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New Member


GriffinM6

New Member
ASE Certified Tech
Joined
Dec 22, 2019
Messages
28
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Age
25
Location
Chehalis, WA
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford Ranger STX
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches
Tire Size
235/75r15
Recently joined due to gettiing my first truck a 93 white ranger xlt extcab shortbed 4.0l 5spd 4x2. Drove a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 previously so a very different platform. Got her for $700 from a dude that used it as a drift truck. Welded diff, unkown lift, positive camber in front, unknown mileage, side exit exhaust and oil covering practically the whole engine bay. On the upside has a fairly straight clean body, 235/65R15, aftermarket HIDS, electric everything, new clutch and the best part is it starts an runs every time. I enjoy it alot and is my current daily driver. Only issues I’m currently having is rough idle that sometimes causes the truck to stall only after being warmed up so I’m assuming intake gaskets allowing unmeasured air in is the culprit even though the codes are not showing any issues. Planning to swap a SOHC motor in to make motor work for myself more firmiliar dealing with camshaft style motors plus the added power. A weld free 8.8 diff is also in the plans. Anything I should watch out for with these rangers or keep an eye on?
 


Bgunner

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
Joined
May 14, 2018
Messages
1,758
Reaction score
1,039
Points
113
Location
Western Mass.
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford/Ranger XLT
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Tire Size
225/70/R15
My credo
If it's not broken Don't Fix It!
Watch for rot just behind the cabs, spring hangers on the frame, frame mounts. Do not let the motors over heat as most times it means doing a head job of the 4.0's. Speaking of head jobs head gaskets and cracked heads seem to be an issue on these motors also. This does not mean it will happen or they are a bad motor but these are a common failure point.

Welcome to TRS and good luck with your new to you ranger.
 

GriffinM6

New Member
ASE Certified Tech
Joined
Dec 22, 2019
Messages
28
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Age
25
Location
Chehalis, WA
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford Ranger STX
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches
Tire Size
235/75r15
Watch for rot just behind the cabs, spring hangers on the frame, frame mounts. Do not let the motors over heat as most times it means doing a head job of the 4.0's. Speaking of head jobs head gaskets and cracked heads seem to be an issue on these motors also. This does not mean it will happen or they are a bad motor but these are a common failure point.

Welcome to TRS and good luck with your new to you ranger.
From what I’ve seen theres is little to no rust but I’ll inspect it further. No issues with overheating thankfully. After abit if reading in the forums ohv engines are sounding like better motors for reliability and easier to work on just needs a gasket update if not overheated.
 

Dirtman

Former Middleweight Moss Fighting Champion
Joined
May 28, 2018
Messages
19,304
Reaction score
13,326
Points
113
Location
41N 75W
Vehicle Year
2009
Engine Type
2.3 (4 Cylinder)
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
It's up there.
Total Drop
It's down there.
Tire Size
Round.
My credo
I poop in the furnace.

4.0blue98

I don't feel tardy...
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
Joined
Jan 5, 2008
Messages
900
Reaction score
672
Points
93
Location
Frederick, Maryland
Vehicle Year
1998
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Engine Size
4.0 OHV
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Tire Size
Round
My credo
It was like that when I found it.

GriffinM6

New Member
ASE Certified Tech
Joined
Dec 22, 2019
Messages
28
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Age
25
Location
Chehalis, WA
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford Ranger STX
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches
Tire Size
235/75r15
Seems like a nice low end torque fun ride. Going to leave the motor alone and pick up a different 4.0 OHV to rebuild and replace. In the meantime I’ll be looking for a new 8.8 28 spline diff since daily driving is not fun and it’s the 3.08 ratio. The mazdaspeed 3 is a 2.3l 4cy direct injected boosted motor and with modifications made 300whp and 330wtq at 18lbs boost.
 

pjtoledo

Well-Known Member
Supporting Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 5, 2007
Messages
5,341
Reaction score
2,914
Points
113
Location
Toledo Ohio
Vehicle Year
20002005199
Make / Model
Fords
Engine Size
3.0 2.3
Seems like a nice low end torque fun ride. Going to leave the motor alone and pick up a different 4.0 OHV to rebuild and replace. In the meantime I’ll be looking for a new 8.8 28 spline diff since daily driving is not fun and it’s the 3.08 ratio. The mazdaspeed 3 is a 2.3l 4cy direct injected boosted motor and with modifications made 300whp and 330wtq at 18lbs boost.

now you've got our attention
 

GriffinM6

New Member
ASE Certified Tech
Joined
Dec 22, 2019
Messages
28
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Age
25
Location
Chehalis, WA
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford Ranger STX
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches
Tire Size
235/75r15
Fwd sadly but quite fun chasis
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,055
Reaction score
13,529
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!

GriffinM6

New Member
ASE Certified Tech
Joined
Dec 22, 2019
Messages
28
Reaction score
4
Points
3
Age
25
Location
Chehalis, WA
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford Ranger STX
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
2.9
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2 inches
Tire Size
235/75r15
I’m used to shit talking, hating on other peoples builds and blowing rods through cylinder blocks. Was not prepared for some of this weird shit lol preferred the hate though.
 

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