2.9l top speed

[86ranger4x4owner]

I have a 1988 ranger 4x4 with the 2.9l and a a4ld automatic. the fast as i could get it was going down hill and it went past 85 but i was only doing 4000 rpms. so is there anything i can do to make it faster? all i can think of is a good tune up change all fliuds and and change the plug wires and such.any other ideas or is this the fast as it will go? it has 31s and a 4.10 in the back.
And also when i let off the gas it declerates pretty fast kinda like something is holding it back any ideas on that? its not the brakes i checked them.

 

[dave2575]

I have the same Ranger as you and I can tell you that it is what it is... an 88 2.9 4X4 with 4.10's. THAT'S THE NORM. You can give it a good tune up so that you have a good foundation if you want to start adding some performance to your truck. You could go to a taller gear ratio to gain a little speed in the top end, but a chip is your best bet and the quickest gain for improving your trucks performance IMHO. And your deceleration sounds normal for an auto trans and 4.10 gears, I have to keep my foot on the gas going down hill our I will start losing speed pretty fast.

 

[bilzy7]

New engine time!!!

 

[RangerRyan]

I got my lil 2.0l to do 87 MPH but that was going down hill with a C4 and 302 in the bed. I usually max out at 75.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

Does anyone know of a good chip then for my truck and what will it increase the top speed at all? Could you give me a link to one so i can take a look at one?

 

[dave2575]

check these links=

http://www.jetchip.com/Shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?sppp=10&catID=1

http://www.hypertech.com/products-results.aspx

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Performance-Chips-/33597/i.html?Model%20Year=1988&Model=Ranger&Make=Ford&_nkw=2.9&_catref=1&_dmpt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&_fln=1&_trksid=p4506.c0.m282

BEWARE of the ebay link above. The 2 chips shown on the bottom are just diodes they are not real chips.

Jett chips is the only one with auto trans. There not cheap, but definitely worth it, and they will help in the top end, but a gear ratio change is the best way to gain top end speed.
There are more company's that make chips for ford ranger's search Google.

 

[Psychopete]

The drag is definitely something to check into, how are your MPGs? Check the throttle for slack in the cable too, might not be opening the throttle all of the way. But 85mph sounds about right, my stock all stock 2.9L w/ A4LD would struggle along at 80/85mph. I rebuilt and cammed the engine and burying it wasn't a problem after that. I've since gone with an AOD/5.0 combo and would hit 100 in 3rd with 4th to go still. I never pushed it that hard, though. I miss that truck already, but pulled the engine out to put it in a cleaner truck (87) and going w/ 5 speed manual this time.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

there no slack in the thottle cable i took all the slack up with zip ties and the motor is fairly built but maybe noot for the top end.am thinking i could bury the speedo with stock tires but i have got it a little over 85 going down hill.

 

[Beef52751]

your not going to gain much if anything with a chip

 

[dangerrangerva]

i Have a 88 ford ranger stx model 3.73 gears i can get it top at bout 85 -90 and will still pull but fairly new engine. its been over hauled

 

[Dan B.]

You want to increase the top speed of a 4wd w/ a 2.9L?

Push it off a cliff............

 

[Will]

140hp gets used up pretty quickly, doesn't it?

 

[4.0B2]

a chip won't help you...
nothing really with help you.
if you want more high end you could always go to a 3.55 or 3.27 gear ratio but that's gonna hurt your low end..
a 4.0 would help..


is that not fast enough? where is the speedlimit over 70 anyways?


look, i'm not saying this to be a jerk..
i'm saying this bc i've been there. unless your ready to drop MAJOR money into the 2.9, just leave it as it. i did the polish, cam, headers, bigger injectors, throttle body spacer, and chip on my 2.9... and was very dissatisfied!!! it was a WASTE of money. for less than i spent on all that stuff i got donor explorer w/ 4.0 complete, trans, t/case, and axles that i'm using on my b2. the stock 4.0 was better than the expensive 2.9 i built. sure you can get more out of a 2.9 than i did, but why???? a 4.0 swap was cheaper.. then i could use that extra money to build the 4.0 if i wanted...but there's no need in my case.

 

[prerunnerwannabe]

If you were wondering what it looks like inside one of the $20 'chips'....

Pretty ain't it.

 

[dangerrangerva]

If u got the money u could probly do anything u wanted to it but i personlly like the 2.9 havent ever had a problem with mine but the cooling system. everything else is fine