I have a 98 ranger with the 3.0 5sp. Driving at 55 mph the other day it lost power. I know these engine don't have alot any ways. But I couldn't maintain 55 and down shift to lower gear didn't help. I looked at the plugs driver side gap was .080 and passenger side was .056. The emission sticker says .042-.046.
I regapped the plugs havent drive it yet. Any ideas if that didn't help.

 

Do you still have the original fuel pump/filter in the truck ?
How many miles ?

Do you still have the metal DPFE sensor on it ?

Any check engine light and if so, what are the codes ?

 

Replaced filter when I got the truck. Pump unsure on. 246642 miles. Yes still the metal dpfe no engine light. The bulb is blown but scanned it with a snap on solus no KOEO or memory and pending codes.

 

Check your fuel pressure.
You can get an inexpensive gauge that will be accurate enough.
Fuel pressure is tested through the schrader valve on the left fuel rail.
Should be at 65 to 75 psi.

I'm going to assume that re-gapping the plugs didn't help to improve things.

How old are your plugs and wires ?

 

Sorry to piggyback, but related to the HT leads, anything to be gained by upgrading Vs just Ford replacements?

As for the issue, if the plugs were so badly gapped, you might just have the spark being blown out now, that big of a gap is probably from the electrode just wearing down so much, new plugs?

 

I would like to say thanks for helping me find out whats wrong with my ranger.
i did a fuel pressure check and it was about 70psi. I then did a compression check and found my problem. low compression
1-75
2-70
3-70
4-70
5-30
6-0

yes #6 was at 0 when checked.i did the check with engine at normal operating temp. checked every cylinder twice. after which i put some oil in 5 and 6 and they came up to where the others are. I do know that means piston rings bad. Trying to figure out if i will replace with another 3.0 or do a swap of some sort. truck was my daily driver before it when down. i know swap are time consuming which is not a problem.

 

How many miles does it have ?
Those compression numbers are indicative of an old tired British car with 1/2 million miles on it.
It's a wonder it even fires up in the morning.

Consider a new short block and get your heads rebuilt, or a complete long block.

If the body, frame and paint is good to descent condition, it's worth the money to install new running gear rather then gamble with a used engine from an auto wrecker.