Towing with a 1995 Ford Ranger 2.3L

[David Tilston]

I have purchased a green, 1995, Ford Ranger with the 2.3L, 5 speed standard transmission. Tentatively named Kermit. Yeah, I got it cheep.

I consider this the smallest vehicle that I would tow a Trillium with. The problem is that the only tow ratings that I can find are for the automatic transmission, (2300 lbs). No user manual came with it. I tend to think that standard transmissions are better for towing.

Does anyone have better information? Helpful hints?

Mods planned:
Trailer hitch
Brake controller
Larger radiator?
Lower range posi differential
Air bags on the rear
Cruz control

Repair required:
New spring on the back axle.

[Eddie Longest]

Get with Floyd he is a big Ranger fan.
Eddie

[Raz]

Found this table for a '96. Link below. I had a '91 4 L. Apples and oranges I suspect. I liked it but brakes and rust were continual issues. Lots of little things but it was easy to work on. The Haynes manual was good. Raz


towing capacity - The Ranger Station Forums

[David Tilston]

Thanks for that link Raz! Very educational. I suspect that I have the 3.45 rear axle, so not recommended for towing.

I will be spending some time in the wreckers, (I love going to the Pick and Pull). I will be looking for a posi 3.73 axle, springs and a hitch receiver. Probably off a 4.0 L Ranger. That, and some replacement fenders. The box is good, but the fenders have rust.

Fortunately, I live in Calgary. This is the truck capital of the universe, so lots of them in the wrecker.

[Raz]

Many, many years ago I owned a Triumph Spitfire. Less than an hour from my home was a rare "foreign" junk yard, lots of British sports cars. I got to know those folks so well that they would lend me tools to pull my own parts despite the large sign declaring no borrowing tools and only employees could pull parts. Always an adventure. I love the smell of gear oil in the morning . Have fun, Raz

[floyd]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Thanks for that link Raz! Very educational. I suspect that I have the 3.45 rear axle, so not recommended for towing.

I will be spending some time in the wreckers, (I love going to the Pick and Pull). I will be looking for a posi 3.73 axle, springs and a hitch receiver. Probably off a 4.0 L Ranger. That, and some replacement fenders. The box is good, but the fenders have rust.

Fortunately, I live in Calgary. This is the truck capital of the universe, so lots of them in the wrecker.

You have a 3:73 open rear axle on your Ranger. Suspension mods are cheap and aftermarket. You won't find a limited slip in that sized differential at a salvage yard.
That year Ranger still had twin I-Beam , check the RH Shock/spring bracket for rust, also check the rear frame brackets on the rear leaf springs.
New fenders are only $90 each.
Check your PM and give me a call.

[David Tilston]

I really appreciate everyone's input. Thanks!

On the limited slip, (posi) rear end, My neighbour has been driving rangers for many years. It was him that got me looking at Rangers. He said that limited slip differentials is something he always buys for his, (usually 4x4). They may not have been put on my year, but I figured that I could use a differential, (axle) from a newer truck. No? I also understand that Explorers are more likely to have limited slip. Could I not pull the guts from an explorer limited slip diff?

I suppose if I had to, I could go with an after market one:
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...d/model/ranger

But, then I would be spending much more on a diff then I did on the truck the truck.

Another thing I was hoping to do was to put a fuel consumption monitor on, like Norm uses. I would love to tune my habits to minimize fuel consumption, but it seems that the 1995 model does not have OBD II.

[David Tilston]

This weekend I purchased a limited slip 3.73 differential from a 98 4.0 liter Ranger. Looks like it has 10" brakes as well.

I have a hard time interpreting the tag, (see attached). Looks like:
S359F R
3L.73 88 6E14

I hope that's a limited slip 3.73.

[David Tilston]

So, it is capable of towing now. Though I have yet to tow anything with it yet.

I did the following:
Limited slip diff. from a 4 liter - $200 - kijiji
Topper - $50 - kijiji
Box liner - $40 - kijiji
Two new springs - $200 - kijiji
Voyager brake controller - Free - Great Neighbor
Wire and electrical stuff - about $50 - Princess Auto
New shackles, U-bolts, pin bolts, Monroe shocks, and a spring hanger - $240 - Rock Auto
Trailer hitch - $30 - Local Pick n Pull
E-brake cables - $120 - Purchased by mechanic, (Auto Value)
Installation Labor - $220 - $50 more then he asked for
Total $1150
Truck cost $450

Total cost $1600

Probably could have purchased one, in better shape, for that. But I have had fun. I also know way more about the truck then I would have.

The diff. is definitely a lower ratio then the original one. My spedo is high by about 10 km/h at 60 km/h. The GPS is always on now. Should help with towing, and 5th gear now gets used as well.

Take a look at the pictures. Ya, I know, it's UGLY!

[David Tilston]

This was a surprise. I knew something was wrong, but,.... The front end of the spring was just wagging. Well, I had been driving it that way for months. It rattles lots less now.