85 Ranger

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Jan 20, 2009 | 02:05 PM

flipklos

Thread Starter

Cargo Master

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 2,095

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From: Wahpeton ND

85 Ranger

Ok Im pretty darn familier with the larger f series trucks but the ranger is kinda unknowen to me and Id like some idea of what Im getting into.

A guy at work has a 85 4x4 ranger he just bought and wants me to work on it.

What V-6 could that be?

Is that and autolite 2100 carb on it?

What trany is it?.........Its a 5 spd manual.

Am I nuts or does that have full ford EEC-III? Wow!

The truck runs ok so I just kinda want some idea of whats in it.

Jan 20, 2009 | 03:56 PM

99F150

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,344

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From: Sioux Falls SD

2.8L German V6 dates back to the Mercury Capri of early 1970's very reliable motor. I had one in a 1978 Mustang II.

Trans is either a Mazda or Mitsubishi.
Should have Dura Spark II ignition.

Jan 20, 2009 | 04:25 PM

Old93junk

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Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 23,849

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From: McKenzie River

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipklos

Nope, thats a 2150a motorcraft carb, a POS in my humble opinion. The trans is either a toyo koyogo or mazda 5spd. The 2.8 litre v6 is a great engine if freed up from the factory emissions controls. I have the same vehicle but 1 yr older and have owned it since brand new, 300,000 miles before over haul. The truck is now slightly modded but now runs stronger than ever, so if you have any questions about your rig I might be qualified to answer them!

Jan 21, 2009 | 05:50 AM

wendell borror

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I don't believe the mazda M5OD started showing up in the ranger untill 88 or 89.

Jan 21, 2009 | 08:30 AM

BSmitty

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 537

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From: Yes

You're right Wendell, the truck may have either a TK5 (Toyo Kogyo 5spd) or Mitsubishi FM145, most likely it will have the Mitsubishi. The motor will be a 2.8l V6, which was the only 6 banger in '85. EEC III, that sounds about right. You will find a spout connector, EGR system, and even a basic O2 sensor, all built around the 2150 carb. Never made any sense to me since the 2bbl shaped throttle body injection system was already on the 5.0l and 3.8l by this time, but that's just the way ford did things. I loved 2.8l engines, the timing gears and solid lifters made them noisy and earned them the nickname, "the sewing machine" but they were durable and efficient when they ran right. I had an '85 Bronco II a couple years ago that got 21-22 MPG, but it cost me plenty to get it back into good enough running condition to get that mileage when I bought it! Great truck when you get it whipped into shape, but beware that the engine management systems can be a real headache.

Jan 21, 2009 | 11:36 AM

Old93junk

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Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 23,849

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From: McKenzie River

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendell borror

I don't believe the mazda M5OD started showing up in the ranger untill 88 or 89.

Eh, Mazda/ Mitsubishi - I never was much on japanese names!. Mitsubishi 5spd it is!, The best mod to this engine is to scrap out the TFI EECIII system and go with the old dura spark ignition and distributor (really wakes these little motors up) then find a old 2100 or 2150 non feedback carb. The difference in power and driveability is incredible. Some folks put a 350cfm holley 2bbl on them, but it really doesnt gain much over a well tuned motorcraft. A 4bbl manifold is avail. from Offenhauser, and a 390cfm holley 4bbl works well. To use this set up a cam and porting would help as a stock 2.8 cant quite use all that cfm. Headers are available thru Edlebrock, but early Aerostars with the 2.8 used headers from the factory for clearance issues and with a little modding you can use them on the Ranger, 4x4 or 4x2. If you go with the duraspark conv. you can get rid of ALL the emission garbage that hampers these great little engines.