I just bought a '95 XLT 2WD with the 3.0L. It's been unbelievably maintained and has all of about 64,000 miles. Before I waste time and money putting the right parts in the wrong order on it, I would like to hear from you Ranger owners first. Outside from the obvious K&N filters and right gasoline, what parts and products have you guys(and gals) had the most success with. My last car('91 ford probe) had a 3.0L as well and so I'm fairly familiar with some of the engines perks. Feedback?

 

turbo, nitrous, super charger, exhaust, comp. chip, synthetic oil, remove the intake muffler. speed cost money, how fast do you want to spend.

A few of those cost a lot and a few are cheap or free. Do a little research and base oyur decision on how deep your pocket is, what kind of skills you have, and what you want to use the truck for. hope this helps some.

 

Welcome to FTE!
Start with the exhaust, maybe Gibson.
Then do the K&N.
Notice all the words highlighted in blue in the posts? Click on them!
AL.

 

Thanks. I have my eyes set on a borla system for the exhaust, and the cold air intake is my next intent. Any advice on performance chips? I'm clueless on most acounts when it comes to this trucks electronics. Prices? Trouble? Is it worth both? BTW, I love these forums!

Also, my tailgate is the only part of the truck that doesn't look so hot. I don't have deep pockets, and I was considering a net. Any reasons why not? I know it's not the sharpest looking thing, but in my eyes it beats a dented up tailgate. If not, any suggestions on places to find a cheap tailgate? Would the tailgate net help my mileage at all? I have so many questions.

 

check the local salvage yards for a cheap tailgate. whether you have the tailgate up or down or have a net there will be very little change in mileage. go with the tailgate.

 

a net definately helps with the milage.. that way you 're not draggin the parachute you call a box (especially on the highway). but if your'e gonna stick with a gate (scrapyard?), go for a tonneau cover or a cap. Leer makes some good ones, and the website will give you coupons. also, Ebay had some really pimp leer covers with wings for 1/4 price of what most dealers offer up here (for clearence i guess).

My friend had a trick too.. get a utility box and sit it right up to the cab. Apparently it causes enough turbulence that it deflects the wind over the taligate. Never tried it, but my buddies a cheapo and he swears by it.


As for chips, Diablo all the way baby. Pick your program! Hook your switch! Go! Go! GO!

 

Sweet. What would you say is the coolest budget modification that you guys have seen for the Ranger in recent months?

 

Remove the intake silencer has to be my #1 pick. It is free (or very cheap) and it helps improve hp and it sounds good. I think on the 3.0 it is a cylinder on the intake tube. it's about 8 inches long. You just unclamp it and put in a piece of pvc (or stainless or whatever). The 4.0 is a little different, but it sound awesome. They say it improves mileage too, but i wouldnt know.... i like the sound too much so i drive it pretty hard so i can hear it.

PS as for the net thing, there is a big controversey over what is better to improve mileage. They say that the tailgate up creates a swirling "bubble" in the bed that helps mileage. i think the only way to really help is a tonneau, but it is all probably so nominal it doesnt even make a difference.


BTW welcome to FTE

 

for the tailgate thing, try driving a little ranger at 140km/h with and without the gate up and tell me if you feel your *** end going all over the place

 

Okay, the tonneau is on my list, but in the mean time I've got other things I'd like to get. I bought my cone K&N today and dropped it in, and I already can tell a noticable differance. How hard is it to take my tailgate off, and how do I do it?

Also, what mufflers are all of you guys using on your trucks? I'm looking for good flow, but I'm worn out from driving with a loud muffler on my last car. Any suggestions for a semi-quiet muffler that flows good?

 

take off the cables by turning them upwards and sliding them off. Then just line it up (about 45 degrees) and take off the gate. If you just look at it im sure you can figure it out.

 

Hey thanks.