That was a surprise

[Drgnfiend]

Over the weekend I picked up a '98 Ranger XLT from my mother in law. I was sending pictures to my friends, and one of them pointed out the fact it has a 5.8 badge on the side. He was poking fun at me because Ford didn't sell rangers with a 5.8 and that I had fake badges on the truck. I opened the hood and low and behold there's 8 spark plug wires where I was told to expect 4 or 6 (didn't really ask questions when picking it up, it was free).

I'm trying to track down some information from the mother in law about who did the swap and what all was done, but I don't hold high hopes for getting anything back. I did some quick browsing through the forum and found the info on the swap for the 83-97 Ranger. I would assume that the basics are the same for the 98. I've skimmed through it, but honestly it's a bit overwhelming. I'll read it more thoroughly later.

What I'm hoping to get from those more knowledgeable then me is some info on figuring out exactly what I have now. What I should be looking out for/into as far as maintenance? What are some of the basic specs I should be aware of; towing capacity, tire size (since a body lift seems to be needed), wear and tear parts that should be monitored, etc. I'm assuming it's the 351w based on the 5.8 badge, but how do I determine exactly what engine is installed? What should I be double checking that was done in addition to the engine?

She did good on the drive back to VA from MO, was averaging 24 mpg.

 

[Teddyzee]

That's a four cylinder.

"Gotcha" with the badges.

 

[Drgnfiend]

I by no means claim any extensive automotive knowledge, but pretty sure 8 plug wires means 8 cylinder. The angle of the engine bay pic makes it hard to see the addt'l 4. Front four go to one side of the engine, back four to the other.

 

[Teddyzee]

I by no means claim any extensive automotive knowledge, but pretty sure 8 plug wires means 8 cylinder. The angle of the engine bay pic makes it hard to see the addt'l 4. Front four go to one side of the engine, back four to the other.

Unless of course you consider the Ford 4 cylinder engines with eight spark plugs.

I'll wait while you go and count the number of exhaust tubes.

 

[Mac]

Unless of course you consider the Ford 4 cylinder engines with eight spark plugs.

I'll wait while you go and count the number of exhaust tubes.

Teddy, you're being cruel but someone had to tell him. It is a nice looking truck even with the fake badges.
Dave

 

[Drgnfiend]

Unless of course you consider the Ford 4 cylinder engines with eight spark plugs.

I'll wait while you go and count the number of exhaust tubes.

Thanks, I was unaware of that as a possibility. I'll check when I get home.

 

[Snoranger]

Thanks, I was unaware of that as a possibility. I'll check when I get home.

There's no need to check. You have a 4 cyl. No question about it. Sorry.

 

[RangerRyan]

Some engines have two spark plugs per cylinder. thats a little fun fact that actually a lot of people don't know.

 

[Drgnfiend]

Gotcha. Thanks for all the replies. Not gonna complain about the 4 cylinder considering it was free.

 

[RangerRyan]

I'm just saying that so you don't feel like an idiot. A lot of people really don't know that.

 

[Snoranger]

I'm just saying that so you don't feel like an idiot. A lot of people really don't know that.

Yeah, you're not the first that thought that, and your defiantly not the last!

 

[dangerranger83]

All I can say is wish I could get a free ranger like that.

 

[4.0B2]

i got fooled by that one time to, but no one was around

i was doing a side job, bought plugs- customer bought the wires so i didn't look at how many wires there was.

well long story short, i opened the hood, looked, got confused.. and then realized it a straight in-line motor and not a v, so.... i still had to go back to the parts store for more plugs! lol

started some research- and the google search brought me to trs.. where i was already a member and resident post whore. lol

 

[Teddyzee]

Oh, I wasn't trying to be a smartass...
Not everyone knows what a V8 looks like.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Oh, I wasn't trying to be a smartass...
Not everyone knows what a V8 looks like.

Somebody on here a couple years ago had their friend conviced their four cylinder was a very tightly Veed V8.