Hey guys, just curious on your opinions....

I have been on this forum for a while, usually just checking things weekly and learning more every week. I have an interesting engine problem which started about 2 weeks ago.

My engine now seems to produce quite a bit of vibration. It is more pronounced at start-up but it can still be noticed once warmed up. The truck is a 2004 4WD, manual trans, and has almost 55,000 miles. I have done all the maintance since new and have never really had any problems with the truck at all except for some rear brake drum issues which I was able to fix fairly easily. I have never replaced the spark plugs or wires since the owners manual states 100,000 miles and 60,000 for extreme use. I have only pulled the plugs to inspect them. They looked a little worn, but not too bad.

I was thinking the following.

1.) One or two wires are toast and creating the issue.
2.) Plugs are no longer good.
3.) Loose engine pulley, not sure which one.
4.) Possibly an exhaust leak, although the truck is still quiet.

ANY IDEAS???

Let me know where I should start looking....the check engine light has never come on the entire time I have had the truck.

BTW, I just made my last payment on the truck and I want to keep her another 4 years at least!!! She will now start seeing significantly more off highway time.

THANKS IN ADANCE

xavier

 

No on the exhaust, it wouldn't cause your issuse and as you said, it is still quiet...

I would say clean the MAF and the IAC, change the fuel filter (if it hasn't been done) and plugs (unless the wires need it too).

 

I'd suggest either a vacuum leak or plugs/wires. However.. both of those issues should throw a CEL if bad enough to feel it.

Also, check to make sure everything on the front of the engine is good / not loose / or have crud built up on it. Fan out of balance, pulley loose, ect..

Rich

 

I too would say plugs and wires but there would likely be a code. I am very suspect of them for this reason... I have never pulled off a plug wire that has been on there for more than a few miles without damaging it either visually or in some way that I could not even see. I have even seen a new plug installed that went bad some how overnight sitting under the carport. You know changed the plugs and drove fine and the next day when it started I noticed it immediately.

My advice. Leave the plugs and wires alone right now. Clean the maf and IAB, change the fuel filter and POLL the computer and see if it says anything at all. If that don’t work and/or you want to look at the plugs then pull em and the wires and get new ones. If you do remember this. Fords nowadays just seam to run better with Ford plugs and wires. So put in what’s supposed to be there.

You do don’t have to get them from ford though. I got the ford $350.00 wired and $9.00 Ford double plat plugs from Ford Performance Specialists for my old SHO for $180.00 and either $6 or $3 for the plugs. Shop around but get ford parts.


here are a few
http://www.fordspecialists.com
http://www.stuffforyourranger.com/store/

Try this place too,
http://www.andersonfordmotorsport.com/

Also don’t forget actually going to ford too, sometimes they'll suprise ya.

****

 

Done some shopping around.
Crossroads Ford Memphis tn,
Wires $105,
Plugs $10.95
Plus tax 9.75%

Anderson Ford (I havent heard back but I am sure theyre ford parts)
Wires $68.49
Plugs $6.99 EA
Shipping $13.99

The last quote I got from Ford Specialist was in the range of anderson ford. Ford parts and better prices than a dealer. They really beat the dealer on SHO parts, but thats what they work on.

Stuff for your ranger,
$48 made to order UnderDog 8mm (non-ford)
The Heat braid wires at $68 look prety snazzy.
I have to assume that if they sell wires and gobbs of other crap for the ranger then they also sell plugs, but I dont see them on the website.

Just some numbers and places of where i know where to get stuff that was real reasonable as far as prices go.

Any body else know of where else to get stuff that you dont have to know a guy or diddnt "fall off the back of a truck"?

****

 

^^^ Stuff for your ranger has NGK plugs in the clearance / discontinued section...