So, just out of curiosity!

[RonneyJAyala]

I have recently acquired a 92' Ford Ranger with a 4.0 V6 OHV. Being me only 18 and all I want to rail the heck out of this little truck that I have recently obtained and was wondering how bad would it be if I bounced off rev limiter (a bunch)? And the possibilities of turning it into a "Weekend Warrior" Truck, I've looked into Tuff Country for a lift kit http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2453 that one to be exact. Among other things I plan on doing with my truck, I just really want to know what I can do with it. Mainly can I rail the heck out of it, or should I be gentle? (I don't mind spending money either, just means I can buy new parts )

 

[adsm08]

Well a 92 wouldn't have a rev limiter, but not it's not really good to go around hammering on things all the time. The 4.0 is a tough engine, but she will only take so much, and running things at 100% all the time wears them out fast.

My 2.9 survived me being 16 and driving like I was 18 until I was 24 though, so she will probably take it. Just learn to listen to the truck and not push it too hard. Oh, and don't be a jackass. You always get farther in life if you aren't a jackass.

 

[RonneyJAyala]

I wouldn't consider my self a jackass, but I do like to have fun. And It's previous owner was my grandma and she didn't do anything other then take it across the US and back. Plus why didn't the 92's come with a rev limiter? That's kinda odd haha. Is there a way to install one?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

@adsm08;
My experience has been that there is a rev limiter on the 4.0, or at least on my 91 Ranger. It seems to be right at 5150 rpm.

 

[adsm08]

I wouldn't consider my self a jackass,

Didn't say you were. I've just generally found that to be good advice.

@adsm08;
My experience has been that there is a rev limiter on the 4.0, or at least on my 91 Ranger. It seems to be right at 5150 rpm.

I'm running an 94 computer on my 4.0 and I haven't found a rev limiter. Could be differences in the computers.

 

[RonneyJAyala]

I knew you weren't saying I was a jackass Also you are right about them not having a rev limiter, earlier I went and hop in my little truck and floored it to the max rev it'll hit (supposedly) and it never bounced. Now the question is, how do I install one? So I don't over rev?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Well, now I have to go check mine. I'll try to take a vid tomorrow.

 

[RonneyJAyala]

Yeah mine doesn't have one which is quite terrifying. I'll look into how to put one on so I don't over rev my motor. Still I can't find out why they don't have them stock

 

[adsm08]

It wasn't something commonly done back then, and I don't know of a good way to install one.

The biggest things that a rev limiter prevents is floating valves, which is when the piston comes up and smacks the valve while it is still open because the spring can't pull it back up fast enough. It's not a real common issue on push-rod engines, which are all non-interference (meaning no matter how screwed up your cam timing is the valves won't touch the piston) when stock.

You can still do damage to the bottom end at high RPM though.


The only way I know to add one to an older vehicle like that is to do what's called a Redneck Rev Limiter (RRV), which is just a bolt welded to the floor under the gas pedal.

 

[kunar]

Floating valves means that the valves are lifting off of the rockers because the springs aren't stiff enough, doesn't necessarily mean they're contacting the piston.

You want a simple rev limiter? Get a tach with an adjustable shift light. Use that light to control the coil on a relay. Use the relay to cut spark.

 

[RonneyJAyala]

Well I don't know if I necessarily need one as the main things I'll be doing is going on some nice little trails and on the sand, I will be hitting higher RPMs with both of those, but now for super prolonged periods of times. So is it worth me relaying a rev limiter? And is the motor going to hold up after I do a full gasket replacement. I'm mainly asking this question because my friend has told me that my motor is a terrible motor and to go with a Toyota instead. Mind you I do like Toyotas but I prefer my little ranger instead as I like the body and style of it.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I've had good luck with my 91 ranger 4.0 5-spd. I bought it as a roll-over with over 200,000km on it, for $200, and i"ve been racing it short course for over 5 years now. I'm pulling the motor this year as it is leaking oil too much but it still runs great. But short course doesn't put a lot of miles on. The motor I'm replacing it with has over 220,000 km.

 

[adsm08]

Kick you friend in the shin and don't worry about it. The 4.0 is the strongest, most reliable engine ever put in the Ranger.

 

[RonneyJAyala]

Alright, thank you guys! You helped out a lot with some decisions and such. But now onto the lift kit, is the Tuff Country performance lift kit a good deal? Or is there a better deal out there for a lift kit?

 

[Luke94]

The only bad thing i have heard about the 4.0 engines are the heads, they tend to crack. New ones though are only 400 bucks new and supposedly thicker and stronger than the oem ones. last but not least there arent alot of mods you can do to the 4.0. In personal experience i think this engine is great! I just picked myself up a 94 a month ago and have been working on it. Just make sure to maintain it.