Hello everyone

[Bairone]

I am new to this forum and really excited to be a part of it. I just recently ran across this site due to just purchasing a 1988 ford ranger Super Cab XLT , with a 2.9L engine , automatic transmission.
I have to say I have admired these kinds of trucks since I was about 7 and my Dad bought his first ranger in 83 and then bought a used one for my brother in 84. He drove that ranger for 11 years till the motor blew in it. Then he got a 94 ranger and in two years he traded it in and got a F-150 .
So when I got the chance to pick this truck up I jumped at the opportunity . I should have looked a little closer . Now I am working through the problems as I figure them out.
When I bought it the gas gauge was broken. 2nd it started cutting off while I was driving and wouldn't start back up till it cooled down. 3rd is has developed a transmission leak where it uses two quarts of transmission fluid a month . 4th is when it sits over night or while I am at work it smokes at start up but then goes away after just a few minutes of being cranked. 5th it has a hard shift when changing gears. Last of my ongoing problems is that the speedometer has decided to quit working as well. So that is where I am at the present day.
Things i have fixed or replaced so far is the following. 1 st new spark plugs .2nd New brake pads on the front . 3rd flushed the radiator . 4th I cut a gap in the exhaust because I thought the cat was plugged up. 4th oil change . And that is it so far. I also think I have solved the smoking thing and the transmission problem in one fell swoop I think the transmission modulators has gone bad letting transmission fluid flow up to the engine a burning off causing the smoke on start up.
Any help or ideas what could cause these problems are greatly appreciated. I am learning and trying to teach my two boys the correct way to take care of a vehicle is with proper up keep. It will last a long time and that it is cheaper to do what you can before taking it to a mechanic.


Thank you for your help and resource on this forum.
new member Bairone.

 

[Bairone]

Well Here is an update on my little danger Ranger that I own . I have since posted my introduction . I have added Flowmaster Exhaust with a single cat, a transmission module , oil change , Complete tune up fixed the speedo cable and replaced the fuel sending unit. so I have worked out most of the problems that I have had . next is to add zip ties to the throttle cable and to the transmission kick down cable to take the slack out of them.

Now that I have replaced the exhaust I have a ticking noise on start up and when I get on the gas hard . I have read it could be air bubbles from to much oil which I have about a 1/2 a quart to much. if any one has any other suggestions I am all ears to find out what the problem could be. I have read on hear that it could be the push rods flatting out with a mushroom head or it could be oil blockage from the sending unit.

If any one has this problem, how hard is it to change out the push rods , lifters and rocker arms? and should I just do a top end rebuild?

I have also so toyed with the Idea of switching the stock throttle body to a Mustang 5.0 throttle body how hard would that be and can a beginner like me do it?