Soon to be Ranger owner!!

[pwrshft99]

I have a long list of Fords I've owned in the past but not yet a Ranger. I'm currently driving a 2000 Explorer Limited. I love the 5.0 and AWD but I drive 700 miles a week and gas is killing me.

Enter the 4 cylinder Ranger!!


While I don't even have a truck yet, I like to dream big. I want a 96 or 97 regular cab, short bed, 4x4, 2.3, five speed. Seems like this is a hard combination to find.

I'd like to turn this into my own version of syclone/typhoon fighter. My ideal drivetrain is a Thunderbird 2.3 Turbo with a 5 speed and an AWD transfer case. While I've done some research, I'm still uncertain how it will all come together.

The motor should be a straight forward swap, I will use a mass air truck so its tunable

I was told the stronger Mustang T5 components could work in the 4 cylinder five speed case?? If this is true, its probably my best bang for Buck tranny wise.

Since the Explorer and Ranger are so similar, I'm hoping an 5.0 Explorer AWD transfer case would work.

Finally the 4x4 Ranger front suspension apparently instead going to like the drop I had in mind. I've read the AWD Aerostar front suspension is the way to go with a handling minded Ranger, however I can't find any writeups.

 

[Mark_88]

Welcome to TRS...sounds like you have aspirations to be a fighter pilot...hope your budget allows this since what you are looking for may be do-able but could cost you some $$$$$ in the process...

Not a problem for some, but a roadblock for others...the turbo engine with a stock tranny works fine in most cases...although working combinations of both are getting harder to find in junkyards there is always someone selling them to the guy with the most toys...

I would suggest checking out the threads for the turbo engines on here and maybe reading a bit about what works and what doesn't...you may be able to add to the information if you've done it before...or learn something in the process...I've been toying with the idea of turbo for a while...I would love to be able to feel the thrust of a good turbo engine coupled with a brunette in bouncy mode but they always want more money than I have in my pocket...and my credit is not good with these brunettes so it's a dream...so far...

 

[EMB1230]

Welcome to the forum!!

 

[pwrshft99]

Good Lawd i forgot i signed up here, where does time go??

9 years later and i DO have a running, driving 2.3T Ranger!! Didn't attempt AWD like i wanted but 2wd and sticky tires is working out ok.




Still needs tuning but a basic rundown..
96 Ranger, 88 2.3t motor. OBD2 electronics with SCT Advantage calling the shots. 80mm MAF with 42# injectors, 3" exhaust, Volvo FMIC and manual boost controller. Fun truck that gets lots of attention....and itll never be finished

 

[dvdswan]

I think we should change your name to rip van winkle. Welcome back.

 

[pjtoledo]

Good Lawd i forgot i signed up here, where does time go??

9 years later and i DO have a running, driving 2.3T Ranger!! Didn't attempt AWD like i wanted but 2wd and sticky tires is working out ok.




Still needs tuning but a basic rundown..
96 Ranger, 88 2.3t motor. OBD2 electronics with SCT Advantage calling the shots. 80mm MAF with 42# injectors, 3" exhaust, Volvo FMIC and manual boost controller. Fun truck that gets lots of attention....and itll never be finished

that's the way a lot of us like 'em, a never ending project.