Hows it going everyone. Hope everyone is staying safe out there and had a good 4th!

I have recently acquired a 1987 ranger with the 2.9, and been running into some issues with it dying at random times. Ill start by saying im not as familiar with fords as i am with other vehicles, so there has been a learning curve. When i got the truck it wouldn't start at all. Turned over just fine and narrowed it down to the fuel pump on the frame, I replaced the fuel pump, all filters, and relay because it had been tampered with by the previous owners. It started up just fine at this point, but would die after going down the road a few miles, or if i just let it idle for a few mins. At that point i pulled a plugs and wires just to see if it was a spark issue, and it was. I wasn't getting spark anymore, so i replaced the coil. Then it started just fine but continued to do the same thing, just suddenly die. I have checked all vacuum lines and zero leaks, I have replaced the IAC valve and it seemed to help for a little while, but then the same crap. I have noticed that when it dies, i can unplug the IAC and it will start, of course the idle is poor, but i can turn it off and plug it back in and it starts up with zero issues, but eventually it cuts out again. When the truck dies, and i continue to crank it over, if i pump the gas it may or may not start, but it will not rev above 2k and it spits and sputters like crazy. As long as i unplug and plug the IAC it will start. Does anyone know what resistance i should be getting off of the IAC? Any info would be greatly appreciated. The truck was $200 so i couldn't pass it up, and it has kept me busy through the Covid BS, for which i am thankful, at this point though it is getting exhausting so it would be refreshing to get some legitimate ford guru's opinions so im not chasing my tail. The fuel pressure regulator look to be in new(er) condition, and have contemplated replacing it because may be bad and sending fuel back through the vacuum, which would in theory flood the motor. The distributor cap was changed before the truck was parked by the previous owner and looks in good shape, no oxidation or cracks... along with plugs, and wires.

Please and Thanks in advance for the help.
God Bless!

 

I'm facing this same issue. Were you able to solve it? Mine will run for about 5min in idle, before abruptly dying. I replaced: Fuel filter, oil filter, new oil, alternator, starter relay to starter cable, ignition coil + connector, distributor and cap, wires, ignition switch, plugs gapped, new battery, cleaned the IAC.