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Hello all! To start off, I have a 1979 Ford Ranger XLT. It has the 400ci with a Holley 4 barrel carb. I have owned the truck for 2 years new but finally have time and money to start working on it so one of the first things I want to do is get the ride smoother. The ride is pretty bumpy and loud but what can ya expect from a 39 year old truck. I still want to make it smoother so any advice on that? Also, I want more power out of my engine so any advice on that? I should also mention that the engine was just rebuilt approx. 7000 miles ago.
The mid to late 70's was the height of the smog era, the 351/400 truck engines of this era are low compression de-tuned turds from the factory, but they don't have to be.
You can bump the compression up by shaving the heads and utilizing thinner head gaskets. Installing a straight-up timing set (the factory timing is 4-6 degrees retarded). Installing headers and a free flowing exhaust (the cast iron exhaust manifolds are VERY restrictive). Installing a bigger cam with more lift. etc., etc.
You can really wake these motors up from their anemic factory state, but with as everything in life it will require a bit of coin to achieve your desired results.
I still want to make it smoother so any advice on that?
You could let some air out of the tires.
It's not always an option, but with the 35" tires I have on my Bronco I run the air pressure a lot lower than I do on my F-100 with 29" tires and the ride quality difference is very noticeable. The F-100 handles better, but the Bronco rides better and takes bumps more like a Cadillac. Just kinda takes them in stride. Like I said, not always an option depending on the tires you're using. I wouldn't run tire pressure on my F-100 in the 20's like I do on the Bronco.
Some of your road noise could be the result of dried up, brittle, broken window seals. I replaced mine and it made a huge difference. Check the door weatherstripping as well.
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