New here from Colorado

[FourBangerRanger]

Hey guys, new to the forum here from Colorado. I'm 27 years old, like to consider myself mechanically inclined, I can weld and fabricate, and I've worked for the Department of Corrections for the last 6 years. Anything outdoors gets my attention. I just picked up an 85 Ford Ranger 4x4, 2.3L, 5 speed for relatively cheap. Just a reg cab short bed with a 3 inch body lift and 31's. It starts a little rough and doesn't seem like it has any power. I know it's just a 4 cyl but it should have more power than it does. Maybe a good tune up and carb cleaning will do wonders. It's been sitting for a while. Anyway, now you know a little about myself and the truck. Looking forward to learning from you guys.

 

[Mark_88]

Happy New Year New Here!

Pic is a bit small but the idea is there...

4 bangers are not the most powerful in stock config...especially with a carb...but check out the cable mod to see if it applies...

http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Summer06/throttlecablemod.shtml

Could be a few things that make them even less responsive but the cable stretching is one of the most common issues.

The 2.3 4x4 is rare but there are a few still around...I wouldn't mind one but it would have to be an automatic for me..manuals and I don't work well any more but I drove a 4 banger five speed for 14 years and it did ok...

Plenty to learn and many to help so ask questions as needed...

 

[FourBangerRanger]

Well I just found out the head gasket is blown. Going to rebuild the carb when I do the head gasket. Shouldn't be too hard. I also found out it's a 2.3 out of a 78 Pinto. Not sure the reasoning behind it but that's what was previously done. The wiring has been chopped up under the hood as well. It originally had the v6. If doing a little work to the motor doesn't give me the desired amount of power, how hard would it be to swap back in the v6?

 

[Mark_88]

That certainly is an old one...but head gaskets are easy enough to do and hopefully restore the power. More info on the 2.3 if you need any can be found in the link below...

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9

The problem with going to the V6 depends on what was in there...if it was the 2.8 it was carbed so not a big deal once you get the mounts figured out...and the transmission will need to be swapped out...since they are all pretty unique bolt patterns...so there would be some work involved.

The 2.9 would be similar but now you need to change the wiring and the fuel system because it needs a high pressure fuel pump (35-45 psi) that the carbed versions can't use.

I would say you're better off fixing the head gasket, hoping the bottom end is solid (rings especially) and it doesn't blow or burn oil...they are tough engines that will last a long time with proper care and if you want more power there is always the turbo option...but that would require similar changes in wiring and fuel system upgrades.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Welcome. Good to see these older Rangers still around.