2008 FX4 Upgrade Help

[thedirt]

I have a 2008 Ford Ranger FX4 with the 4.0L and was just wondering what kinds of upgrades would be beneficial for getting some more power and maybe even some more fuel economy. The truck is still 100% stock with less than 20000 km (12 500 miles).

Things I am intrested in are:
1. Air filter (K&N, AEM, AFE Power, etc): is it worth it, which company gives best power for the dollar?
2. Exhaust kit (magnaflow, gibsons): again is it worth it?
3.Programmer/chip (superchips, diablo, bullydog): specifically which model from the company
4. Will better spark plugs do much besides make the truck run better?

Thanks for any help and please let me know about your experience with the equipment.

PS. if there is a thread with this type of info, please direct me to it so its not all repeated.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

welcome to TRS.
well maybe checking the 4.0 section could give u an idea, and the exhaust section.

give it a while and someone with experience on 4.0 engines will give u some tips.

 

[06RangerXLT]

i run nkg plugs and they help mpg, my tonneau cover helps alot. i have 30" tires with 3.55 gears which lower rpms, i keep my tires at 40 psi and a superchips programer will help the most. fram air filters work fantastic. exhaust is pointless btw.

 

[-Nathan-]

^how is exhaust pointless? A set of headers and a free flowing exhaust will do a lot more than say an air filter.

 

[06RangerXLT]

^how is exhaust pointless? A set of headers and a free flowing exhaust will do a lot more than say an air filter.

if you have the money, go for it. but if you dont i wouldnt bother with it.

 

[adsm08]

Exhaust is tricky. It's an all or nothing deal, you can get lots of benefit from it. You can also put lots of money into it.

Stay away from "Cold air intake" systems and reusable filters. The Ranger comes from the factory with a true cold air system. There is a "ram scoop" for lack of a better term, that run in from either the grille, or the wheel well (depending on year) and pulls real cold air from outside the engine bay. Most "CAI" systems from K&N or Magnaflow only sell a filter an tube that suck up hot engine bay air. For it to be a real CAI you have to buy the $300 insulator box.

As for reusable filters, they are a crap-shoot. Some guys run them for a long time with no issues, some guys get 10 miles down the road before the engine light is on because the MAF is contaminated with filter oil. They also have bigger holes to "improve air flow". What they really do is improve dirt flow.

Fram or Motorcraft for air filters. NEVER use a Fram oil filter. They are made from surplus computer paper from the 80's. You know that stuff with the perforated and holed edges. A Motorcraft filter has a 900% superior filter medium and there is less than a dollar difference in the price.