New member with a new rig an a few questions

[Subarute]

I just bought this gem. 1989ish ranger 5spd 4wd. a litttle rough but not bad for 300 bucks. Its gonna be my daily but has a few problems. Mainly the speedo doesnt work and the tachometer jumps around like its having a siesure. any ideas?

 

[Oxxon]

Hello and welcome to TRS!!

Check the "How To Tech" section you might be able to find some answers there.

 

[Subarute]

Hello and welcome to TRS!!

Check the "How To Tech" section you might be able to find some answers there.

Thanks! Ive been looking around and havent found quite what im looking for. I have found out a bit on how this truck works though.

 

[Curious Hound]

For the speedo, I would disconnect it from the transfer case and inspect the gear for broken teeth. The gear on the end of the cable is replaceable. Then, if necessary, make sure it is properly connected to the gauge cluster.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Another possible 2.9 owner??

Welcome to TRS!

 

[Curious Hound]

Another possible 2.9 owner??

Welcome to TRS!

says 2.8l in his profile. but, you know, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0. They're all the same. Aren't they?

 

[rusty ol ranger]

says 2.8l in his profile. but, you know, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0. They're all the same. Aren't they?

An 89 is doubtful to be a 2.8 lol.

 

[Subarute]

Another possible 2.9 owner??

Welcome to TRS!

says 2.8l in his profile. but, you know, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0. They're all the same. Aren't they?

An 89 is doubtful to be a 2.8 lol.

it's a 2.9. I pushed the wrong button lol
I just fixed it

 

[rusty ol ranger]

it's a 2.9. I pushed the wrong button lol
I just fixed it

The 2.9 has a cult following around here. Good little engines when you treat them good.

Small but mighty lol.

 

[Subarute]

The 2.9 has a cult following around here. Good little engines when you treat them good.

Small but mighty lol.

Good to know lol. I've already been told they're immortal by like 3 people

 

[Dirtman]

Damn, all of the 3 people who like 2.9's talked to you?

 

[Curious Hound]

When they said immortal, they meant to spell it "infamous".

 

[Bird76Mojo]

The 2.9 is Ford's biggest fail besides the A4LD transmission and the 5.4 head problems, along with the sludging problems that the 5.4 had.

 

[Josh B]

Hey SubaruTe Buddy, you've got a gem! Cruise control, 4WD, nice! Your interior needs some vac'n but the salt damage isn't any worse than my first Ranger. You do need to get under it tho, and check out the brake lines for sure, as well as any structural damage it may have caused.
You certainly have a lot of great things to work with there.
Welcome to TRS

 

[rusty ol ranger]

The 2.9 is Ford's biggest fail besides the A4LD transmission and the 5.4 head problems, along with the sludging problems that the 5.4 had.

Youve been slighted though.

In reality, they are tempermental little bastards with alot of character.

They can last ridiculious amonts of time to. One guy who was here years ago had 660,000 miles on his 2.9. That to my knowledge is by far the record holder.