Hey..my grandparents have offered me their 1988 ranger XLT for free. It has been sitting and not ran in quite a while but it looks fairly decent. It does have some water damage cause the windshield wasn't replaced good but I'm sure a detailer could fix it, most of the interior is moldy so I'd get it detailed and cleaned anyways. Also the fuel pump may be fried. It's got the 2.3l l4 engine with 4x2 drivetrain. Now i expect to go on rough gravel USFS roads often and i live in Washington so it'll see lots of rain and some snow in the winter months. I should also note this would be my forst car if i get it. Im okay with doing some work to get it running good. I just wanted to ask, is this gonna be okay with rough gravel roads\snow and lots of rain considering it's only 2wd with the small 2.3 engine? And if i do get it what upgrades\moda would be good for the truck?

 

Welcome to the forum

The engine size won't be an issue and the MPG with a smaller engine will be better for your wallet

The 2wd part is an issue since its actually just 1wd, and most 4wds are really just 2wd, one front and one rear wheel, drive the vehicle, just FYI
OPEN differentials are the most common, front and rear

But if you put some sand bags in the bed over the axle and some good traction tires, there won't be may places you can't go, well within reason, lol

Its a 2.3l SOHC Lima engine, made in the Lima, Ohio Ford engine plant, also nick named the "Pinto" engine because it was first used in a 1974 Ford Pinto
It was used in several Ford models up to 2001
Very low power to weight ratio because its "built like a tank" but lasts just as long as a tank, very hard to ruin this engine
It uses a Timing belt, which should be changed every 80-100k miles, belt can break and engine will not be hurt, just won't run

1988 was the last year the 2.3l had 4 spark plugs and a distributor, in 1989 it had 8 spark plugs and dual coil packs, no distributor

It should be Fuel Injected so will have a computer for that, spark is a separate system
You can spray gasoline into the engine to see if its starts, called the 50/50 test
If it starts and dies then yes, could be fuel pump issue
If it doesn't start then spark is the first thing to look at

If a vehicle sits more than a year then the gasoline in the tank may not be gasoline any more, lol so should be drained and fresh gasoline added
New fuel filter for sure


You can listen for fuel pump
Turn on the key and listen, fuel pump should run for 2 seconds, but only 2 seconds, when key is turned on
You can turn the key off and then on again as much as you like, listening each time
Its not quiet, a HUMMMM from behind the cab
There are TWO Fuel pumps on a 1988 Ranger
A low pressure pump in the gas tank, a "lift pump", and then a High Pressure pump in the frame rail under drivers seat area by the fuel filter

 

Okay thanks this is good information..i think if i get it I'd start by getting a new timing belt(it's at 74k and has been sitting for a few years), spark plugs, fuel filter and maybe a new fuel pump if needed. The main issue with dumping the old fuel is they said both of the tanks are full Soo..

​​​​​I was also considering lifting it, not sure how much but not any higher than 6". Do you know if there are any upgrades that should be made to just make the truck preform better? Like suspension or air intake or exhaust something like that?

He also said he things the valve manifolds nay be leaking so i may need to replace those seals as well..

Thanks for your response

 

Okay well i actually mixed up which engine it is..it's not the 2.3l l4 engine, it's the 2.9 V6 engine. Not sure how i mixed that upAlso do you know if there are any upgrades that can help with performance? Such as suspension, exhaust or i take type of stuff?

 

The 1988 2.9l was a good engine but did like to get cracked heads so NEVER EVER allow it to over heat, PULL OVER, do not try to make it home
If you have to replace heads get the 1989-1992 casting

2.9l is Fuel Injected and also has a distributor and TFI module on its side, TFI module often became heat sensitive causing running issue and No starts after engine was warmed up

Have a read here on the 2.9l: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...2_9_Page.shtml

There are some suggestions for performance at the bottom

All Rangers with Fuel injection came with a Cold Air Intake from the factory, so don't waste money on that modification

 

Okay thank you again i appreciate it.

 

My experience with my 94 on rough, washboard roads, was that prior to putting new shocks on, it was really squirrelly. Just wanted to go every which direction but forward. New shocks solved that issue.