Power Chip Needed

[john47]

I have and 03 2.3l ranger manual 2wd and im looking for a little more pep. I was thinking about getting a programmer but they run like 300+ for a legit one. What is a cheaper way to go for getting some better torque?

 

[509lifted]

a 4.0

 

[adsm08]

Cheaper? There isn't one.

 

[ronclark]

I have and 03 2.3l ranger manual 2wd and im looking for a little more pep. I was thinking about getting a programmer but they run like 300+ for a legit one. What is a cheaper way to go for getting some better torque?

Cheap way is to regrear, 150 for a axle at pick in pull. Are 2.3L seems to love the 4:10 over the 3:75 it had in it

 

[john47]

What would I find a 4:10 in and what is it doing to do to my mileage? Also I'm putting 30in tires on so consider that as well. And if I find the 4:10 setup what do I need from it? Sorry I'm a newb.

 

[Ryannn]

What would I find a 4:10 in and what is it doing to do to my mileage? Also I'm putting 30in tires on so consider that as well. And if I find the 4:10 setup what do I need from it? Sorry I'm a newb.

You need the rear axle since you are 2wd, the 4.10 ratio is most common on explorers with a tow package. If you find a 95+ explorer rear axle it will also have disk brakes.

 

[john47]

Awesome. Is that difficult to do and what tools do i need? 1 easy - 10 hard.

 

[adsm08]

To swap in an Explorer axle in the spring perches must be moved (they are welded to the axle) and shock tabs must be added. You will also need the correct axle U-bolts as the axle tubes are larger. I'd say 5 or 6. It took me 3 years to round up parts (but I was changing gear ratios on a 4x4, so I had a front axle to do as well) and a day to put the axle in. Another week to plumb up the lines, but I was only working an hour or so a night.

If I was to do it again I could have the thing rolling in a day.

For disc brakes you need to swap out the rear lines as well. Check out the end of my Hill-billy build thread to see how I did it. Not the prettiest setup I've ever seen for the rear lines, but very functional.

 

[john47]

So is this all worth it to give me more power? It sounds like I might as well put a new engine in lol. And whats my mileage gonna look like after? I almost get 32 miles to the gallon now. And as I stated above Im putting 30in Cooper AT3s on it.

 

[509lifted]

worth it? well that all depends on if you feel that it's worth it, personally if you have the coin do a 4.0 and 4:10's, for the engine i believe since you have the 3.0 you would have to get a wiring harness, engine, transmission, maybe even drive shaft but not sure. That can all add up quick and then you also have to make sure your 4.0 is in good health before you drop it in and that could mean nothing or it could mean rebuild. Now axle, yea it's easy to do all you gotta do is get the axle/brake lines/u-bolts/ and have someone move the perches or if you are a good welder you could do it yourself, if you have 4 days free you could get it done, and i only say 4 days because you might hit a few snags along the way but most likely not.

 

[adsm08]

So is this all worth it to give me more power? It sounds like I might as well put a new engine in lol. And whats my mileage gonna look like after? I almost get 32 miles to the gallon now. And as I stated above Im putting 30in Cooper AT3s on it.

At the end of the day an axle swap is a lot less work than an engine swap. A lot less money too.

As far as being worth it and what will happen to your MPG, I can't even take a guess because you haven't told us what tires and gears you have now.

I will say that bigger rubber will hurt mileage no matter what because they weigh more.

 

[john47]

Current tires are about 26in tall, and as for gearing, whatever comes stock in a 2.3 ranger 2wd. Im not too concerned I just dont want to be going 60 and my rpm at 5k you know.

 

[509lifted]

to be going 60 and be at 5k you would have to be way over 4:10's cause with 4:10's and 26's you will be right around 2k if you have a 5speed

 

[adsm08]

and as for gearing, whatever comes stock in a 2.3 ranger 2wd.

That does not narrow it down much. Could be 3.45, 3.73, or you could already have 4.10s. You need to figure that part out before you go any farther.

Postin' from teh Galaxy