I have an auxiliary shaft question for the 2.3 gurus

[Softwireman78]

I've been searching online for a new auxiliary shaft for the 74 Pinto motor in my Ranger. It was rebuilt around 2000 or so by someone else, and I don't think it was replaced by the sounds of it from the knocking it has. I have 3 parts motors one of unknown origin, one out of a mid 80's Mustang, a one in an '83 Ranger that overheated. I'd obviously replace the sealed bearings and seal. Seems to me anyone of the 3 would be a direct swap. Would someone please verify my assumptions? Unless anyone has a source for a new a shaft this is my best option. Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

[Mikel89us]

Are you using the mechanical fuel pump? If so you have to make sure it has the love on it. All aux shafts will fit in all years. Make sure to replace the bearings, they are more likely to fail than the shaft itself. If there is a problem with the gears, replace the bearings for sure, I went through 3 different distributor gears before I figured out that the bearings were causing an alignment issues.

 

[Mikel89us]

http://store.esslingeracing.com/Cart/Mobile/2_3_billet_intermediate_shaft-details.aspx

There is always this option, but if you buy a billet shaft you need the bronze gear, and without turning 8k rpm all the time you won't need this. Also never put a high volume oil pump in. The stock pump is all you will ever need. High volume just puts more stress on the gears.

 

[Softwireman78]

It is the mechanical fuel pump. If I seen the love I didn't know what it was I was looking at when I swapped the fuel pump with the Mustang donor parts motor. That Eslinger is on the HIGH side, I was thinking more in buck fifty range regardless of manufacturer.

 

[Mikel89us]

I don't know if anyone makes a stock style one anymore.

 

[joenorthcarolina]

I would go for a electric fuel pump. I think the mechanical pump puts more strain on the shaft but I'm not certain. I just know I try to keep mine as happy as possible.
I also suggest not running oil thicker than 15w-40 and let the engine warm up so it thins out. Good distributor bearings always help....that is if your running a Distributor.

 

[Softwireman78]

Removing the mechanical pump would only relieve a minute load which would help nonetheless. The two mechanical fuel pumps I messed with although dry, were really free moving. Had a brandy new Holley Blue electric fuel pump and reg, but sold it less than a month ago. Running Mobil 5000 10w-40, also running a distributor. I haven't crossed a new stock style aux shaft from any of my searches. I think I'll just order the Sealed Power bearings, seal, and swap the shaft with the one of the other old newer ones if necessary.

 

[Kenneth S]

Up to 1994 the auxiliary shafts should all be the same, some of the mid-late 80's on to 1994 may not have the lobe for a mechanical fuel pump. In 1995 the moved the oil pump up into the block so they don't have the same aux shaft as the pre 95 engines do. On my carbed 86 Ranger I run this fuel pump http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mrg-12s/overview/

 

[Mikel89us]

I run 20-50 oil in both my 2.5 and 2.3. I have no issues.

 

[Bryan22]

Just had to buy one of these for my 94 ranger as the gear got stripped and I lost oil pressure. The essligner has the lobe for the fuel pump on it. If you're looking for something cheaper, the only other option is a junk yard, which i would discourage. Using new gears that are meant to be together will save major headaches in the future. Just bite the bullet and spend the 300 on esslinger's parts and be done with it.