Looking to buld up a '94-'97 Ranger into a desert pre-runner. I

need to know what are my chances air-ing it out with a 2.3l I4?

Other mods will be a 3.73 in 7.5 rear, 31" tires, and a 4" lift. Need

feed back on this buld up.

 

I would try to get a 4.0 L v6 if you can. I had one and it was very strong. I could spin my 38's in 2nd gear on asfalt!

 

I'd love a V6, my Bro has a 95 Explorer with tons of power, but there is a small problem...$$$. As in i can only afford to buy and maintain a 4 banger (expensive university).

 

I can understand that, I got about 18 MPG with my 4.0. But I drove the crap out of that thing. I locked up the engine in a river crossing incedent, and haven't rebuilt/ repaired it yet. More on your point, I think you can do it with a 4 banger, but if you want to be fast off-road you will need more power. If you get to that point you can always do an engine swap.

 

True, true, lots of water + unprepared engine (snorkle, alt. water proffing, ect.) = bad. But my plan involves sticking to the mostly flat ares of Gorman ohp in SoCal. But still need advice on the rear end and on engine mods that are Cal CARB legal.

 

How fast are you wanting to go off-road? 45-65 or more like 65+ and get real crazy. Are you planning on jumping? If so how high and how fast? Do you need to be able to soak up bumps at speed without launching your truck? I'm on the east cost and not very familiar with SoCal terrain, and desert running.

 

looking to run about 85% street and 15% off road. have the b2, but want something a little more fun and sure footed. top off road will be about 50 with an on road of about 80 (thats why i had somany questions about ratios). un paved and gravel the norm for most off road, occasinal high speed whoops and hill climbing. looking also at a highway tread radial with agressive sholders for tires (Yoko's geolander H/T-S). Keep the help coming, can use all anyone has.

 

Hey man I just got a 97 ranger with. 2.3l can you really JUST swap the engine for a 4.0 v6 been looking online for any kind of v6 swap and was about to give up until I saw this

 

welcome to FTE.
this is a 13 year old thread, and the poster has not logged on in 7 years. the other guy has not logged on in 13 years.