1994 Ranger xlt 4x4 4.0L V6 Performance Upgrades and Maintenance

[waugh12]

Where should I start? I want two main things... more power, and more clearance (surprised?). Right now everything on the truck is stock and has been well maintained throughout the life of the truck. I am a Forestry student that would like to be use my truck on the highway and off road with out any worries, and I have a limited budget. I am basically looking for a check list of what I should be doing so I can transform my stock ranger into a lean mean machine... basically i want my truck to become a TRUCK.

 

[gribly]

You want a good lift for more clearance, James Duff and Skyjacker seem to be the most durable. As far as upgrading your 4.0, I wouldn't really bother. It's got some awesome low-end torque anyways. You won't find bolt on performance for it very easily, if you're honestly serious about power, go 5.0 swap or do a complete rebuild of your 4.0.

It is NOT a Vulcan, that's the 3.0. You have a Cologne, named after the town the engine design was originally made in, in Germay.

 

[LHP]

If you are on a tight budget I would put the money into a lift and tires. The 4.0L has more than enough power. Tires will eat up a budget FAST!

 

[dasfinc]

Where should I start? I want two main things... more power, and more clearance (surprised?). Right now everything on the truck is stock and has been well maintained throughout the life of the truck. I am a Forestry student that would like to be use my truck on the highway and off road with out any worries, and I have a limited budget. I am basically looking for a check list of what I should be doing so I can transform my stock ranger into a lean mean machine... basically i want my truck to become a TRUCK.

If you are on a super budget and are looking for a lift for over-all body clearance, you can do a body lift for Pennies, or around $130 for most kits I'm seeing. (3 inch usually)

I'd hit up Craigslist for tires/rim, a word to the wise, Jeep rims/tires typically match bolt patterns to the ranger.

As mentioned, don't waste money on performance, Just tune it up and call it a day, should be fine.

I'd recommend investing money in ensuring that the suspension is in good shape (Balljoints/endlinks/axles/ujoints/etc)

 

[adsm08]

Yeah, focus on your suspension/lift. The colognes were pretty well maxed from the factory and make a lot more low end power than the really should. Just like the 4.0 is the performance upgrade to the 2.9, the 5.0 is the upgrade for the 4.0.

If you get your lift and tires on and it's a gutless wonder, re-gear it to get your performance back.

 

[MountainMike]

I just did a bunch of stuff on my '93 along the same lines as what you are thinking. The truck had a body lift but I did a shackle and washer lift on the cheap too. Check out my thread for some inspiration.

 

[4.0B2]

Coil spacers and add a leafs are cheap and you don't have the look of a body lift. I know James duff or skyjacker are a lot more expensive then let's say rough country. But I still regret buying the RC one sometimes, now don't get me wrong it's been a good kit. It's done what I need it to do except I know need a different bracket for my axle swap. You won't have to worry with that part. But man how I want that James duff kit!!!

 

[waugh12]

I just did a bunch of stuff on my '93 along the same lines as what you are thinking. The truck had a body lift but I did a shackle and washer lift on the cheap too. Check out my thread for some inspiration.

Thank you very much! Your truck looks awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to post up some pictures and help out people like me. I'll be sure to put up some pictures and info on my progress with my '94.

 

[waugh12]

Thanks to everyone on here who has helped out on this thread. This is my first time using one, and I f'n love it! My truck thanks all of you.

 

[feellnfroggy]

supersixmotorsports.com and JamesDuff.com

 

[gribly]

Yeah, focus on your suspension/lift. The colognes were pretty well maxed from the factory and make a lot more low end power than the really should. Just like the 4.0 is the performance upgrade to the 2.9, the 5.0 is the upgrade for the 4.0.

If you get your lift and tires on and it's a gutless wonder, re-gear it to get your performance back.

I completely disagree about the 4.0. You can make some really, really nasty torque from a built 4.0. Stock for stock, a 4.0 is a better motor for a truck than a 5.0, since it has more low-end torque. You can bore and stroke it, mild cam, port the intake, up the compression, ect. But, this isn't bolt on performance, it's a complete engine rebuild. Hell, we have members with turbos, twin turbos, sequential turbos, and superchargers on here.