8788Ranger2wd
New Member
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2012
- Messages
- 11
- Reaction score
- 3
- Points
- 3
- Vehicle Year
- 1988
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Transmission
- Manual
I know this question has been asked, so I'll apologize for asking again. But my attempts at searching the forum for answers, the list was huge with mostly unrelated content.
Here's what I have:
1989 Ford Ranger Custom extended cab, 4x4 with power steering and an automatic transmission. No A/C.
The engine and transmission have both been rebuilt within the last 5K miles. My younger son needed wheels, wanted a Ranger 4x4 to hang with his friends, and did the research, found this truck, yadda yadda... He's since moved on to a completely different set of wheels, I fell in love with the truck, and since I have the $$ invested in the rebuild decided to keep it. I drive the truck often, and use it to pull my 17ft fishing boat.
The truck has for the most part, enough power to suit me, until I need to climb a particularly steep grades on the freeway. Then it poops out at highway speed, in which case it's down to 45mph in passing gear...as far to the right as I can get so as not to hold up those from storming up from behind. This is unloaded, just me in the driver's seat, not towing...
I've considered two possible options:
1. Turbo the 2.9L
2. Engine swap
According to the tech page here, my truck shouldn't have the head cracking issue, as Ford released the later style heads in the 1989 models.
I've been searching for compatible 4.0L engines, but so far haven't located a likely candidate (in my area). The turbo is a LOT less difficult (to locate and purchase), which is making option #1 look much more attractive.
So I'd love to hear from those here who have actually turbo'd a 2.9L V6, your issues and challenges, and any down side. Again, I'm not looking to race for pink slips, just need to be able to get up steep grades without peddling like Fred Flintstone...
Thanks,
-Vern
Here's what I have:
1989 Ford Ranger Custom extended cab, 4x4 with power steering and an automatic transmission. No A/C.
The engine and transmission have both been rebuilt within the last 5K miles. My younger son needed wheels, wanted a Ranger 4x4 to hang with his friends, and did the research, found this truck, yadda yadda... He's since moved on to a completely different set of wheels, I fell in love with the truck, and since I have the $$ invested in the rebuild decided to keep it. I drive the truck often, and use it to pull my 17ft fishing boat.
The truck has for the most part, enough power to suit me, until I need to climb a particularly steep grades on the freeway. Then it poops out at highway speed, in which case it's down to 45mph in passing gear...as far to the right as I can get so as not to hold up those from storming up from behind. This is unloaded, just me in the driver's seat, not towing...
I've considered two possible options:
1. Turbo the 2.9L
2. Engine swap
According to the tech page here, my truck shouldn't have the head cracking issue, as Ford released the later style heads in the 1989 models.
I've been searching for compatible 4.0L engines, but so far haven't located a likely candidate (in my area). The turbo is a LOT less difficult (to locate and purchase), which is making option #1 look much more attractive.
So I'd love to hear from those here who have actually turbo'd a 2.9L V6, your issues and challenges, and any down side. Again, I'm not looking to race for pink slips, just need to be able to get up steep grades without peddling like Fred Flintstone...
Thanks,
-Vern