2 questions?

[86ranger4x4owner]

I hae two questions.I have a 1988 ranger 4x4 with 2.9 v6.My first question is that the axle code says it has limited slip 4.10.SO how do you get the limited slip to work?does the tire have to spin a little bit before the other tire starts moving?and my second question is that it is only getting like 9 mpg and has only 31 mickey thompson baja claws.could these tires be my problem or do u think its a problem with the truck?please help thanks.

 

[Andres629]

My bet is your l/s needs a rebuild. They are just like a clutch in there, and will wear out over time.
As far as mpg's, check all of the following. i'm sure there's more, and I'm sure someone else will pick up what I forget.
-air filter
-replace fuel filter
-Check fuel pressure
-PCV valve
-Check your spark plugs, replace
-replace plug wires
-Check dist. cap & rotor
-Being an auto, I would also suspect your transmission. Check your fluid, and do a band adjustment on it. It isn't hard at all really.
-Check vacuum lines as well, could possibly be a vacuum leak

 

[Big Jim M]

Your 31's with the 4:10 is a really good ratio! Should give really great milage.

To test the limited slip put one tire in the muck and the other on the pavement. If you can spin both tires the limited slip is working fine..

Milage depends on USAGE! If you fill the tank and get on an interstate for the full tank.. that is where the milage shows itself.

However if you are driving to work and such as that the milage MAY BE as low as 10 or 12 Specially in the winter the milage will suffer from the cold weather. The shorter the drive the lower the milage.

Big JIm

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

Your 31's with the 4:10 is a really good ratio! Should give really great milage.

To test the limited slip put one tire in the muck and the other on the pavement. If you can spin both tires the limited slip is working fine..

Milage depends on USAGE! If you fill the tank and get on an interstate for the full tank.. that is where the milage shows itself.

However if you are driving to work and such as that the milage MAY BE as low as 10 or 12 Specially in the winter the milage will suffer from the cold weather. The shorter the drive the lower the milage.

Big JIm

i did my own little test to check for limited slip that i seen on youtube.I jacked the rear up and spun one tire with my hand and the other tire rotated the same direction if it was open the other tire would spin in opposite direction.

 

[86ranger4x4owner]

i also have another question.did the ranger come with a dana 35 or limited slip front axle?and if they did how could i check for limited slip up front?

 

[Big Jim M]

Well!

i also have another question.did the ranger come with a dana 35 or limited slip front axle?and if they did how could i check for limited slip up front?

I have seen full sized broncos that CAME with limited slip in the front end. I know for a fact that late model Wranglers come with real fancy front lockers. However I've not heard of a Ranger with factory front traction devices.

Any type of traction device is dangerous on slippery roads. Yeah they are helpful offroad, but for hiway use they have caused many wrecks. Up front is very unwise.. If you put one up there be very careful!

The only way I would use a front traction device would be if I had lock-outs and could keep one side UNLOCKED till I knew it was safe to lock it.

Big JIm

 

[Andres629]

While both tires may have spun, once torque is added tothem, the clutches may not have enough to transfer that energy like it should. If you're seeming to have issues with this, your clutches will need to be replaced.

As far as factory l/s up front, I do not think Ford ever did this from factory except on super rare, snowplow option Bronco II's.