95 Ranger

[kps36]

Hello Ranger guys.
I'm gonna split time here and the Exploder board.
I got my son a 1995 Ranger XLT, 2.3L,Auto,66K miles,2WD 3 days ago.
I have several questions. I know there are 8 Plugs.
I am not overly impressed with engine considering 8 sparkers but it is liveable (and will keep his 16 yr old @$$ out of too much trouble and temptation).
What kind of mpg should I expect ?
Is this Auto tranny reliable ?
What kind of cheap mods can I make ? (see below on my Ex)
Does it have a timing belt ?

Sorry for the ?? but I haven't had a chance to get a Haynes yet.
Any responses regarding this config and experience with this would be greatly helpful.
Thnx.

 

[RangerX]

I can't answer many of your ?'s, but I would guess your mileage would be about 20 or better. I would suggest all the same mods as anything else, free up the breathing with airbox and exhaust mods, and and better spark with quality plugs and wires. I don't know what tranny it has, I think the 2.3 engine is decent, and yes it does have a timing belt, per my Haynes manual.

 

[kps36]

Thnx.
8 wires and plugs is a bit much, but at least with the P4s and decent (splitfire) wires I won't have to touch 'em again for 60K.
With the cone filter and box on it, I can do to it what I did with the Exploder. It looks like with the exhaust, I will have to go to a flowmaster and have a place fab the tubing .. not sure a 4cyl will sound all that good with an 'open' exhaust ?
I am really concerned now about the timing belt. it has 66K on it and I'm not really sure it has been replaced at 50-60k like what should be done.
The tranny, I'll look up type (I hope it is NOT the A4LD like the Exp) just shifts very ...ahh...NOT smooth, especially on low speed downshifts, very abrupt.
Which is better, Haynes or Chiltons.
Thnx for your response.

 

[Ru Dawg]

KPS36, hey man, I actually traded my '95 ranger xlt 2wd for the Explorer I have now. The 8 spark plugs are ok, they add a little power and prevent head gasket damage, older ranger 4cyl had probs with one side (the plug side) warping and blowing head gaskets. 8 plugs evened the heat (per ford mechanic). I still have my haynes manual for it...ya want it? e-mail me if you still want the book. BTW..the 2.3l was great to me, never had any problems, except the IAC stuck in the winter(easy fix). the 2.3l is pretty tough for a 4 banger!

 

[Ru Dawg]

more info

almost forgot to answer the rest..with an open intake, bosche plat +4's, and using Exxon 87 octane, I average 25mpg over the 1.5 years I had my ranger, and it was a long bed with a man tranny, no a/c though. it should get at least 20mpg's.

 

[kps36]

Thnx, Dawg...I'll drop an EMail today..
Looking at the layout of the engine compartment, It looks like a biotch on the drivers side plugs..probably same guys who designed the Sploder plug location. anyway, one point I will give 'em is they put long plastic 'handles' on the wire ends to allow for easy extraction, but not so easy changing. Am I wrong ? It just scares me to look at it. But paying for 2 sets of wires and plugs will set me back a bunch, but if it makes a diff..I'm going for it. Like the Sploder, replace w/P4s and hi-res wires, and you won't have to touch them for a great while..
OH, do you/would you suggest a 'Cat-Back' for the 4 banger?

 

[Ru Dawg]

yes, the plugs are definitely not a walk in the park. I only changed them once, I realized how hard it might be to do, so I put in the BP+4's and good wires, don't remember what kind. It was a long day!!! Cat-back? I guess if ya got the extra money for it, it could use it! I opened the intake on mine, just pulled off the snorkel and box, then just used the factory clamp to secure the filter to the intake. That alone added some beaf, and made it sound pretty good when ya mash it! I would guess that it would sound pretty good with open air flow. Haynes I think are sufficient for the commom person, chilton's are better for the serious mechanic for things like engine rebuilds and overhauls. Oh yeah...those plastic handles on the factory wires are great for removal...but they didn't fit over the replacements I used...be prepared for that!!! I remember my knuckles being pretty banged up!!! But hey, that's all part of the fun of doing the things we do best!!!

 

[Wren]

You pay also consider...

...checking out Dead Link Removed where they (we) discuss all this stuff.

There is a variety of boards there... from 4-bangers to 5.0 HO swaps. The site is proper for all the Ranger-based trucks, including Exploders. Good tips, hints and tricks too.

Just my 0.02

 

[kps36]

Okay, I'm at a loss here. While looking at the Haynes for the 95 Ranger I see the procedure for changing the timing BELT on the 2.3L. I get out the maintenance handbook from the truck to see if it has ever been changed. Guess what, no mention of ever having to change the timing BELT, all the way up to 100K schedule. If this is a Jap. (Mazda, Nissan??) engine they all say to change and it's in the recomm. maint schedule at 50 or 60K. My Volvo was at 50K...
Does this engine have a 'special' belt that can never wear out or stretch.I don't think so.
What's up with that and should I look to change it soon, I have 61K on it.
Anyone here please advise with your experience.
Thnx.