Low bottom end power?

[Red beast]

The acceleration in my truck just isnt there. Even when im starting off into first gear from a stop there is hesitation like it wants to die when i let out the clutch. It runs well after i get it up to speed but the bottom end just straight up sucks. Up hill is next to embarassing. What do i check? Where do i start? 95 4.0 4x4 5 speed 31s. I bought a 4.0 ranger just because i wanted the power. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Gear ratio? When was your last tuneup?

 

[Road Angels]

power

The list is long, any thing from low compression, to a cat that may be starting to go bad, egr system, its a lot of things, whats the mileage, have you checked to to see that the check engine light functions when you turn the key to the on postion, if not then start there cause there may be codes stored that you are not aware of if the light doesnt work,take it to an auto supply house that does free scans see if there is any stored codes, alway checking connections is a good start, and free, and if it hasnt been maintained that could be a cause, like plugged air filter, bad wires, and so on

 

[FritzTKatt]

Check vacuum trees, clean maf sensor. Those were 2 of the simple things that were really kicking my truck's ___. A failing vac line can do a lot, it was like putting a motor back inside the engine bay when I got it fixed.

 

[SenorNoob]

Gear ratio? When was your last tuneup?

I second this post. 31's aren't huge tires but if your ratio is 3.08 that'd do it.

 

[Red beast]

My gearing is 3.73. I have done all the tune up stuff other than change the plugs. I was told they were changed right before i bought the truck in march. This truck has ran the same since i have owned it. Its not a story of ran great then lost power. It has 250000 on it but it has been well taken care of. Previous owner did alot of work to it. I have cleaned vacuum trees. Changed ALL fluids. Replaced some things and have a serviceable air filter. Thate trans and clutch were rebuilt a short time before i bought the truck.

 

[bmerr98]

Check your plugs. Gaps should be .054" It's simple and you're relying on someone else's word that they're good. Bad gaps will cause miss/hesitation under load but smooth oit as RPM's get higher. Use Motorcraft.

 

[Road Angels]

Check the compression while you have the plugs out, (and ditto on the motorcraft plugs.) throttle wide open, warm or cold the difference will be small, I bet your at about 110 to 115 psi with the miles that are on it, compression is power

 

[bmerr98]

Mine used to do the little "skip" taking off from a stop light in first as I let the clutch out too. Feels like you're hitting a little slick spot with the back tires. I'm telling you man, check those plugs! I'd almost bet a good set of properly gapped Motorcraft plugs will cure your ills.

 

[Red beast]

What should compression be in a healthy engine? Im going to Take advice on the plugs. Which plugs from motorcraft are best? There are like 3 different ones auto zone carries. Platinum, iridium, and the oems.

 

[bmerr98]

I'll be using the Platinum plugs. SP-500 I think. Rockauto.com has them for less than AZ.