No power chugs and shimmies

[Hardcowboy1]

86 ranger 4x4 has no power doesn't stall but go to drive it shimmies bad and has problems going up hill . Tranny makes wierd noise not a grinding sound like vacuum maybe not sure never heard it before .can I get some ideas as to what it could be I'm about to drop the tranny to find out what I can thanks

 

[adsm08]

Take the oxygen sensor out and see if it runs any better.

Also, check timing, fuel pressure, and spark plugs/wires for issues.

 

[Hardcowboy1]

Take the oxygen sensor out and see if it runs any better.

Also, check timing, fuel pressure, and spark plugs/wires for issues.

It's got new plugs and wires and cap and rotor the timing I've done but I haven't checked the fuel pressure it does have a new pickup in the tank also and I can hear the in line working but that don't mean much thanks

 

[adsm08]

There are other things that can cause low pressure, best to check it.

I am leaning towards a plugged cat though.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I

It's got new plugs and wires and cap and rotor the timing I've done but I haven't checked the fuel pressure it does have a new pickup in the tank also and I can hear the in line working but that don't mean much thanks

If you cant hear the inline, frame mounted pump then yes that means alot.

Check fuel pressure (40psi)
Check compression.
Check vaccuum.

Report back

 

[Dirtman]

Vacuum gauges are the most underrated tool in automotive history...

 

[Nez'sRanger]

Loss of power going uphill is a good indication that the fuel filter needs changed... It seems like you may have a few other issues here, but I'm all for solving the simple ones first.

 

[Hardcowboy1]

Well now I don't know checked fuel pressure it's about 38 it holds till you start it then it drops down considribly real quick and also I think the vacuum line coming from the tranny is sucking fluid up into the airdam and fouling things up don't understand that and also had it running yesterday put tranny fluid in it was low well when I did the idle would go down then back up to normal then back down till it eventually dies any help would be great thank you

 

[Hardcowboy1]

One more question I found a newer Ford ranger with a 3.0 will the go in mine it's a 2000 something not sure at the moment the guy only wants 200 for what's left of the truck I believe he said it had the tranny in it also .can I drop that in mine with out to much problem

 

[rusty ol ranger]

One more question I found a newer Ford ranger with a 3.0 will the go in mine it's a 2000 something not sure at the moment the guy only wants 200 for what's left of the truck I believe he said it had the tranny in it also .can I drop that in mine with out to much problem

Can it be done? Yes.

Is it worth it? No.

The 2.9 has more giddyup and everything, wireing, trans, all of it has to be changed.

Youre better off getting your 2.9 going.

The only thing i can think of is its sucking ATF thru the vaccuum hose thats hooked to the modulator valve on the trans.

Pull that vaccuum hose off when its idleing shitty, plug off the engine vacuum port, and see if it smooths out.

 

[Dirtman]

I honestly cannot think of a scenario were swapping to a 3.0 would ever be a good idea... I would rather have literally any other engine ever put into a ranger. If youre desperate then sure, but you better have the complete truck to do the swap because like rusty said you will need every bit of wiring, ecm, transmission, lines, hoses etc etc etc. The 2.9 and 3.0 are completely different animals.

 

[Nez'sRanger]

PLUS!!! The 3.0 doesn't make enough noise!! Our 2.9's roar, scream, rattle, shout, and clank! You can hear them coming from a mile away! Haha!
But seriously though, my job has a few 3.0's in their fleet, all from the late 90's- early 2000's, and they seem prone to their own set of problems that are hard to chase. One of them is plagued by the "lean on both banks" code. I guess that's all old motors though... pick your poison, right?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Plus the 2.9 has soul, heart, and grit. Unlike that taurus engine turned sideways, grocery getting, danny tanner mobile wannabe.

I really dislike the 3.0.

I think what you got going on here is something realitivly minor and not worth an entire engine swap

 

[dirtymike]

follow that vacuum line to the transmission.(Automatic). It will connect to a modulator valve. If you pull the vacuum line off and trans fluid comes out its shot, replace it. Its sucking trans fluid to the plenum. Check your oil level if its real high half of it is trans fluid.