1993 Ranger loss of power in 5th gear.

[Hyme]

I just bought a 93 ranger with a 4 cylinder. It was running good until one day I noticed it lost power in 5th gear. I was coming onto the highway and shifting through the lower gears. When I shifted into 5th, I pressed on the gas pedal and I couldn't pick it up past 45mph! It has not done it since, but I am concerned. I need to go on a long trip and I don't want to have any issues on the road. I changed the spark plugs and the wires. Some of the gaps on the old plugs were at 55 or even 60. I checked the air filter and it was brand new. They had normal wear, though. Nothing suspicious. Should I check other things like fuel pump, fuel filter, etc? The truck has 89,000 miles on it and it appears many of the parts are stock. By the way, the fuel gauge is not working. So, I might need to take out the tank anyways and check the pump. Thanks all!

 

[SykoRanger88]

does it feel like the clutch is slipping at all? could be needing a clutch soon.

 

[Earl43P]

We recommend removing the bed rather than dropping the tank.
Some simply unbolt it and slide it back and prop it up for access.

Sender assemblies are available from Rockauto.com (and elsewhere), complete with new fuel pump. That's the route I'd take. Good time for a new fuel filter too.

 

[Hyme]

Since I bought it, I have used the truck for about a week. I am currently fixing the brakes, so I cant drive it. Anyways, I did not notice clutch slipping. In fact, I was very impressed with the performance of it. It drove like a new truck!