Hi everybody
I recently got rid of my '86 Jeep Comanche for my "new" '98 Ranger. My old truck was a 2.5 4 cyl with a manual trans, 256 degree/.456 lift cam, homemade air intake, 4.10 rear end with a locker,and had free flowing exhaust. I would guess that I was pushing about 150-155 horsepower. My new truck is a Ranger 4x4, 3.0, automatic, 4.10 gears, 2.25" exhaust all the way back, opened up the airbox, bypassed the intake heater, and put in a 160 thermostat. My problem is that my old truck was a bit faster. I got a great deal on this truck so I settled for the automatic. This truck takes forever to build rpms, what is holding her back? Is it the transmission? Are there any shift kits out there for these things? I realy hate the way newer automatics feel, It is like they are all set up for geriatrics, you know grandma's wig might fall off if the dern thing took less than 10 seconds to shift or if it downshifted WHEN you hit the gas peadal. I got a six cylinder because I wanted some more power, but now I find myself missing my old four popper.
I am new to the Ford world, so I don't even realy know where to look for some speed parts. Any suggestions you guys have would be greatly appreceated(sp?). I am in college now so money is tight right now; but if there are things out there that are kind of expensive though I guess I could go without food for a little while.

 

I would say it's the 4.10 gears, try a 3.73 or 3.72.

 

I wonder if he still has that truck.

 

Where are these old posts coming from? This was 5 years ago!!

 

Define open up the air box...if you popped the top you are just letting Hot air into the intake....you want the coldest air possible going in...

 

If the truck has 4.10s Id say gearing is not the problem. Regardless, swapping the 4.10s out for 3.73s would make it even more of a dog. 3.72s dont exist as far as I know...at least not on a ford.

I dont know where all the ancient posts are coming from either. My guess is that someone got bored.

 

A good source for both 3.73 and 4.10 back ends for Rangers is Explorer trucks. They are also limited slip - but the spring saddles either have to be moved to the top of the housing or you end up with a seriously lowered Ranger!!! (Nearly eight inches)

Either way - the U-bolts are the same size as later F150's.

*Dart7383 last posted 07-july-2009 at 11:58

 

I think g_k50 is following him around.

 

TAH! Could be so....

 

By the way, Dart, g_k50, have you checked out the FTE Online Championships? Click the link in my sig.

 

TRUE. We do need more RANGER support there.

What did you think I DROVE? A horse and cart....

SUPPORT YOUR BUDS AND YOUR MODEL!

 

I have no idea where he dug these posts up from, but it is good to look back. Even I have no idea what I was talking about opening up the air intake. I do have a cold air intake on there now. In the years that have passed, I have fallen in love with this truck. I have so many great memories with the Sheriff (that's what I named it). My friends and I went Christmas shopping about four years ago and bought fake mustaches. A friend put the sheriff mustache on my ford badge on the front, and it has been there ever since. I figured it would fall off after a day or two, but it's still there. I guess the truck likes it. This truck has taken me all over the county, and only stranded me once. That debacle was even a good time looking back. I am currently repainting it, and getting it ready for the next 100k. It might be a little slow, but it gets me anywhere I need to go. I still hate the automatic, but have learned to live with it. Damn these are some great trucks. I have to thank the all of you folks here on this forum for all the help I have gotten over the years. This is a great place, and it's good to know there are others out there ho love Rangers as much as I do.

 

What can I say?

1) I gotta have good mileage
2) I gotta have a truck

QED: I gotta RANGER!!!
4 banger - FIVE ON THE FLOOR!
It works for me....