More power at low cost?

[Parker_Kleutsch]

I've got a 1995 Ford Ranger XLT extended cab 2wd with a 4banger in it (2.3L) and it has NO POWER AT ALL...I know that's what I get for going with the 4cyl but I'm wondering if and what I can do to give it more power without breaking the bank or sending my gas mileage out the window.

Also, I've read up on this and everyone says its too expensive to bother with, but I'm wondering what it would take to convert it from 2wd to 4wd? OR what can I do to make it worthy of the back roads without having to go through a huge conversion like that.

Right now I'm getting between 26-28mpg on the freeway and I'd like to keep it at or above 20 after everything is done. Any and all advice/help is very appreciated, I know almost nothing about cars.

 

[LearjetMinako]

Theres not that much that can be done without spending some extra cash. One thing to do is to make sure all the tune-ups are done.

As for more backroad worthyness. The 4x4 conversion can be done, just be prepared to use some metal working tools (welder, cutters, etc.). You can slap some 235/75R15 tires and re-gear to a 4.10 with posi-lock or l/s. With that size of tire and gear ratio, it will keep it to feeling like stock.

As for feeling gutless, I know the feeling. But you gotta love that gas mileage. Plus the 2.3L has been known to go a very long distance before dieing (300K + miles).

 

[Parker_Kleutsch]

I've known it needs a tuneup since I got it 2 months ago and have been meaning to do that but more important things just keep coming up, but I do plan on doing that this week once I get paid. As it is, when its in 5th gear with only me (no other weight in the truck) it still decelerates going up a slight incline and I'd like to at least be able to maintain speed uphill.

I guess I'll start with the tune-up, replace the shocks (gotta do that anyway) and see how that works...oh, did I mention it needs a new O2 sensor? I think that might be effecting it...?

 

[Ranger97XL]

to make by lil 2wd 2.3 more capable off pavement I bought an 8.8 from an exploder and plan to put in an aussie locker. I have no experience with it but from what i've read a locked 2wd can be just as capable as a lot of bone stock 4wd set ups.

 

[Chance]

power and low cost do not go hand in hand.

What did you plan on doing with the 4x conversion? Hardcore trail rig? Light weekend warrior? Something in between?

I've always kinda wanted to build a trail rig with a 2.3 but seeing as I can't stand what I have now...

 

[Parker_Kleutsch]

Somewhere in between I think
I want to be able to take it out on weekends and be able to beat it up a bit without worrying about doing major damage. Not planning on anything hardcore, so maybe more on the weekend warrior end, but nice and tough...if that makes any sence

 

[86ford]

You have your work cut out for you. The best option you have for power is a Turbo setup from a turbo coupe or mustang BUT that requires some WELL read and skilled mechanical work. As for a 4wd swap, its a BIG under taking in a ranger. I just got done doing it in my explorer and it was easy only because I have torn down so many d35 and d28 front diffs. The best thing you can PAY to have done is have 456 gears and a Aussie locker installed in a explorer 8.8. I am only recommending you swap in a explorer 8.8 axle because I have a friend who has eaten 2 sets of 456 gears in a 7.5 not to mention you can get a disc brake rear then.

86

 

[Parker_Kleutsch]

and how much would all that cost?

 

[Chance]

The swap or the 8.8?

Depends on what you want to do... me personally, I would swap solid axles in instead of factory TTB... I think for the amount of work you'd be doing it would be worth it.

But then again I have never dealt with ttb at all so I don't know how hard or easy it is.
Although I think the TTB would be better for daily driving and wheelin on the weekends.

Either way you have your work cut out for you. I'd take any advice 86ford will give ya because from what I've seen, he's done alot with rbv's.

 

[mentalbreakdown00]

Ok, I just got rid of my 93 half stang. I used silicone couplers from a diesel and a piece of pvc tubing to get rid of the air muffler. I ported the upper and lower intakes. I got a header from your year truck. and did a 2.5" exhaust which is 2 1/4" after bending, with a stock style muffler. Next I got a mustang 8 cyl 8.8 with 4.10's and l/s, but I used a 255-60-15 in the back to take the final gearing to about 3.70 so it wouldn't scream down the highway. After all that was done it was "quick" but not fast, but it would hold it's speed uphills in 5th. Lastly I got a head and poted it and put bigger valves in it and a cam, then it was peppy, but no low end almost whatsoever.

 

[Parker_Kleutsch]

what would you recommend i do first? this economy has left me without a job and i have very little coming to me every month. i posted another thread about swaping out the 2.3L for a 4.0L V6 which i would REALLY like to save up for first, unless you guys have any other suggestions.

 

[ForOffRoadDriving]

the 2.3l is what it is. you have to put it in 4th gear to make it up hills, its as easy as that. you can throw gobs of money at it, but in the end it is still a small 4 cylinder designed for economic commuting in mind.

 

[86ford]

You are looking at 200 for gears, 250 for the Aussie locker and 200-300 to have it installed. If you decide to get a Explorer axle add another 100-250 depending on what the axle needs.

Bottom line numbers are 650-1000 depending on what you want to do.

if you know someone who has these parts used or know someone who can install gears properly you more than likely can get this done MUCH cheaper.

86

 

[BlackBII]

If your decelerating on an incline then.....downshift!

 

[Parker_Kleutsch]

I do downshift, now. But when I got it, I didn't have to downshift. I could have a few people in there with me and it would holds it own, and now it won't. Maybe replacing the bad o2 sensor and a major tuneup will help? I get paid Monday so I'll let you guys know whats going on after that