bucking and sputtering when driving but not when in neutral

[rangerboy1986]

Ill start off by saying its a 1986 ranger. 2.3L 4x4 5 speed. when this problem first started i thought it was the clutch slipping since it was the original clutch so i replaced the clutch, flywheel, and throw out bearing with brand new ones. That seemed to fix it for a little bit. within a few days it gradually started bucking and jumping when driving again.. I thought the clutch was slipping again but that cant be right since its all brand new with only 1000 miles..
What i dont get is when the truck is running and i push the clutch pedal in and rev it up it runs fine, even at super high RPMs.. But when im driving it bucks, spudders, acts like a misfire etc.. Its worse while driving at higher RPMs and when going up hills or on highways trying to keep up with traffic. I tried seafoam in the gas tank and in the brake booster hose but that did nothing for the bucking and spuddering..
Also, when i first start the truck and its still cold when i start driving it doesnt seem to do it as bad..but it gradually get worse within a few minutes.
I dont have a ton of money to throw at the truck so im here asking if anyone has ever had this issue or might have a solution to fixing it.?
Its driving me crazy because i have no idea whats wrong with it..

 

[tomw]

I would check the fuel pressure and delivery volume. Most parts stores will lend a gauge if you don't have one. Check pressure with and without the engine running, and with it running, remove the vacuum line from the regulator. Observe that the pressure should shoot up with the vacuum line removed. Check volume over time by using the valve on the gauge to catch fuel for a measured time and then do some math.
Two other things to check are 1)plug wires and 2)EGR valve. Check wires by observing in darkness, engine running, for arcing from the wires to other wires or the engine. Check EGR by disconnecting the vacuum line on the diaphragm and plugging with a golf tee. If the engine doesn't buck any more, you might have a sticky EGR. The EGR should not be applied at all with the engine idling, and if you manually open the EGR at idle, the engine should start to run roughly. If not, the EGR may not be working.
tom

 

[98singlecab]

the problem I had was the egr sensor. you might try unplugging your egr while it's running. orielly's will pull codes for you too. they pulled the codes on my 85.