Hello. I have been reading this forum for a while now and only recently registered. I own a 2001 Ford Ranger xlt extended cab 2wd flareside. A few of my friends also own Ford Rangers ranging from the new 4 wheel drive edge versions to the older "work truck" type Rangers. One of my best friends has begun modifying his 97 ranger (euro taillights, clearcorner lights, 650 amp, 2 12 inch subs, custom paint) and has gotten me interested in doing the same. Just for reference I bought my truck in March and love the looks of it. It is an extended cab flareside painted a real nice blue with really nice looking stock rims. I love the way it looks after a real nice washing. My girlfriend affectionately named the truck "blue devil". I have no clue why.

But back to what I was wanting to post about. My truck has a 3.0 v6 with a squeaky serpentine belt. I have tried a few ways to fix this problem but they have either not worked or given only short term help. If you have any solutions to this problem please help me out.

Okay. Like I said, I love the looks of my truck and would definately like to keep it. However, I don't like the performance that I get out of my engine. One of my biggest complaints is that my friend with the 97 Ranger has a 4.0 v6. Not only does he smoke me when we race, he gets 2-4 miles to the gallon better than i do! The miles to the gallon doesnt really bother me, its just its really ironic that a bigger engine does better than mine. (for referance i would say that we both drive about the same way) So what I am searcing for is engine mods to gain the hp needed to smoke him, or if i should go the different route and opt for a 5.0 302. i realize that 5.0 would be expensive but what would the price be for a new 5.0, compared to a used one with less than 50,000 miles on it?

Any help is appreciated.

 

Haha, you're ahead of most when they get here. The 5.0L is the way to go. As soon as you finish putting the 5.0L in, go to the local boneyard, find a Nissan with the 2.3L badge, and pop the badge off and stick it on your tailgate. Now that's a sleeper.

I've done the whole soundsystem mods and have mods all around my truck from lights to neon to radio to all kinds of miscellaneous stuff like fog lights and just today, a gauge panel in the centre console.

If you have a stick, look into getting a Hurst shifter, they are AWESOME in every respect.

The squeaky serpentine belt usually is just a loose tensioner. Once someone with a 3.0L sees this they can probably help you more.

Best of luck, if you need anything or have any questions just PM me.

 

As far as the serpentine belt, replace the belt before you replace the tensioner. I think the belts with teeth on them (the one I have is called Gatorback, I think) are supposed to be quieter than the regular ones.

 

yeah, i've looked at my serpentine belt however there are no cracks or breaks anywhere in it. maybe i should go ahead and replace it though and maybe it will be quieter.

thanks for your replies, does anyone have any suggestions to where i can find a used 302 engine over the internet. i've checked ebay and ford racing parts, i didnt find much on ebay and ford racing parts only has brand new engines, which to me seemed a tad bit high. i havent yet checked the local junkyard im going to look there sometime in the near future. thanks for all your help

 

the 5.0 was in the thunderbird, mark5,6,7, and the stang and probably something else. however the stang version is the h.o. in the ranger either one would be suffice. maybe just get a long block and finish it yourself. anyway, check every ford site you can think of. sooner or later you'll find something. you maybe able to find one in the fte classifieds. as far as the belt noise, its almost without a doubt the tensioner. i had the same problem, drove me insane! changed everything, belt, idler pulley, alternator. finally found it to be the tensioner, no more noise. i also tried belt dressing, don't, it'll just make a mess. i too have the gator-back belt by goodyear. i think its better than any other including the motorcraft which is about $55 bucks.

 

thanks for your help im gonna go look at it this afternoon. im also gonna try to find that 5.0 that engine in a ranger would be sweet.