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My name is Dan and I live in San Tan Valley, Az. I have recently purchased my 1988 Ford Ranger Styleside 108" WB 4WD. I literally just purchased it and plan to restore it. It has a 2.3L that has been hacked a bit but is running and driving. I joined this forum to gather information about modifications that will increase efficiency and to share my project with others.
I am a disabled Veteran of the US Navy and am currently a Business Continuity Manager for the worlds leading online retailer. I Have a small goat farm where my wife and I make goat milk products and raise our three (3) children. I consider myself a jack of all trades but a master of none. I enjoy putting in work and seeing the results.
I grew up in a Ford family and currently have the following beautiful Fords:
1988 Ranger XLT Styleside 4x4 (2.3L)
1997 F-150 Lariat Extended Cab 4x4 (4.6L)
2016 F-150 XLT Lariat SuperCrew (5.0)
2017 Ford Fusion Energy Hybrid
I would like to thank everyone for the opportunity to be a part of this community!
1988 Ranger will have a 2.3l Lima engine, used in Fords from 1974 Pinto to 1997 Ranger, then a stroked version, 2.5l, was used in 1998-2001 Rangers
1988 Ranger could have 2.3l with carb and distributor(Rare in '88), or Fuel injection(EFI) with distributor, 1985-1988
In 1989 all 2.3l Rangers were switched over to EFI and distributorless spark system with dual spark plugs in each cylinder
Its most likely a manual trans but if automatic its an A4LD model
If manual it should be a 5-speed with a Borg-Warner BW1350 transfer case
First and foremost, thank you for your service to our country!
Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your purchase! Looks like you got yourself a very interesting and exciting project. I'm sure this 1988 will be getting only better with all the work you planned on it. Good luck and keep us posted!
Thank you for the kinds words and information. Here on some pictures of the 88 as it sits in the yard. I did not get pictures before I started taking it apart (impatient).
I got it home and found it would not shift into 5th and Reverse. After some research and asking a few more questions from the previous owner; I found that he had missed 4th and hit reverse. He initially told me that all it needed was a reverse shift fork (he was wrong).
I pulled the Trans and found the reverse/5th synchro sleeve had been ground to bits. I have ordered the replacement and it should be here Tuesday.
Gonna reassemble the trans and clean everything up before installing.
Carpet is stained but is still in good shape. Gonna wash it real good before putting it back in
Pulled the exhaust. Cat had been cut out and the incorrect size of flex pipe was used (wrong diameter casing leaks at the clamps). I am getting ready to order some exhaust parts and could some assistance. I want to make it quiet but want to improve performance. I am planning on purchasing a CAT and some straight pipe but have no clue about mufflers. I am not sure what to purchase to make it sound good and quiet. I NEED HELP!!!!
Nice job! That's going to be a sharp looking truck. I really like those earlier Rangers. I really like my 98 but wish I still had my 83 XLT shortbed too. Had to part with it during a move a while back. I hope to be able to redo an older one again someday.
I always like the earlier models. They were built right back then. I lucked out on getting this guy though. I had a Sand Rail that was collecting dust in the yard, so I traded up to this beauty. Much easier to work on than my 97 F150 Lariat 4x4.
Do you have any suggesstions about how to build my exhaust? I am thinking of purchasing a Magnaflow Cat, Straight pipe and a muffler. Not sure if that would damage it or make it better....?
I have a DynaMax catback on mine. It's a Walker product. Has a nice growl but they sell complete systems without a growl too. These kits are way easier than trying to piece something together. Cats a re a funny thing. I've always felt an OE version was best but I know there are quite a few good aftermarket ones out there now too. Magnaflow is always a good brand but you may have to mod a cat back kit designed for the stock Cat if you go with the Magnaflow.
