im new to the site
 

I'm not sure what I'm doing here , I'm fairly new to computers and the terminology also , I wanted to get into the section where I can ask a few mechanical, electrical, performance,etc. questions ? I do most all my own work, I just finished the clutch ...by myself ,not again , also water pump, radiator, thermostat, plugs and wires, all in the last month . The truck has 270k+ and still runs strong , .I'm debating doing the timing belt ,this truck has been maintained but I bought it used at around 230k and don't know maintenance dates ...

Hi,

For 2.3l engine questions post here: 2.3L & 2.5L I4 Tech - Ranger-Forums - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource

For electrical post here: General Technical & Electrical - Ranger-Forums - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource

For general Ranger questions post here: General Ford Ranger Discussion - Ranger-Forums - The Ultimate Ford Ranger Resource

Your year Ranger had the 2.3l Lima engine, also called Pinto engine since Ford first used it in 1974 Pinto cars.
Lima name comes from Ford's Lima, Ohio engine plant, where it was made.

There were 2.0l, 2.3l and 2.5l Lima engines used in Rangers from 1983 to 2001, these were all SOHC(single over head cam) engines.
These are very reliable engines.

In Mid 2001 Ford started using the Mazda "L" 2.3l Duratec DOHC engine, these are not related to the Lima engines in any way.

So to avoid confusion when looking around for parts it is good to know which 2.3l Ranger engine you have

welcome aboard