Repair Questions

[Tyjayc]

Picking up a 1983-1984 Ford Ranger shop manuel also owners manual for basic tune ups also if anyone knows if a disassembly manual exists perferably for Dash.The Dash Pad is crack all up & the silver piece around the cluster could use some paint(see pictures in intro part of forum).Any advice on making the 2.0 liter 4 banger more efficient not for more fuel ecomomy I mean simply improving the engine?Plan on picking up a 3 in 1 cluster temp,oil & amps also single gauge tactometer any certain ones preferred on this older vehicle?This Truck had A/C at one point it no longer blows nor is the a/c compressor in truck hooked up where should I start in figuring out how to repair it or parts that would be needed any kits for this year?If you can think of any other information that would by useful for this truck I am happy to hear it.Thanks in advance.

 

[Mark_88]

I don't think there is an actual diagram for the dash...but it's pretty easy to remove...just be a bit careful with the trim pieces...they tend to break...

If you have one close by, go to a junk yard and practice...if not, there are about ten screws on the dash (top piece) that can all be removed using a Phillips screwdriver (star)...

There are five or six just under the lip of the console that are easy to access...and when you remove the trim across the dash panel (they all just pop out with the exception of the one on the light switch...that you will need to remove the knob (allen key))

The hardest ones to get at are the six at the front by the vents...you don't need to remove the speaker covers unless there are speakers installed...but it actually helps a bit if you can remove them so you can grab onto something when needed...

 

[steve63]

the lima engine is quite sturdy in stock form,just keep an eye on the timming belt,as they need to be replaced every 50-75k,as for more efficent,try a electric fan,it will net you a roughly 5-8 horse power increase as the engine will be straining less trying to turn the fan,or an ignitor box from MSD,ACCEL,they generly improve idle,runs more efficent,or a roller cam conversion from a 89 and above 2.3,depends what you want out of the engine.

 

[Tyjayc]

Didn't even think about the junkyard!Should take care of that problem lol an the Ignitor Box ill check into soon


Thanks for pointers.

 

[Tyjayc]

Bump

Figured everything else out but didn't see a way to remove the light switch without breaking it?How is it supposed to be removed?

 

[Mark_88]

The light switch knob has an allen key nut at the bottom...you can actually get the panel off by pulling the lights on, popping the trim, rotating the trim to access the screws, and then turning the trim down again to turn off the lights...and you want to remember to turn them off while farting around with the other pieces...I drained my battery once doing that...

Oh, on some light switches there is actually a little tab that you can lift to pop the knob...not sure if you have one of those, but they tend to break very easily...

I always find removing the driver seat makes things easier when you have to lay on the floor under the steering wheel...