Hello from VA

[cbarnes0061]

New here. I have a 96 2wd ranger with a 4 banger and a 5 speed. Beat all to hell but its a great little truck. Getting ready to do some work on the motor. Work will include new timing belt (245,000 miles on it and not sure it has ever been done), new water pump, valve cover gasket to fix the oil leak, gonna pull the intake off and clean it all up and port match everything, as well as modifying the intake tube to get a little better airflow into the engine. Other than that the only thing I have done to the truck is to do the coil pack mod to make both plugs in each cylinder fire at the same time.
Any other cheap and easy mods that anyone could recommend while I got it tore down.

 

[XLTsplash]

Welcome, You should read the posts about the coil mod here http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136689
I also wouldn't fall for the throttle cable mod. If your throttle opens all of the way with the gas pedal pressed to the floor [ every late model Ford with a throttle cable that I have checked had full throttle with out any mod ] The only thing you will change with the throttle cable mod is the feel of your throttle.

 

[swifttony]

Welcome fellow newbie!

 

[cbarnes0061]

Welcome, You should read the posts about the coil mod here http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136689
I also wouldn't fall for the throttle cable mod. If your throttle opens all of the way with the gas pedal pressed to the floor [ every late model Ford with a throttle cable that I have checked had full throttle with out any mod ] The only thing you will change with the throttle cable mod is the feel of your throttle.

Thanks bud. Read through that thread. WOW never realized there was so much negativity towards that mod. I did it two years ago when I got the truck and I felt it ran a bit smoother but never really noticed anything other than that. May swap it back to see if I feel any difference going back. Do plan to put a new set of plugs in it as well while I have it torn down as the drivers side plugs should be pretty easy to get to while the intake manifold is off. Funny how as small as this engine is it was still easier to get to things on my 89 mustang with a 5.0 in. Damn I miss that car, low 12 sec street car. couldn't beat the fun factor.