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Why wasn't the 4 Cylinder available with       #: 1159
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 Posted: Wed Aug 15th, 2018 11:51 pm
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wh23g3g
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How come the Rangers of the late 80's and specifically 90's that came with 4 cylinder engines could not be optioned with the limited slip differential? I have most all of the factory dealer brochures for every year Ranger except a few and I noticed for example in 1987 you could get a 2.3 4X4 Ranger that had a limited slip differential. Most brochures said it was only available with the V6 engine. Is there a performance reason for that or a cost reason why they didn't include it as an option on 4 Cylinder Rangers? I know in 1987 the 2.3 would be making less power than the newer 4 Cylinder Rangers. I know they usually come with more powerful engines but at least on paper there isn't a huge difference in rated horsepower/torque versus the base V6 3.0. Maybe 20-30 horsepower/torque. Just always wondered the reason behind that?



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1998 Ford Ranger XLT 2.5 4R44E Automatic 4.10 non-limited slip, 1993 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3 M5 Manual, 3.45 non-limited slip
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 Posted: Thu Aug 16th, 2018 12:32 am
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VelociRanger
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Marketing, probably. The 4 cylinder was the cheap version of the other trucks, so you kinda got bare bones. If you wanted other stuff (power windows/locks, l/s differential, bucket seats, etc) you had to buy a "higher" model like a 3.0 or 4.0. Probably just a way to get you to buy a more expensive vehicle because they make more money. Could be entirely wrong, but that makes sense to me



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 Posted: Sun Aug 19th, 2018 05:02 am
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Undrstm8ed
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And just to expand on that.. not only was it an upgrade for you to buy deeper into the product to get the better things. The 4 Cyl is the micro gas saver version of this truck, albeit enticing to those in fleet sales for more inexpensive all around for companies to have for a work truck. Whereas the 3.0 & the better (IMO) 4.0L engine trucks were the in there time the real truck for the mans truck per se, for those who didnt need to buy a larger truck.

Which ironically I've seen two important things come out of the truck world as far as design, market, and sale. The first one is Toyota. I do forget the year but it was before the Tundra made it to the showroom floor so pre 2002(?). Toyota bought 100 tickets to the Superbowl for its top engineers, marketing personnel, and some bean counters. They weren't there for the game, they were there to cross examine every truck in the lot. Where else would you find host to some 82,000+ people driving in to one spot? They took in account what cab style, auto/manual, 2WD or 4WD, features, options, everything.. including colors. And for the first 3 years put a solid and increasing dent into Ford F-series sales.

The second one was prior to the release of the new Nissan Titan with the Cummins 5.0L. Nissan did a lot of research and through that research they determined that 50% of the people out there that bought a 1500/F150 sized truck should have bought an 2500/F250+ on up size; and those that bought an 2500/F250+ on up should have really bought an 1500/F150 sized truck. So Nissan's infinite wisdom was to create a truck that bridged the gap between the two customer bases.. Enter in the 5/8 Ton truck. Throw a powerful Diesel engine from a world famous manufacture (Cummins) into a slightly bigger framed 1500 series truck and offer luxury and work truck capabilities. And although it was on paper and screen a hit.. skeptics sought to tear it down as soon as they could. Nissan's done alright with it but I dont think its quite met the challenges as they perceived even in its 3rd year now.

even that being said, and even now. If Nissan was to bring to light the Frontier with the Cummins diesel it proposed, I'd be on it like white on rice before a New Ranger. Cummins-powered Frontier



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 Posted: Sun Aug 19th, 2018 10:32 am
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I have a neighbor who is an electrician. He trades 3/4 ton trucks every 2 years as he severely abuses them. He has had more Super Duties than anything else. He got the Titian XD diesel and is very happy with it. He says it is the best truck he has ever owned.



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 Posted: Fri Mar 15th, 2019 11:50 pm
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racsan
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go to a junkyard and have a axle code page handy, doesnt take much to swap out a rear end. i needed lower gears and paid 200 for a axle, put new wheel cylinders on, axle & pinion seals, fresh oil and was money ahead over buying special tools for gearing setup (and new gears)  heres a link to some helpful info: https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to/axles/ford-7-5-8-8-inch-axle-tag-door-codes/

heres the axle i swapped in along with some 2,500 pound rated helper coils.

Attachment: IMG_20170726_064140.jpg (Downloaded 21 times)

Last edited on Sat Mar 16th, 2019 12:06 am by racsan



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 Posted: Sat Mar 16th, 2019 10:32 am
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We have our own thread on this:
https://ford-rangers.com/forum52/163.html

I have a lot of respect for TRS but over the years (way before this forum) have gathered some interesting info. Worth a read also :)



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Ford-Rangers.com Ranger Forum > Ranger Engine Tech > 4 Cylinder Gasoline > Why wasn't the 4 Cylinder available with

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