Buying a XLT

[outblast]

Im getting a very clean 1990 ranger XLT auto tranny next week for 1,500 buks. The truck has brand new engine (30,000mi), radiator, tires.

I plan on buying and installing the after market beefyer head for it and also installing headers on it.

My questions are how long do these engines last before the (OEM) heads crack on them. Also, i cant find headers that will fit with the auto tranny colum thats on this truck.

Is there any thing else i should concider doing to the truck? I plan on useing it mainly for wheeling, off road fun. Thanks!

Edit** Forgot to mention the truck must have some sort of lift kit on it because it sits really high off the ground. I have to kinda jump up it get in it. And also it a single cab not the extended cab version.

 

[gbadgley]

30K on the engine and a new radiator, save your money the heads should be just fine. Heat is what cracks the heads. Headers may need to be custom since the truck is old enough to vote. Greg

 

[outblast]

Ok, thanks Greg. I wont woory about the head right away then but i would like to dump some money into it. I plan on working on it on my weekends just for fun. Any ideas on what i should upgrade?

I test drove it today. When at a stop and turning the wheel as far as it goes causes the engine to die. The wheel was turned to the right both times that it happend. Any ideas on what that could be? Thanks!

 

[outblast]

46 views and no replies?

 

[IMenriched]

Possabably a bad ground cable??
plugged fuel filter??
AIC (air idle control valve)???
steering linkage/suspention maybe compromised in someway that when turned to the right it loads the engine (via the power steering pump), in a excessive manner?

It could be so many things, does it run normally?? more information really is needed.

 

[outblast]

Yes, it runs perfect as far as I can tell. I just turned it over when it died, started right up; both times. If I can remember right, it did kind of rev up a little then the engine cut off. This only happend when at a complete stop or rolling stop with my foot off the gas and the wheel cranked all the way to the right.

Hey about the hop up's. Got any suggestions? Yesterday I looked at the truck again I think it is a factory lift. Still pretty tall though, works for me. I really would like to get some headers for it. Ordered some world product heads on ebay last night, couldn't pass on that deal.

 

[Psychopete]

IMO, JBAs are the best headers (no slip-fits). Pacesetters work, get the coated if you want them to look good for years. Pacesetters don't fit right, mine needed modification because once installed they banged against the frame on the passenger side where the collector meets the cat. Also hit the threaded end of the radius arm. Not good. Took me about 7 hours to get it right.

I don't know if some OEM head cracking problems are preventable, though keeping everything cool will surely help. The World heads are definitely a lot better, I bought some aftermarket and were noticeably heavier than stock. Not had a problem w/ them.

As it sets, where you gain in one area, you loose in another. Like the Cosworth intake for instance, yes, you can get a couple more horsepower, but you'll loose torque. Torque is what makes a truck engine a truck engine. What will you use it for?

You might search within this forum, some info out there regarding "hopping up" this motor.

Pete