Just got a Grandpa fresh 84 ranger XL 2.8 V6 Auto. One thing I know it needs is new brake lines to the rear (rusted thru), but i want to change all out. where is a place to buy pre-bent lines if any. next, I have heard the "feedback" carb is not a good option, what would y'all sugest? any other little mods to do to make it run better. This thing is bone stock, never been hacked on. Thanks in advance for any ideas. (pics in gallery)

 

Anybody? bump....

 

Can't help much with the questions, but just wanted to say it looks like it is in excellent shape for a 22 year old truck. I have heard the carbs on those year V6's are not that good, and expensive to rebuild. However, I have no first hand experience with them. As for the brake lines, I would imagine any brake shop in the area can fix you up with pre-bent lines. If not, check this site's sponsors, might find what you need.

 

I picked up an '89 extra-cab 2.9l v-6 (grandpa truck, too).Can't give you any advice on the carb.--I'm still trying to get it to idle(idles very rich) smoothly(it's fuel injected).* I Did a complete tune-up/fluid change--still has a rough idle.* I did buy one of those brake line bending tools and some straight line with the fittings already installed.* Took me a couple hours to re-do the bad sections and bleed the brakes.* If either of us find out somethin on a replacemnt carb, post it. I'd like to put a carb on mine and put the computer and fuel injection in the attic before it costs me more than the truck did!(greeaat little truck above 1,600 rpm)

 

I just picked up an '84 4x4, 2.8l, C-5 auto for my oldest daughter. Body is in great shape, as it appears is the running gear. It has a newer 60/40 split seat that wasn't mounted as far back as it could have been, which makes things a bit tight for me. But, then I'm 6'7". The engine was shot and I've replaced it. But, it has a persistent deadspot in the throttle when it's just barely open. Idles great and once you get past that deadspot it runs great. But, it stumbles and now and then dies if you stay too long at that spot. I think it might have something to do with the feedback carb. There's a large plastic black box mounted on the driver side fender, that looks like it's the control box for the carb. It's got some adjustment screws labeled "low speed", "sensor" and "cent" as well as some adjustments for manual or automatic tranny. I made sure it's set for an automatic, but does anyone know anything about the other adjustment screws? Any help would be appreciated. Also, has anyone ever replaced the feedback carb with a non-feedback type?

 

Nice truck, slap in a ford small block, straight front axle and wide slicks on the rear and head to the strip. Or just leave it like it is, but with a V-8, it would make a nice sleeper. I'm just not a fan of the 2.8, I would have to swap it out with something.

 

Dang... Wendell, what do they consider a big mod in your neck of the woods? Ha ha, just kidding I love your idea and I'm going to start going around to a couple of places this afternoon to do research on the suggestions you gave to me.

 

I know it's a little extreme, just trying to find away to dump the 2.8 ha ha. It is a very good looking truck, I love the first generation rangers.

 

As for the brake lines, pick up a 25' coil of brake tube, some tube nuts & a double flairing tool. That way you can make your lines all in 1 section, no splices, less chance for leaks. Greg

 

id dump that motor, even a 2.3 would be a better engine. if it wasnt for the price of fuel a 302 would make it a nice sleeper.

 

Forget about buying pre-bent brake lines, they don't exist. Replace the rubber brake lines [all the way around, now... your life depends on it] at the same time since the system is going to be bled. Gbadgley is talking straight, so do them all at one time and be done with it. Get a tube bending tool, you are going to need it. Since the only problem is brakes, I would give it a tuneup and check the fluid levels in the tranny and the differential[s], those can be changed come summer. Other than that... enjoy!

 

When you can, go over the underside real well. Remove rust, prime and paint where you can. Spray undercoat where needed. I am a big fan of coating underside moving parts with Fluid Film spray. It is great stuff and won't attract dirt.

 

You might try googling around for brake lines. There are (or at least were) a couple of places. However, I think that they wanted to sell you the whole setup. They were pretty spendy ( I'm thinking $500, but it's been a while since I looked). The hot rod magazines always talk about a place that has brakeline in the web name, as I recall.

I don't know anything about the 2.8, but the feedback carb is probably a PITA. I had one on an E150 I-6. Didn't help that all of the crap was crammed against the side of the doghouse. However, I never did really have a clue about how it worked.

If you could put in an FI 2.3, you might be happier. It's a well known engine.

I agree that it's a good looking truck

ford2go

 

Actually 302 powered rangers aren't that bad on gas if left pretty much stock. With the light ranger body the engine doesn't have to labor. It should get somewhere in the 20's in mpg.