2.3L ('83-'97) 1990 ranger 2.3 air box broken help

[John501]

I have a 1990 Ford Ranger 2.3 custom the top part of the air box is broken, and letting in dirt. I know the stock intake is basically cold air and I would like to keep it stock. But so far it has been impossible to find a new one or used one. I'll add pictures, what is everyone's thoughts, and does anyone know where I can get a replacement. So far the farm fix is completely ineffective.

 

[scotts90ranger]

There were a few different versions of that, is it a early '90 without MAF or a newer '90 with a MAF sensor? I think the MAF version might be easier to find but still stuck with junkyard parts... Conveniently I think they used that setup for several years and used the same air filter with all fuel injected engines of the era even on Explorers. The non MAF are harder to find since they were huge with an air muffler in the outlet, the 2.9L version is smaller and would take some modifications to the intake hose (I'm using a 2.9L non MAF lid on my turbo'd early '90)

 

[Dirtman]

 

[John501]

I

There were a few different versions of that, is it a early '90 without MAF or a newer '90 with a MAF sensor? I think the MAF version might be easier to find but still stuck with junkyard parts... Conveniently I think they used that setup for several years and used the same air filter with all fuel injected engines of the era even on Explorers. The non MAF are harder to find since they were huge with an air muffler in the outlet, the 2.9L version is smaller and would take some modifications to the intake hose (I'm using a 2.9L non MAF lid on my turbo'd early '90)

It has the MAF sensor right off the box.

 

[tomw]

I think I would look for a mechanical/rubber tension clamp that I could bolt onto the base and the lid. The kind of thing used on 18-wheelers to hold the hood closed. Or a couple bungee cords. I see there is missing material from the lid, which is allowing unfiltered air in. I would try to glue some plastic on that would block the leakage.
One alternative would be to get a complete 'box' from a boneyard from another vehicle. Using one from a different model, perhaps a different brand, doesn't bother me as long as I could connect to the intake tube.
tom

 

[Uncle Gump]

Even an aftermarket CAI would be better then a broken air cleaner box.

 

[John501]

Even an aftermarket CAI would be better then a broken air cleaner box.

How would I adapt the factory MAF sensor?

 

[Uncle Gump]

I'm sure if you buy one for your MY truck and engine size it will have all the provisions to do that. People do it all the time.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

So, this is absolutely a knock off of the real K&N, but I've owned both, and the knock off is slightly higher quality.

This will get you out of your bind.

 

[John501]

Any 2.3 or 3.0 air box lid from 90 to 94 will work. Can find them cheap at any pull a part.

I'll try that first if not I'll do a cold air intake.

 

[John501]

I'm sure if you buy one for your MY truck and engine size it will have all the provisions to do that. People do it all the time.

I've just had a hard time finding one that's not 300 dollars, and will have the needed equipment.

 

[Dirtman]

NEW OEM Ford E97Z-9600-B Air Cleaner Box 1989-1990 Ford Ranger 2.3L 4-CYLINDER | eBay

FORD part number E97Z-9600-B. All our parts are (NEW OTHER) unless otherwise specified. They may have been in storage anywhere from 1-30 years. Rubber parts, gaskets, hardware may need to be replaced and may not be useable.

www.ebay.com

I don't think that's a bad price for a new OEM part...

 

[scotts90ranger]

That's the non MAF version like mine had, he needs the '90-94 version. I forgot that version was 4 bolts too, not the two that the newer version was...

But I agree, not a bad price for the whole thing

 

[sheep herder]

$300 would be cheaper than a full engine rebuild.

 

[John501]

So I think I solved the problem a very cheap way. 1" c clamps. Seemed to compress the lid down, and they are on there good.