83 4x4
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
83 4x4
Im new to the ranger scene but I got today a 83 ranger 4x4 its a 2.3 standard 4 speed, I was wondering if you guys could tell me about it. Like what kinda power its making probably lucky if its even 100 hp, and what gear ratios front and rear or where to find the identification. What are some cheap ways to pick up power? Better exhaust? etc?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Get a better engine, my old one had a V6 in it and that was plenty of power to get me out of mountain trails and to help move equipment around the farm. A V8 would be a better deal though. I absolutely hated those manual locking hubs, but I absolutely LOVED that 4 low - it got me up snowed under jeep trails like nobody's business.
Check the gears in the differential, mine were completely worn out, but I had a manual not an automatic so it might make a difference.
Abuse that truck, it's built for it and since its old it doesn't matter if the body gets dented or the paint gets scratched - just don't take it racing you'll roll it first tight turn.
Check the gears in the differential, mine were completely worn out, but I had a manual not an automatic so it might make a difference.
Abuse that truck, it's built for it and since its old it doesn't matter if the body gets dented or the paint gets scratched - just don't take it racing you'll roll it first tight turn.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,147
Likes: 0
One of the best ways to get power from a 4 cylinder, is to install larger gears. With the 4 banger, you should have 4:10's stock, you could easiy go up to 4:56. One of the biggest power restricters on your engine is the head, it doesn't flow well. If it was me, I would get the head ported, and polished, a better cam, a header, and open up the exhaust alittle, also an upgraded ignition system such as msd, or jacobs may help on a 4 cylinder of your vintage, but above all, "GEARS". there are also some good aftermarket heads available for the 2.3. The old *****'s army jeeps only had a 60 hp 4 banger, and they were amazing because they had gears (5:13's), but you wont need quit that much gear, you will want to be able to run 55 mph out on the highway ha ha. A 4 cylinder in a 4x4 can be quit capable offroad, and still offer good mpg.
