Hi, i was looking into buying performance parts for my 2004 2.3L Ranger 2x4. I'm having trouble finding anything at all, short of a Cold Air Intake made by Draxas Performance.

If anyone has some information on where i could get parts or any ideas how well the draxas intake works it would be much appreciated. Thx, Mike.

 

What kind of parts are you looking for?
Do you want new parts? or doesnt matter?

 

Well, first things first. It's a 2.3, don't expect it to stand on the back wheels...ever...lol. But honestly, you can find some stuff out there. The "cold" air intake is a good place to start, if you are seriously looking to invest money into it.
You don't mention if you have an auto or manual tranny. If it's a manual, definetly look into the very popular Hurst shifters, not bad and much quicker on the shifts once you get used to it.
You could look at local muffler shops and see what they could do for you.
Those are fairly simple and inexpensive mods you can do. None is going to give a huge boost of performance, but they'll make it easier on you and maybe run a little better.
If you really want performance, turbo it, upgrade the diff, and get a chip for it.

 

Yeah, there's not really much stuff out there for the Ranger motor. If you wanted to get creative, it's the same basic motor as the 2.3L Duratec Focus. Draxas is about the only source of parts for the Duratec Ranger I could find.

If you're going to get agressive with your manual tranny, I'd recommend you upgrade the clutch.

I put a cat-back on my 2003 and saw an improvement, especially in the top-end. Fun little truck in traffic. Still have to downshift to go up hills, though.

 

RangerPilot,

What differential upgrades would you recommend?
-- tear out the 7.5" ring/pinion housing and install a 8.8" unit?
-- take out the open diff and install a limited slip?
-- change out (numerically) the ring/pinion gears?
-- all of the above?


What and who's "chip" would you suggest?

Thanks!
BarnieTrk

 

Only switch in an 8.8 if your worried about breaking the 7.5.

A posi will help if your having traction issues.

A lower gear will improve acceleration but you'll lose mileage and top end speed.

Check out our site sponser motorhaven.com and our chip forum.

 

I recall that the only chip available for the 2.3 Duratec Ranger is a custom-burn Diablo chip, available through Draxas. I've always wondered if Focus parts could be used. You might have to use the throttle body and sensors from a Focus, but it's the same basic engine, and there's lots of stuff available for the Focus.

I've yet to mod my intake, but I just might.

Do mods affect warranty service? Could Ford/Mazda deny me warranty coverage because I have a cat-back exhaust?

 

Check out this link, it applies to your warrant question....

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...s/warranty.htm

Bottom line it will only affect the warranty if it has a direct relationship to the failure, such as a drive line failure after you install a 6" lift.

 

No personal suggestions, the stock differential would be fine. That being said, treat it well, keep the fluid changed (as I found out today, mine has NEVER been changed).
Ken, you say a lower gear would increase acceleration but decrease top speed/mileage. So my 3.08 would accelerate faster than a 3.73, but I'm gettin' ripped on speed and mileage?

 

I'd think twice about doing business with Draxas. I bought a header for my 2.3 from them and it has been the most unprofessional, frustrating transaction I've ever had. It's still unresolved after nearly three months. PM me and I'll send you a link to a different forum where some of it is detailed.

 

I'm not Ken00, but I'll jump in here:
It's my understanding that the 3.73 ring/pinion gears would accelerate you quicker than the 3.08 gears, due to the 1st gear & ring/pinion gear multiplication. However, the upper rpm power range would also be obtained quicker with the 3.73s and result in a lower top mph speed than the 3.08s. However, unless you're into driving well over 70mph, it likely wouldn't be a problem.

I have been thinking of locating a good used 7.5", 3.73 limited-slip ring/pinion gear set out of a Bronco II or 4X4 Ranger for my 2X4, '94, 2.3L, 5-speed Ranger. Since I've got the 5-speed, which I think has about an 0.80 OD (5th) gear, that would only compute to a 2.98 ratio (3.73 X 0.80) final drive ratio. Then considering 27" tall tires @ 65 mph, that would still only make just over 2400rpms; which is still not that high for decent mileage.

Regarding a different computer chip, I'm a bit scared to go with one, since I've my 2.3L has fairly high mileage (>240K) on it and I'd be afraid I'd hurt it...

BarnieTrk

P.S.
When I asked to buy a K&N air filter for my 2.3L Ranger, the counter/salesman asked me, "WHY?" I responded, "Because it needs all the help it can get!"

 

.87 for 5th (OD) as far as I know.

I am lookin' into getting a 3.73 as well then. Even though it accelerates just fine in my opinion and can move when I want it to, always fun to throw something out they don't expect!

 

So If 5th gear is indeed a 0.87 ratio gear; then with 3.73 rear gears, the final drive ratio would be: 3.73 x .087 = 3.25.

With at least a 29" tall tire, the 65-mph cruising rpms still wouldn't be too bad for mileage.......

Thanks for setting me straight, RangerPilot!

BarnieTrk

 

thx a buinch for the info guys, i should have told you i also own a 02 cougar so i know whats its like tryin to get Hp out of a small engine(2.5L V6 in the cougar btw) the ranger is manual though, i'm not much for automatic. glad to know you can get some of the focus stuff to work in it.

thx for all the help.

 

Love them Cougars, my best friend has one, we did a little modding on it just for kicks.
I'm with ya 100% Mike, loved the automatics my 'rents have until my truck came along, now I have withdrawal shakes if there's not a stick to hold...