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Howdy all, Lloyd from Oregon. Just bought a 93 Ranger XL 2.3L RWD with 63k miles. I wanted something I could use to commute into work, job with around the property (sparing my 2019 F-350, which my wife says I'm too hard on), and have a manual truck that I can teach my daughter to drive. My kids named it Pete.
The previous owner took pretty good care of it, but it sat for a little while before he sold it, so I've been running into some (fun) challenges as I've started to run it again--i.e. replaced the radiator this last weekend, had a decent leak. This kind of thing is an adventure, since until buying this truck I never really did my own maintenance or repairs. Having a helluva time finding a few parts, but I'll address that in a different post.
1993 has the 2.3l SOHC engine, aka Lima or Pinto engine, been around since the 1974 Pinto, very reliable engines
1989-1994 is distributorless and runs 2 spark plugs per cylinder for extra power and has a separate spark system, the computer just does fuel
1995-1997 2.3l had newer computer that did both spark and fuel, engine swap is not compatible with earlier 2.3l SOHC
2001-2011 Ranger 2.3l is DOHC and has no relationship to the 2.3l SOHC
2.3l SOHC uses a timing belt that needs to be changed every 80k miles or so, but its a non-interference engine so no engine damage if belt slips or breaks
You have an M5OD-R1 manual trans, aka M5R1, used in all Rangers 1988-2011
Good reliable manual 5-speed trans, uses ATF, yes automatic transmission fluid in a manual trans, NOT gear oil
M5R1s are engine specific, bell housing is not removable, so M5R1 is a model number not what it fits
When you change the clutch use a self adjusting pressure plate
