So I am replacing a head gasket kit on my 88 ranger, 2.9 v6 with electronic fuel injection. I've got new heads coming but I've noticed another part that needs replacing. Only problem is I have no idea what the name of the part is! It's the part between the heads, under the intake manifold. The fuel injectors plug into it from the fuel rail and the thermostat housing bolts onto the front of it. It's cracked and there's a bolt busted off into it so I feel like it needs replacing, If anyone can help me figure out what the part is called I can figure out where to get a new one. Now if you're thinking "this idiot is replacing a head gasket kit and can't name the basic components of his engine?" well you're absolutely right, so please feel free to also use this opportunity to give me any other advice you think I might need, thanks in advance to everyone!

 

Lower intake manifold...
Doesn't show a photo though _ not much out there to choose from either.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intake-Mani...638?rmvSB=true

 

jeff thanks for the reply. see I did try that but whenever I typed in lower intake it came up with zero results on multiple sites which is why I thought there must be another name. is it really just that hard to find?

 

1988 is pretty old, that's 30 years.
I don't know when the 2.9 was discontinued though, but it's still an old engine.

I use Google as a search engine and click on images or just go to eBay.
Even on images, most were no longer available and what did come up, there were only a couple.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=lower...ih=747#imgrc=_

EDIT:
If I go to Rock Auto, it appears the last year listed for the 2.9 was in 1992, but even if you search for that more recent year it doesn't guarantee that other things will be the same, Ford seemed to have a tendency to keep changing things.

 

I did an eBay search for the 92 and it says this should fit, it's bran new.
But as you know, you have to be carful with eBay, just because the seller says it fits, doesn't mean to say it will.
He's posted some pretty pictures, so it's easy to tell.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-90-...NZJRWu&vxp=mtr