Just got a Ranger 4x4, need some ideas and help!

[4.0B2]

Yea rust n noises first. Then a budget lift, think it explains it in the tech library, tires rims, brush guard, light bar, positrac, lights, whinch bumper n winch lol. There's a lot you can do. But address the noises rust and drivablity of it first

 

[-Nathan-]

To answer some of your questions:

1) that grinding noise is your throwout bearing, in order for it to be replaced the tranny has to be removed. If you do not replace it, it may disintegrate at some point and take out your clutch with it.

2) your sending unit in your gas tank is shot. Needs to be pulled and changed.

3) looks like your tires are ground hawgs, and probably a bias ply, hence the reason they wont balance properly. Either get new tires, or try balancing them (bead balancing may help those)

4) it wont hurt to change the fuel filter and do other maintenance, but you probably arent going to get any more power out of that little 4-banger. Its a 2.3 L engine, you wont go much faster than 50. If you regeared the axles, it would help out, but if youre going to go through that trouble, than youre better off just swapping out for better axles. The 7.5 and Dana 28 in your truck are notoriously weak, although with that anemic engine, you probably wont have much breakage.

 

[04sd]

With the fuel gauge, keep in mind that this truck originally had a carb'd motor and low pressure fuel system. Who knows what they did when converting to a high pressure system, including changing the float/pump assembly in the tank with ????
For the amount of miles you drive I'd look for another set of wheels and get some mild AT tires. Keep the luggers for off-road.

If that rust is the floor pans, I bought both sides for my '84 earlier this year from Rockauto, $84 on my door step.

 

[Mike Tonon]

I think you were the person asking a lot of questions about what type of Ranger will get you good gas mileage before right?

I would take the grille guard off and put a bumper with a valance on, that might help a little. The idea is to lighten up the truck and make it more aerodynamic. It might even help a little to convert the power steering to manual steering. This truck with the engine it has doesn't have all that much weight on the front end and it would probably suit you just fine and it looks like its leaking anyways. The more you do, the more power and mpg's you will have. Also change the fuel filter and air filter (at least check the air filter). Give the engine a tune-up/ locking over.

things to consider:

synthetic fluids
smaller tires and or less agressive tread
electric cooling fan
cold air intake
port and polish
cat-back exhaust

The 2.3L isn't a bad engine, not a lot of power, but not the least powerful engine put in the Ranger from the factory either. If I wanted an older Ranger and wanted performance and high mpg's combined, this is basically the truck I would have bought. good luck

 

[Superman]

Yes, I was. I am kinda looking for getting good mpg and making the truck look a little better (lift but not to much so I can keep good mpg),etc.

Well I have put in 9 gallons(+/-) in it and went 150 miles on that...I guessed my mpg were 18ish.

I like to keep the grille guard on it and put a winch....deer you know will be a problem (especially in my area).



So yall don't think a regular fuel sending unit for this truck will work? On the AdvanceAuto Parts site it shows this truck with a 2.3 Fuel Injected engine.

Looks like there is also beads on the rims already...




I know that some things can be done to engines to get them to gain more HP and MPGs such as headers, free flowing exhaust,etc.

I'm thinking about putting some headers on it and an exhaust system and get rid of the catalaytic converter (we don't need em here in GA).

 

[04sd]

On the AdvanceAuto Parts site it shows this truck with a 2.3 Fuel Injected engine.

You said it was a V6 originally? In '85 that would be a carb'd 2.8. The other engine for '85 was the 2.3 with fuel injection.

 

[Superman]

You said it was a V6 originally? In '85 that would be a carb'd 2.8. The other engine for '85 was the 2.3 with fuel injection.

That's correct. 2.8 (V6) came with this Ranger but it now has a 2.3 FI.

 

[-Nathan-]

There's a problem with you logic. You want to add a winch and a small lift yet improve gas mileage...its like mixing water with oil. As stated in your previous thread, its usually one or the other. You CANNOT expect to lift it and add weight and get better mileage than you are now. Also I was referring to balancing beads that go INSIDE the tire, not rim weights. Just trying to show you the way...

 

[Superman]

There's a problem with you logic. You want to add a winch and a small lift yet improve gas mileage...its like mixing water with oil. As stated in your previous thread, its usually one or the other. You CANNOT expect to lift it and add weight and get better mileage than you are now. Also I was referring to balancing beads that go INSIDE the tire, not rim weights. Just trying to show you the way...

Lol.I know Nate.

I just can't get over the fact that this 2.3L (4 cylinder) doesn't get good mpg (25+). I mean a 300 I6 gets 18 mpg or so...like WTF? It's a bigger engine and people saying a 4 banger gets the same?

I pulled up what Jim wrote down about the gas mileage review he found and it says it should get 27mpg highway....but I don't know.

I mean if I could get 30mpg on the highway (55-60mph) and put a little lift on it with a winch and drop to 25 mpg with it...I will be satisfied. Will it happen? I have no clue.

I don't want huge tires...I don't even know what size is already on it...maybe 30s?

A Ranger doesn't weigh nothing anyways. I mean, you can hit a pothole and basically flip.

I am wondering if I can add headers, better air filter, straight free flowing exhaust that this will gain me 5 mpg?


Yeah, I heard of beads inside of the tire.........I rather have narrow tires anyways....

 

[xkotyx]

Lol.I know Nate.

I just can't get over the fact that this 2.3L (4 cylinder) doesn't get good mpg (25+). I mean a 300 I6 gets 18 mpg or so...like WTF? It's a bigger engine and people saying a 4 banger gets the same?

ive got a 91 2.3 and they just dont get great mileage for a 4banger. it was good at the time, but these days, bars have been raised. as for the lack of power, like i said before its just not going to be a powerhouse especially with its age. very strong and tough engine though.

and sounds like you need an alignment.

and do take care of that rust.

 

[farmer]

Go through it and do a complete tune up. Plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. Oil change to synthetic in engine, trans, and rear axle. Free flowing intake and exhaust. Theres a start to your power and mpg wishes. And just because some trucks can get 27mpg doesn't mean yours will. It's 25 years old and the condition of the motor will dictate your mileage.

Look up the washer front end lift in the tech library and ditch the bias ply tires for a smoother riding set of radials.

 

[Ruffinit]

if i had to guess about your four questions i would say #1 is throw bout bearing #2 the float for the sending unit is old and has gas in it causing it to sink, #3 mud tires that need to be balanced or maybe a bent rim, and #4 lack of power hope that helps

+1
Get the front end aligned and wheels balanced first
The throw out bearing will only get worse, prob needs a clutch anyway
Drop the tank and get a NEW float (sending unit)

Find a set of wheels and tires so you can keep these for winter or off roading and use the new wheels/tires for more comfortable road commuting

5th gear isn't a hill gear for an older 4 cyl. You should only use above 55mph and when cruising. Check the lube in the tranny also! Once you get 'er tamed down, then start the once over on the engine and make sure it's set up right. (timing, fuel filter(s), plugs etc)

 

[Superman]

The engine is basically new...well it looks like it has low miles on it.

Guy did say he bought it with 20,000 miles or so on it and he probably put 20,000 more on it.
I did try to accelerate in 5th gear today...pushed the pedal all the way down...got up to 60ish and I layed off the gas.

Yeah, these tires...they are dry-rotted bad..left side was low on air. Filled it up with some air and it didn't shake bad as it did.

I don't know if they switched the old gears when they had the V6 in and put in some 4:10s when they put in this 2.3L. I am going to have to check it out....


So far I have:
-Change spark plugs
-Change spark plug wires
-Got new distributor cap
-Got new rotor
-Got new oil filter
-Got some 10w30 oil


It is leaking brake fluid a little behind the master cylinder where it hooks up to the brake booster...don't know if I just need a booter or another cylinder...

The steering gear box is leaking where the pitman arm comes out....maybe it will be ok til I can fix it. Might have to get a new gear box.



I probably buy a new throwout bearing...the clutch seems to be tight though. So I am undecided whether to buy a new clutch or not.

 

[Mike Tonon]

Would you consider putting in a newer 2.3l engine or a diesel? If so, you would likely have more power from a newer 2.3l and with either of those engines you would likely have more mpg's and dependability.

 

[Superman]

Would you consider putting in a newer 2.3l engine or a diesel? If so, you would likely have more power from a newer 2.3l and with either of those engines you would likely have more mpg's and dependability.

I think this is a new low mileage 2.3L. Look at it. It isn't greasy and stuff.

Heard the diesels suck for these Rangers.


It is reving a little high most of the time and then sometimes it will idle down...

There is a pipe missing from the back that goes down to the exhaust..Don't know if this is the problem.