1988 XLT 4x4 2.3L

[RangerinVA]

Just started a "resurrection" project on an '88 XLT 4x4 with a 2.3L. Posted a thread on the 4 Cyl forum about suggestions for easy upgrades. Truck sat for almost ten years, so there's a lot of BST going in to this project.
Was curious, 4 cyl Rangers with 4x4 don't seem very common? I think (correct me if mistaken) it was an option combo that was discontinued in the late io 80's (88 last year?). Always struck me as odd since the Japanese brands seemed to sell quite a few. Love to know what info there is on this truck.
Thanks!

 

[Dirtman]

Yes the 4x4 4 cylinder combo was somewhat rare. The lima engines were not power houses so they were generally used in 2wd "fuel efficient" setups and the 4x4s got the 6 cylinder 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, and 4.0. I don't remember exactly when the 4 cylinder engine was dropped as an option on the 4x4s but i could sware I've heard of a 2.5 4x4 which would have only been in a 98-2001 truck.

 

[scotts90ranger]

They stopped 4 cylinder 4x4 the same year they dropped TTB, '97. Yes, they're rare, and yes, they are not powerhouses .

Over the years they kept improving things, in I think '88 they went to roller cam, '89 went distributorless which gained a few hp, '95 they moved the oil pump to behind the auxiliary pulley and got rid of the aux shaft as well as changed crank sensors and went OBD II and sequential injection and from what I hear reduced the valve stem size, then '98 went to 2.5L with a longer stroke but otherwise very similar.

On the nicer side, the 4x4 4 cylinders are almost guaranteed to come with 4.10 gears, but as above they need them due to having like 86hp...

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Easiest upgrade is to find a 2.3 turbo out of a Mustang SVO, thunderchicken, etc.

Turbos make everything better.

 

[Dirtman]

Pffffft yea like a turbo really made the 2.3 duratech sooooo much better.... woopity doo it added a measly 130 more horsepower, almost 200ft lbs of torque and 2-3 more mpgs...

 

[91stranger]

Whoopty doo basil!

 

[Gypsy Freedom]

130 more horsepower, almost 200ft lbs of torque and 2-3 more mpgs...

Are you saying the turbo 2.3 SOHC is in the realm of double the hp and gets a couple more mpg?

Or is this the DOHC 2.3 you are refering to?

 

[sgtsandman]

He's talking about the 2.3 Ecoboost. The 4X4 Supercrew is advertised to get 24 mpg. I forget what the 2X4 Supercab gets but it is better than 24 mpg highway.

 

[Gypsy Freedom]

Ok, that makes more sense. I didnt think the 2.3 lima could make that much with a stock turbo.

I know the rating system changed but my 85 with the 2.3 is rated at 29 hwy. Will be interesting to see if i can muster that much.