How about we start a thread posting stickies on what we know to be fact on the mechanical/electrical of Ranger models we drive/driven?
I know a LOT about 83-92, but not so much about 93-2011, and a good deal about SBF swaps in 83-85 (carbed) Rangers.
Lets start helping each other and those who visit!

 

I am sketchy on the 3.0.......
I know it went from dist. to coil packs in 96, and up from 145hp to 157hp in 2001, so I suppose those are milestones to look for.
I know it also has a unique bell-housing pattern which makes swaps to 2.3/2.5 or 4.0 V-6 cost prohibitive.

2.8, 2.9, 4.0 all share the same bolt pattern.

 

Are we still including Explorers in this group?
If so, I can join in

 

I'm certain YOU would be the go-to guy to start a "Exploder" tech section.
But we are talkin' bout rangers here, not glorified station wagons........LOL!

There are more than enough differences between the 2 that it would be great to start a separate Explorer tech thread!

 

I'll probably stay out of here. Dave and I seem to bump heads, and I'm not up for another show down like the other place

 

When have we bumped heads?
I defer to your superior knowledge of Exploders..............I'm skeered of the wife's Limited..........It looks like a electrical nightmare waiting to happen!

 

Is the 3.0 known for head & valve problems. Mine has 40k on the Ford longblock & has 2 dead cylinders on the passenger side. It's the valves. I need the info on how to repair it as cheaply as possible. I'm think using a rebuilt head is the easiest way to go or have mine rebuilt. I don't want it. It's a gas hog & rough riding. I like full size trucks. It looks good & other than the motor problems everything works. The funds I get from selling it can go into my favorite truck. My F250.

 

I just went through this on my old 2.8 with burned valves, the machine shop tells me ethanol gas is to blame............higher temps in comb. chamber, eroding valve seats on motors built before E-10/15.

 

Feel the love!

 

Not much added in here eh!

 

You can use 3.0 long block out of a Taurus if you pull the heads and use Ranger head gaskets. Taurus engines are cheap on CL.

 

In the planning process of a 5.0L, AOD, NP242-T/C, swap into our 94 4x4...

Have to decide just how I want to do it.

 

EFI or carb?