2.8 rebuild !!!!!!!

[gaz]

1989,

18% of 20 is 3.6 (mpg). Good luck dropping in a used 4.0L and getting that

Definitely contact Angie on those PARTS!!!

I only know a little about the 2.8l. There are 2 piston heights, the higher compression height is for the old Pinto engines.
• They should be worth 1 point of compression
• multi-angle valve job
• Milling the heads 0.035" will get you another point of compression .
• a complete bottom end balance will improve the overall efficientcy +10% (hp/tq).
• lose the crank shaft driven fan/clutch for an electronic fan
• custom reground cam (I would expect a solid +10hp, probably closer to 20)
• headers and free flow exhaust +10 solid (Svenn says more)

If you commit to rebuild, then pistons and rings are in. There were a ton of aftermarket headers for the old Ford v6's, so used SHOULDN'T break the bank; I remember Edlebrock had the TES (tubular exhaust system) in every old truck magazine.

A sourced, home build exhaust can be done very well for under $200, even in stainless. Fan kits are much easier to come by these days for <$100

**Summary**
Balanced bottom end (+10%), head mill (+4%), higher compression pistons(+4%), custom cam (+15hp), headers and exhaust (+15hp)...and losing that fan frees up a serious LOAD add an engine oil cooler. Your power, torque and fuel economy will see the approximate 18% efficientcy improvement plus, on paper anyway the 30+hp/tq bump.

With any rebuild, I can't help but suggest a new timing set, oil pump and water pump.

 

[bobbywalter]

This thread was from back in 57....

 

[bobbywalter]

1957

 

[gaz]

Bobby,

My bust, I usually check the start date...DOUGHT

Can't even find decent thread jumpers these days.

 

[bobbywalter]

Leave it....it's an awesome post and will help on search.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Leave it....it's an awesome post and will help on search.

No one uses that shit

BTW whats the biggest tire size i can fit on a stock 3rd gen 2wd?

 

[4x4prepper]

I had a 1997 Ranger with a 4.0L, 5 speed manual, 4x4, P235/75R15 tires, 3.27 gears, and got 21+ MPG on combined driving. Which was far better then the service manager's dog 3.0L/AT, not to mention much faster. I use to get 18-21 MPG in my 1995 Aerostar 4.0L AWD. SO, you can expect about 18-21 MPG with the 4.0L. My current 2.8L carb gets about 15 MPG, less then that when towing, BUT, I barely drive it 1,000 miles a year and some of that is warm up time.

 

[gaz]

4x4prepper,

I'm not saying that a well thought out fresh build or well maintained, beloved family truck's Ford 60°v6, 4.0L ohv can't get 30mpg in a Ranger or BII, just not to expect that type of performance from the average 22+ year old junkyard pull...as is turn the key today. As the 50 year old thread suggests for the $400 or less 4.0L swap.