97 b2300 manual losing power in 5th gear

[StrangerRanger2300]

I got a 97 b2300 for a project truck but I found after it gets up to speed on the highway and shift to 5th it starts losing speed and oomph. Not quite sure where to start with troubleshooting so I’m looking for ideas. I already plan on an engine rebuild/swap (along with everything else ) but I want to stick with the 2.3 to see how far I can take it.

 

[franklin2]

After a drive, check all the wheels, make sure none of them are really hot from the brakes sticking.

 

[SenorNoob]

What size tires and gears? The last 2.3 I had, 5th gear was completely useless with 30" tires and 3.73 gears.

 

[StrangerRanger2300]

It has the stock 225/70R14 wheels with the 3.73 rear end. I bought it initially for a daily driver to work before I figured out that it’s not the best on gas mileage so I’m thinking of swapping the rear end for a 3.08.

 

[Colin]

Way better than a 4L or 3L on fuel.
Probably nothing wrong with it, the 4 cyls aren't very powerful

 

[StrangerRanger2300]

What’s the easiest way to increase the hp?

 

[Colin]

Easiest: buy a different truck.
Otherwise engine swap, which is covered extensively on this site

 

[StrangerRanger2300]

Lol Appreciate the input.

 

[franklin2]

It has the stock 225/70R14 wheels with the 3.73 rear end. I bought it initially for a daily driver to work before I figured out that it’s not the best on gas mileage so I’m thinking of swapping the rear end for a 3.08.

You have to keep the 4 cyl, and the 6 cylinders wound out. That is where they make their power. The overdrive transmission calms things down when on the highway.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Your best bet is just to get a tachometer (get a cluster from a similar year Ranger or Explorer through about year 2000, they bolt in and work) if you don't have one and keep the rpm in a range the engine likes, for cruising not on inclines my '97 likes 2500-3000 for optimal mileage and drivability. Mine has 4.10's which helps and I landed on 225 70 15 but what you have with 3.73's should be similar. An OBD II reader like one of the little blue things and the torque app for a phone is handy too, figure out if you have any trouble codes and check the fuel trim to make sure it's in check, also air filter...

These things are kinda a compromise in power for minor fuel mileage increase. With car tires and a good alignment I get 22-25mpg on my '97 depending on time of year and what I'm doing, with more aggressive tires it was 21-23mpg.

For a small boost in power you could put on a turbo, parts are available but you really need to limit to 5psi and might even need to go one step bigger on injectors...