A
Tire Size
225/70 -14
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New Old Stock
Hey everyone,

I recently took home a beautiful 88 Ranger XLT. 85k, one owner, garage kept. I'll be wrenching on it as best I can. I don't have an extensive background in auto work so I think this site is going to become a valuable resource for me.

Nathan
I just rebuilt my 88 if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Russell
 

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Russella1

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Age
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Location
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1988
Make / Model
Ranger XLT Supe
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9 L
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
N/A
Total Drop
N/A
Tire Size
225/70 -14
My credo
New Old Stock

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
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177 CID
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Manual
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2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
Rusty is certainly the 2.9 Don.
Ive been defending the 2.9s honor like its my christian little sister for alotta years now.

Its like ive said before, they may be quirky, tempermental little bastards but they got spunk and attitude.
 

88RangerNate

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1988
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Ford Ranger
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I just rebuilt my 88 if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Russell
Wow that's a sharp looking truck. Nice work. Turns out the compressor was fine, just needed a new schrader valve. Whew!
 

bobbywalter

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woodhaven mi
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1988
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V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
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Automatic
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4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
yeah...those compressors are robust just like the little sewing machine its attatched to. nice brass swashplate shoes in there.. great for on board air.


i am jealous of this one too.... NICE TRUCK....
 

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