- Joined
- Jan 13, 2021
- Messages
- 78
- Reaction score
- 28
- Points
- 18
- Location
- montana
- Vehicle Year
- 1987
- Make / Model
- Ford Ranger
- Engine Type
- 2.9 V6
- Transmission
- Manual
- 2WD / 4WD
- 4WD
- Total Lift
- stock 4wd
- Tire Size
- 31x10.5R15
Hey folks, I'm going to ask about something that has been covered in the past, on purpose.
I've been reading (actually for a while) the tech articles and such on cracked and how the 2.9 wont make power (and those who argue it).
Into the meat:
I recently purchased for 500 dollars a '90 5speed 4x4 single cab. Rough exterior, but up here there's a premium on 4wd.
She let the smoke out while putting it on the trailer.
I'm about to run the compression tests and such, but as I weigh options, what would you do in today's market?
the "good" replacement heads for the 2.9 no longer seem to be available. other new heads are 450-500 a pair, plus gaskets and such obviously.
the ideal donor 4.0l would by now also be getting higher in mileage, and harder to come by regardless, and there's still a fair bit of work involved in that swap for a now old engine.
I wouldnt say I -need- power, but its always nice isnt it? and im likely enough to re-gear anyway.
My budget is pretty well open given my purchase price and the otherwise high value of the truck here (when its back to roadworthy)
im willing to spend a bit more to "upgrade" things, but I get the feeling much of what I've read on here is getting antiquated.
If this has been recently addressed, feel free to bash me and post a link, I'll still thank you
I've been reading (actually for a while) the tech articles and such on cracked and how the 2.9 wont make power (and those who argue it).
Into the meat:
I recently purchased for 500 dollars a '90 5speed 4x4 single cab. Rough exterior, but up here there's a premium on 4wd.
She let the smoke out while putting it on the trailer.
I'm about to run the compression tests and such, but as I weigh options, what would you do in today's market?
the "good" replacement heads for the 2.9 no longer seem to be available. other new heads are 450-500 a pair, plus gaskets and such obviously.
the ideal donor 4.0l would by now also be getting higher in mileage, and harder to come by regardless, and there's still a fair bit of work involved in that swap for a now old engine.
I wouldnt say I -need- power, but its always nice isnt it? and im likely enough to re-gear anyway.
My budget is pretty well open given my purchase price and the otherwise high value of the truck here (when its back to roadworthy)
im willing to spend a bit more to "upgrade" things, but I get the feeling much of what I've read on here is getting antiquated.
If this has been recently addressed, feel free to bash me and post a link, I'll still thank you