I recently traded a grand Cherokee for a new-to-me "88" ranger. I say "88" because the body is titled as an 88 but the motor appears to be a carbureted 2.8l with a motocraft 2150 from I'm guessing an 83-84. It is a 5 speed 4x4 though I'm unsure what transmission it has at the moment. My problem is that 1st-3rd seem to have plenty of power throughout the band, but once I hit fourth it bogs down heavy, same in fifth. It will eventually fight its way up to speed. I've changed the plugs, and air filter and that's about it so far. Anyone have a good source for figuring out where these vacuum hoses go?
-
Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register
for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.
My hodgepodge truck
- Thread starter Epimetheus
- Start date
franklin2
Well-Known Member
Look at the distributor. Do you have a vacuum advance unit on it with a vacuum line? If you do not, then you still have the original TFi distributor with the rectangle module correct? If you still have the original TFI distributor, then you have a mess on your hands and you most likley need to convert it over. The carb if its original will also have a bunch of wires coming off of it. If it has been replaced it should have only one wire at the most coming from the choke.
The original 2.8 was computer controlled. It ran great when new, but now parts and troubleshooting that system are very difficult. You can change out the carb and the distributor for a older model and get it running much better. But the old school distributors for the 2.8 are getting hard to find now.
Hopefully someone has already swapped some of that computer stuff off of it.
The original 2.8 was computer controlled. It ran great when new, but now parts and troubleshooting that system are very difficult. You can change out the carb and the distributor for a older model and get it running much better. But the old school distributors for the 2.8 are getting hard to find now.
Hopefully someone has already swapped some of that computer stuff off of it.
I will look into those things when the rain lets up enough to let me pull her back in the barn! Thanks for the tips, been scratching my head on this one. A lot of the wires are gutted, I'll try to get a few pictures of the engine while I'm out there.
franklin2
Well-Known Member
Yes, a duraspark conversion. You still have the computer controlled distributor on it, I can see the TFI module sticking out from it in the photo you posted. Problem is, you will have to hunt for a conversion distributor, they used to sell them rebuilt but the source for those has dried up. You basically want to convert your engine over to a 1978 mustang II 2.8 or a late 70's pinto with a 2.8. You can get a cheap knock-off 2100 carb off Amazon for around $100. When you are done you will have a simple ignition system with a simple normal carb.
Oh awesome, so way more work than was mentioned by the previous owner 
and chance you know a part number for the distributor I'd need? What all would I need for the conversion?
and chance you know a part number for the distributor I'd need? What all would I need for the conversion?franklin2
Well-Known Member
Here's a cardone reman distributor. I haven't had very good luck with them, but they are the only game in town. Their supply has dried up if you go to the local store but you can check to make sure.
For 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II Ignition Distributor Cardone 45992VC 1976 1977 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II Ignition Distributor Cardone 45992VC 1976 1977 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
What's the typical problems with them?
franklin2
Well-Known Member
They clean them up on the outside, but don't do anything on the inside and call them "rebuilt". They don't replace the pickup modules, the bushing can be worn out, etc. It's a crap shoot.
Any chance you have a source for an in depth guide to the conversion?
Here's a cardone reman distributor. I haven't had very good luck with them, but they are the only game in town. Their supply has dried up if you go to the local store but you can check to make sure.
For 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II Ignition Distributor Cardone 45992VC 1976 1977 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for For 1975-1978 Ford Mustang II Ignition Distributor Cardone 45992VC 1976 1977 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!www.ebay.com
When I followed that link it says its for a 5.0 mustang, is that the right part for this conversion? Trying to get a parts list together for ordering
AndyB.
Well-Known Member
The wires that are gutted—are these maybe vacuum lines?
Sponsored Ad
Sponsored Ad
TRS Events
Member & Vendor Upgrades
For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.
Recently Featured
Ranger Adventure Video
TRS Merchandise
Follow TRS On Instagram
