4.0L 1992 ranger help!

[Fookie Bookie]

I had my grandfather pass down a 92 4.0 and im into making it go vroom. But have no idea where to start. Any one with suggestions? I'm no mechanic so i need all the info i can get. Like what should i clean out first because it wasnt drove a whole lot. Got it with 73,000 miles on it (100,583 now)
Thanks from the noobie here!

 

[RonD]

Outside of the regular oil change and air filter change I would change the spark plug wires if they are original, and spark plugs, use motorcraft spark plugs, the rangers eat other brands.

Also Coolant needs to be changed every 2 years regardless of miles driven, the anti-corrosive chemicals breakdown over time not miles so best to drain-flush and add new coolant every 2 years.

The 4.0ls are not great on gas mileage, but I would test what MPG you are getting now and then go from there as to what sensors might need "cleaning" to improve it.

A new fuel filter is $10 and a good thing to change every now and then, especially if a car/truck has been sitting.

Seaform fuel/injector treatment is good to run once a year in the tank, if you use name brand gas it usually has the same additive but some don't, have a look next time you fill up.

Check vacuum lines for signs of hardening and cracking, just feel them, they should be soft and "rubbery", replace any that are getting hard, usually at the ends near the engine where they get hot.

 

[bigtruck94]

Change the oil and the oil filter, replace the air filter, replace the spark plugs, Change transfer case fluid, run some new fresh fluid into the slave cylinder (if it's a stick), change your coolant fluid, and clean up your idle air valve control. It helped me out a lot and made the truck run a lot better.

 

[hank857]

well from the looks of it you have added about 25000 miles to it already. Other than doing all the fluids as noted above you need to tell what you really want. I have 94 with the 4.0, have added a cold air intake (used to drive 150 RT daily), a free flow exhaust from the Y back with magnaflow muffler and it helped with some performance. I have also had the injectors cleaned and I finally replaced them last summer. I have never replaced any O2 sensors nor had any issues. Only thing I have changed is the water temp sender. You can run a little cooler Tstat and it will cause the computer to run more fuel to heat the engine but really its not needed. Take the intake off and clean it out real good external can flushes dont do a lot. I also run 265-75-15 tires vs the stock 14's, trans and clutch rebuilt also. Upgrades include all electric doors, mirrors from an 97 seats from an 01 explorer counsel from eddie bauer explorer (90 something late). So yes the truck can be fixed nicely via wrecking yards. BTW it now has over 300000 on it and I pulled the heads thinking I had a bad HG (not), so had the timing chain and gear R&R'd along with water pump at same time. They are good little trucks but keep up on maintenance if you want to keep it.

 

[snake]

Only way to get real power is by adding a turbo or blower, if that is your question. I think they sell blower kits for the SOHC 4.slow but not sure about your pushrod engine.

 

[Fookie Bookie]

Okay cool thanks for everyones input. Its been awhile since ive checked the post but from what i read i can tell you all that I do change all my fluid regularly and i have a K&N drop in filter. My father actually gutted the cats but i dont think i really enjoy it. Also i have a exhaust leak so i plan on putting all new cats and a gibson exhaust system in it. I also have not cleaned my IAC Valve and ive been having some weird engine RPM stuttering during idle in park but worse in drive. could cleaning or replacing the IAC motor help fix this?
Thanks again everyone!

 

[Fookie Bookie]

 

[Fookie Bookie]

Also it's an automatic