Hey everybody. I'm new to the whole forum thing. Thought I'd give it a try. Just got a 98 ranger 4cyl auto for 500 bucks for work. Runs fine but would like it to run better. Im not the best truck mechanic but I'm learning. Any tips would help (motor change parts change ex.) Thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum

NICE mostly RED RANGER

1998 4cyl will have a 2.5l SOHC Lima engine
Ford first used this engine as a 2.3l in the 1974 Pintos so its been around a LONG TIME
The 2.5l was only made for 4 years, 1998 to 2001, its a Stroked 2.3l so just has different crank and connecting rods, same block and head as the 2.3l

It uses 2 spark plugs per cylinder for better performance, like Dodge Hemi, there is no alternating, both spark plugs fire at the same time
You can test if all 4 spark plugs on one side are working by unplugging the 3 wire connector on one coil pack and then start the engine
If it has a misfire then one of the spark plugs on that side is not working
Then test other side

The 2.3l/2.5l Lima engines use a timing belt, it needs to be changed every 100k miles, the Lima is a non-interference engine so if the belt should break NO engine damage would occur, but it would stop running, lol

1998 Ranger was first year for Returnless fuel system with 55psi pressure, if engine seems to lack power at highway speeds it can be a fuel pressure issue

It is OBD2 so does do detailed trouble codes
There should be a CEL(check engine light) that comes on with Key ON, then goes off after engine starts
Make sure you see that

You can get bluetooth OBD2 readers for $15-$30, these use your smartphone to display info, APPs are free or $5
These work on ANY vehicle sold in the US or Canada 1996 and up, it was the LAW, so not a Ford thing