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What is the weirdest engine you've seen in a ranger?


Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
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I doubt that.... Have you ever driven a 3.0? It's ok that the 3.0 got replaced by a 4 cyl too because it has more power than the 3.0 and the 2.9. They still ran that 3.0 for 17 years in production and why would they do that if it was no good? I say go find someone with a 3.0 and race them and see how your old tired 2.9 does against a 3.0. The only benefit the 2.9 has is its rpm's. The 3.0 is best at 3500-4500 rpms. Mine doesn't like taking off but once it gets above 20 mph it gets hauling ass. That's with bigger tires too so if I put on some little 14's I bet it would take off like a 100 mile an hour dragster!
This debate almost has me wanting to put my 3.No back in the game and see what its capable of. I do know it would rather pull a load than ride around with an empty bed. and that Ranger 3.0 hauled a trailer better than my Sport Trac 4.0
 


bobbywalter

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sawzall?
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it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
the 3.0 delusion is strong in here......


if you approached that pinto with a 3.0......it would kick the balls right off of you....
 

bobbywalter

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sawzall?
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it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
and i like 3.0's....
 

bobbywalter

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sawzall?
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it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
i drive a 6.2 for shits sake....
 

91stranger

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3.0 will still win. Until it gets beat and I see it with my own eyes I won't believe anything else. I know what my truck is capable of and I remember riding in my friends 2.9. It had a 3 speed and it was a turd after 50 mph. Yes i'll agree that the 3.0 does seem to drive better with a trailer than without for some reason. Maybe because the weight keeps the engine in the higher rpms. I'm sure theres 2 members on here that live close enough to race and settle the discussion.
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
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177 CID
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A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
3.0 will still win. Until it gets beat and I see it with my own eyes I won't believe anything else. I know what my truck is capable of and I remember riding in my friends 2.9. It had a 3 speed and it was a turd after 50 mph. Yes i'll agree that the 3.0 does seem to drive better with a trailer than without for some reason. Maybe because the weight keeps the engine in the higher rpms. I'm sure theres 2 members on here that live close enough to race and settle the discussion.
No 2.9 ever came with a 3 speed...

That was probably a 2.8.

A 2.9 is a totally different ball game my man.

Ive driven plenty of 3.0s, on a 50-80 run, yeah, id give it to the 3.0.

But up thru 3rd gear, a 2.9 is damn hard to beat.

Oh and btw...my 2.9 isnt tired. Now that i got it running good it runs as hard if not slightly harder then rusty #1 did.

Im tellin ya...come ride in my 2.9 someday, hell ill even race ya, i will PROMISE ill stomp a mudhole in ya untill we get up to around 45-50, and then you wont have enough to get past before the 1/4 is up.
 

Grumpaw

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I don't count birthday's anymore...just happy to be looking down at the ground instead of looking up
Ya all don't pick on Rusty...
He would probably win...
Remember, rust weighs a lot less than sheet metal, and holes weigh nothing...
His rig probably weighs ALOT less.
Less weight=more speed.
;missingteeth;
Grumpaw
 

bobbywalter

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BIGGER
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Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
Ya all don't pick on Rusty...
He would probably win...
Remember, rust weighs a lot less than sheet metal, and holes weigh nothing...
His rig probably weighs ALOT less.
Less weight=more speed.
;missingteeth;
Grumpaw
actually rust can weigh more......untill its holes anyway.
 

8thTon

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My world is filled with stuff that needs to be fixed

bobbywalter

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V8
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2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
a thundering herd of pintos! woo hoo!
 

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Event Staff
V8 Engine Swap
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Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
kubota skytrac engine is a strange one....



for topics sake.
 

Dirtman

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It's up there.
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It's down there.
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Round.
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I poop in the furnace.
Could shove a rotary engine in it... they were popular for that one week back in 1998...
 

Ranger850

Doesn't get Sarcasm . . .
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Engine Size
Born with a 3.0, looking for a donor V8
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Lift
Stock 2"
Tire Size
Stock
My credo
Doing things wrong, until I get it right.
Last edited:

4.0blue98

I don't feel tardy...
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4.0 OHV
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Round
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It was like that when I found it.
I like the flat head idea. I know where I can get a Merc version. Think it was a '46.
 

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