help planning my ranger please. low power bad mpg.

[mineman_bruce]

Hey guys, new here. Have a 94 5spd 4.0 4x4 with a small lift. Plan on using the truck as a daily driver,campong and light to medium wheeling rig no crazy rock crawling rig for the most part after I get out of the military next year. I plan on a d44 and probably 35's. Something capable but drivable. But the biggest issue is the 7 mpg and having to stay floored to do 60. Checked everything I read about no codes. Took it to a shop they can't find anything. So maybe the trick doesn't have 141k and maybe more. Truck is on 32x11.5 with the 3.73 gears. Just passed smog with flying colors last week. Wtf.

Do I swap in a 302 or rebuild the 4.0? On the plus side 302 swap give stronger parts but can the 4.0 tranny and transfer case hold up to wheeling? Upgrades? So lost.

 

[mineman_bruce]

I should add I don't expect 20 mog I would be happy with 15-16 highway

 

[martin]

Lack of power is not a usual complaint with the 4.0, being thirsty is, but seven is rediculous, even on high mileage ones. The only things that come to mind are partially clogged cats or a t/case stuck in low range.

 

[Mark_88]

I can only add air pressure (tire), tire size, rim type, and air filter. Possiblly excessive weight in the truck...how much stuff do you have in the bed/cab at any given point?

 

[mineman_bruce]

Thanks for the quick reply guys! Tires are 32x11.5 with 3.73 gears. Cat seems to be good. New filter. New temp sensors. New thermostat. Shop called last night and said that they can't find anything and its stalled twice on me. One was a total cut out while driving. Waited about 15 minutes fired right up. 2nd time it was after I shut if off to check my tires pressures. 35 all around. Wouldn't start. Waited about 15 minutes. Ran fine all weekend and ran fine for the shop. He told me it normal to get this mpg AMD expect it to not be a race car. I get that. I've owned plenty of trucks. But none had to be floored in 4th or 5th to maintain highway speeds. Or accelerate so sluggish after 35mph. The most frustrating part is lack of codes..

The bed is always empty besides a canopy I'm trying to give away. I use it to go from base to the barracks and to get food and go to the beach. Also cleaned the maf.

 

[black_demon69]

One was a total cut out while driving. Waited about 15 minutes fired right up. 2nd time it was after I shut if off to check my tires pressures. 35 all around. Wouldn't start. Waited about 15 minutes. Ran fine all weekend and ran fine for the shop.

carry a fuel pressure gauge check fuel pressure next time it happens. then check again once it starts.. low fuel pressure could explain low fuel economy and lack of power..

 

[97RangerXLT]

Check the fuel pressure regulator. pull the vacuum hose off and if you smell gasoline, replace it.

I am surprised it is not throwing a code tho...

AJ

 

[mineman_bruce]

Aj which vacuum hose?

 

[mineman_bruce]

I should mention. The previous owner told me he replaced the fuel pump as well when I bought a2 weeks ago. I've noticed to if I floor it in first gear it hesitates for a split hair second before taking off. This is incredibly frustrating. The cel lamp turns on with all the other lights as soon as I key on so I know its not burnt put. I even bought an obd1 code scanner. I really can't figure it out.

 

[Coolguy21]

Try checking the transfer case and see if its stuck in 4 low

 

[Coolguy21]

When you start the truck is the 4x4 light or low range light on.

 

[mineman_bruce]

I know for a fact it isn't. I'd be running pretty high rpms and have a useable acceleration I'd think. I don't think it would have passed smog in california either if it was something serious.

 

[Coolguy21]

The shift motor may be stuck in 4hi or low

 

[Coolguy21]

Do you have electric shift or manual shift 4wd

 

[mineman_bruce]

Electric unfortunately