Diff oil was changed early 2016 but I'm pretty certain it is the regular 8.8 LSD

Still warrants checking to make sure that Ford XL-3 (or compatible) friction modifier was added as I believe the regular clutch pack LSD's require it as well as per Ford.

Not sure that would be the source of the gear whine though.

__________________
~Bone Stock 2004 Ranger FX4 Level II

OK final update before buying the car this weekend... Pre-inspection survey found no issues other than "worn out" spark plugs. Ball joints were in spec, no other issues.

Compression sounds like it was around 120 all the way around, varying by less than 10% in any one cylinder. The fact that it was even is a good sign, but when I google around, it seems like even high mileage 4.0 SOHC motors are posting numbers in the 160s, 180s, and low 200s.... Should I be concerned?

Did the guy performing the compression test perform it correctly? Did the guy shoot oil in each cylinder and evaluate the before-after compression results? If there's a perception that compression is low, and IF he's doing the test correctly, then IMO it would only be the natural next step to do this.

__________________
2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000

I don't believe he did a "wet" compression test. According to the factory specs I've read online, Ford says "min" of 100 psi and that all cylinders be within 25% of one another (biggest variance was about 15% according to what the ASE Certified mechanic told me).

Its been a few years since I worked in a garage (like about 30) but IIRC the only time we worried about a "wet" test is if we had one or more problem cylinders and were trying to diagnose a specific issue (rings, valves, or head gasket/crack). In this case they all seem close to one another and are all within factory specs.

That being said, I don't know what is typical for a "dry" compression test on these motors. If everyone said "I have 150,000 miles and I average 180 psi" then I would be concerned about a general failure of the rings or valves.

So, I agree with you - IF there was a perception that these readings are low, I'd want to do a wet test to see if its the rings. But without comparisons, and reading that the Ford spec is 100 psi minimum, I don't have much to go on...

Thanks!

Brent

Actually, when wondered about it being done correctly I was referring to the throttle being wide open, all spark plugs removed and ideally, a warm engine. I will assume a fully charged battery. These items do make a difference.

*One thing you can do on a used vehicle is pull the PCV valve while the engine is running and look for smoke (blowby). If it's little to none at idle, then thump the gas hard and fast and let it rev up and while doing so, look for smoke. Just another quick way to put out a feeler for engine health.

__________________
2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000

Hey guys, just reporting back. We bought the truck! Thank you everyone for all the help! I'll post a picture up maybe this weekend. I introduced my son to this forum but he's more of a Reddit guy, so if there is a /r/Ranger subreddit, you might find him there...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey guys, posting back to this old thread because y'all were so helpful with all my questions prior to the purchase. After 15 months, the truck has been great so far - absolutely no issues. We did a full tune-up/plugs/wires when we brought it home, and it has had 3 oil changes but has not required any other maintenance. Its been on 5 or 6 hunting trips and impressed me with its billy-goat abilities off road.

However, on our last trip when the truck was loaded with the usual camping gear for two guys, it felt like the shocks were pretty worn out. Inspecting the bump stops it looks like its been bottoming out regularly, so we're going to replace the shocks.

I've had about a dozen 4x4 vehicles in the past and 100% of them have eventually had some sort of lift, but this is my first torsion beam suspension vehicle (other than my '68 VW squareback & '72 bus many years ago and the squareback was "dropped").

Are there any good options for a bolt-on mild lift that we can incorporate while were replacing the shocks? The rear seems straightforward (add-a-leaf or shackle) but just cranking the T-bars doesn't seem like a great option (it just pre-loads the suspension and makes a harsh ride in my experience). How much fiddling is required for a 1-1.5" body lift? (wires, brake lines, cables, etc) . Is that a better option? I'd be looking for about 2" to clear the stock 31's which are rubbing a bit now when off-roading or at full lock.

I know there is a sh*t-ton of info on this already, and I've done a lot of Googling and researching on this forum (and others) but I can't get a good feel for whether there is a good option for a mild lift. I'm not looking for a cheap solution, but I don't want a 6" lift, either...

Thanks again!

Your only lift options for the torsion bar 4wds are adjusting the torsion bars, the 4” superlift drop bracket kit, or a 3” body lift.

I’ve never personally installed a body lift, but the process is pretty straight forward. Most guys say to plan on it taking a weekend in the driveway. It’s definitely easier and cheaper than the superlift.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

__________________

Thanks for the definitive answer. (I know this question is beaten to death on this forum).

The super lift is too much lift for what I think is needed.

Wondering about mods required with the body lift (and things like fascia misalignment, etc.).

Thanks again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No problem.


You can buy the bodylift with bumper brackets that lift the bumper up 3” to match the body. You’ll either have to modify the front tow hooks, get rid of them, or cut the front valance to accommodate them. Some guys also make/buy gap guards to cover the gap between the frame and bed that can be seen in the rear wheel wells. The receiver hitch will also hang lower than the bumper after the lift. You can either live with it or modify the hitch to raise it up 3”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

__________________

The Performance Accessories 3" body lift comes with brackets to lift the bumper. So far I have helped install three of them. The first one (my truck) took right about 10 hours or so with two people. As stated, it is not very complicated but is time consuming.

As for the tow hooks, I used a pair of bolt on D ring mounts in the bumper opening. I know I have a pic of that somewhere but can't seem to find it.

__________________
2002 Blue Edge <-- Retired off road toy
3.0 Automatic, 2wd, 4:56's, 35x12.5 Kuhmo's, Lifted 2x, and more. TOTM July 2015
2002 Jeep TJ <-- NEW off road toy!
2.5L 5-spd, Skyjacker 4.5", 4:56's, Aussie Lockers, 33x12.5's, and more.
Build Thread --> http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...blue-edge.html
Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/user/smashlizard

Thanks! I see the kit listed on Amazon and also found the fender well covers. For <$400 it seems like a good way to go. When you've installed them in auto 4x4 trucks, have you had to extend any cables or wires? (brake lines, e-brake cable, breather tubes, etc?) . What about the shift linkage or cable for the trans?

A few cables need to be un-clipped from the frame but all that is included in the instructions. If you have a manual transfer case you would have to figure out a way to extended it but I think you don't have to...not sure as I have no personal experience with those.

Kind of an old thread at this point and it looks like the link to the installation instructions no longer works.

Body lift info:
Body Lift 3” – Tech Info Extravaganza

__________________
2002 Blue Edge <-- Retired off road toy
3.0 Automatic, 2wd, 4:56's, 35x12.5 Kuhmo's, Lifted 2x, and more. TOTM July 2015
2002 Jeep TJ <-- NEW off road toy!
2.5L 5-spd, Skyjacker 4.5", 4:56's, Aussie Lockers, 33x12.5's, and more.
Build Thread --> http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...blue-edge.html
Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/user/smashlizard

Don't know if you have seen this or not but it may help. I thought we had a how-to on this site but couldn't find it. To be fair it has been years since I researched the subject.

http://www.therangerstation.com/how-...-installation/

__________________
2002 Blue Edge <-- Retired off road toy
3.0 Automatic, 2wd, 4:56's, 35x12.5 Kuhmo's, Lifted 2x, and more. TOTM July 2015
2002 Jeep TJ <-- NEW off road toy!
2.5L 5-spd, Skyjacker 4.5", 4:56's, Aussie Lockers, 33x12.5's, and more.
Build Thread --> http://www.fordrangerforum.com/proje...blue-edge.html
Youtube --> https://www.youtube.com/user/smashlizard