'89 ranger block... small crank journals?

nik97 · 07-28-2010, 08:02 PM

Short version: I'm boosting my '89 ranger. I bought an '87 T/C 2.3 and found steep ridges in the block and bore diameter is around 3.800". Instead of boring and buying forged .030" over pistons, I decided to have a look at the block that came out of my good running '89; no ridges and bore diamer within service limits for honing and re-ringing.

I tore down the block and discovered the crank main journals are way smaller than the turbo block's... I was under the impression that the 2.3 blocks where dimensionally eaqual through these years.

I measured the rod journals and they are equal between cranks. Can I just pick up some ranger main bearings and use this block and crank or is there something esle I'm over looking?

Thanks.

nik97 · 07-28-2010, 08:16 PM

EDIT: A bit more hindsight research and I've learned the 88 up mains are smaller... dammit. So other than getting some new bearings, I'm good right?

4cammer72 · 07-28-2010, 08:20 PM

yeah, just do a minor rebuild with the turbo rods and pistons and call it a day..

BogusSVO · 07-29-2010, 11:13 AM

^^^^^ what he said

nik97 · 07-29-2010, 03:00 PM

Thanks guys. The block is at the machine shop now and bearings are on order...

I'm so stoked

AJ_Fritz · 07-29-2010, 04:34 PM

if its close to 3.80 then those pistons got top be .010 over to begin with...

BogusSVO · 07-29-2010, 05:46 PM

good catch AJ.... stock bore is 3.780 and the stock stroke is 3.126

so the bore is 3.800 would nean a .020 bore..

check the top of the pistons for a stamp saying .020 or .50mm

your block may have been board once already.

nik97 · 07-30-2010, 12:00 AM

The T-Bird block was 3.80" approx. Like I said it had some pretty nasty ridges; easily .020" worth.

I'm using my stock ranger block with the smaller mains. This block is within service limits after it got honed today. I measure roughly 3.783" using a t-gauge and micrometer. I think it will work well.

I'll post some pics during the assembly process of the motor/truck. It's ugly but it will shine under the hood

Here is the last Ford I built, BTW...

jfive · 07-30-2010, 01:21 AM

what size turbo is that? Looks cool. My 350 was over .030 in the front two cylinders. I had it bored for .030 pistons and ended up going .060. Could have gone .040, but my engine builder had the pistons and crank for a .060 allready so went that route. With the water pump right at the front cylinder, it wears real bad due to the cold water coming in and shrinking the cylinder.

nik97 · 07-30-2010, 08:42 AM

That is a Garrett/International unit used on the pre-Powerstroke F-Series 6.9/7.3 diesels(~'91). Unsure of it's actual designation but very similar to a modern GT35. .82 hot and .70 cold.

http://usedturbos.net/Catalog/Diesel...-1821328C.html

... Back on topic; yeah I can see some uneven cylinder wear due to cooling system design.

Also, should I use the roller cam from the '89 of just stick with the turbo cam?

07-28-2010, 08:02 PM	#1
nik97 TRF Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denver Userid: 1134 Posts: 31	'89 ranger block... small crank journals? Short version: I'm boosting my '89 ranger. I bought an '87 T/C 2.3 and found steep ridges in the block and bore diameter is around 3.800". Instead of boring and buying forged .030" over pistons, I decided to have a look at the block that came out of my good running '89; no ridges and bore diamer within service limits for honing and re-ringing. I tore down the block and discovered the crank main journals are way smaller than the turbo block's... I was under the impression that the 2.3 blocks where dimensionally eaqual through these years. I measured the rod journals and they are equal between cranks. Can I just pick up some ranger main bearings and use this block and crank or is there something esle I'm over looking? Thanks.

07-28-2010, 08:20 PM	#3
4cammer72 TRF Tech Advisor Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: south carolina Userid: 547 Posts: 819 My location	yeah, just do a minor rebuild with the turbo rods and pistons and call it a day.. __________________ steve 75 turbo pinto 73 turbo pinto wagon 92 ranger about to be turboed

07-29-2010, 04:34 PM	#6
AJ_Fritz Administrator, B2urbo Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Massillon, Ohio Userid: 492 Posts: 1,759 My location	if its close to 3.80 then those pistons got top be .010 over to begin with... __________________ The WarWagon 90 Bronco II, Black, 4x4, 2.3L TurboCharged, Holset HX35, Full Stainless paired pulse header, 38mm External Wastegate, 3inch Exhaust, HKS SSQV BOV, Uncut Powerstroke IC, 255lph HVHP walbro, Ported Polished early Dual Plug ranger head, ported lower, custom sheetmetal Upper Plenum, LA3-BigVam-35# injectors. mostly stock setup The WarHorse 1986 Mustang notchback, 2.3l turbocharged, Holset HX40 16cm turbine w/ T3 footprint, full stainless paired pulse header, 4inch DP and cutout, 3" full exhaust w/ high flow cat, PLX R300 widebandO2, 255lph HP/HV walbro. plans changed putting things in motion for and ARCA headed 9000rpm animal!

07-30-2010, 01:21 AM	#9
jfive TRF Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Columbia Falls, Montana Userid: 878 Posts: 1,772 My location	what size turbo is that? Looks cool. My 350 was over .030 in the front two cylinders. I had it bored for .030 pistons and ended up going .060. Could have gone .040, but my engine builder had the pistons and crank for a .060 allready so went that route. With the water pump right at the front cylinder, it wears real bad due to the cold water coming in and shrinking the cylinder. __________________ 2006 Scion XB stock VVT 1.5 1992 Ford ranger 2.3 stock for now but have HX35W, E6 manifold, 88 T/C pistons ARP bolts, Mahle rings, Clevite bearings, and big valved head. 1989 GMC 1/2 ton stepside 388 stroker 450hp Sportsman II heads 10.5 to 1 single plane, Hei dist, roller cam, headers, 3" dual exhaust. 1979 Ford F150 400m with edelbrock intake carb and cam. Heads ported. 1984 Ford Ranger 2.3 one barrel. 5speed. long box

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07-28-2010, 08:16 PM	#2
nik97 TRF Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denver Userid: 1134 Posts: 31	EDIT: A bit more hindsight research and I've learned the 88 up mains are smaller... dammit. So other than getting some new bearings, I'm good right?

07-29-2010, 03:00 PM	#5
nik97 TRF Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denver Userid: 1134 Posts: 31	Thanks guys. The block is at the machine shop now and bearings are on order... I'm so stoked

07-30-2010, 12:00 AM	#8
nik97 TRF Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denver Userid: 1134 Posts: 31	The T-Bird block was 3.80" approx. Like I said it had some pretty nasty ridges; easily .020" worth. I'm using my stock ranger block with the smaller mains. This block is within service limits after it got honed today. I measure roughly 3.783" using a t-gauge and micrometer. I think it will work well. I'll post some pics during the assembly process of the motor/truck. It's ugly but it will shine under the hood Here is the last Ford I built, BTW...

07-30-2010, 08:42 AM	#10
nik97 TRF Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denver Userid: 1134 Posts: 31	That is a Garrett/International unit used on the pre-Powerstroke F-Series 6.9/7.3 diesels(~'91). Unsure of it's actual designation but very similar to a modern GT35. .82 hot and .70 cold. http://usedturbos.net/Catalog/Diesel...-1821328C.html ... Back on topic; yeah I can see some uneven cylinder wear due to cooling system design. Also, should I use the roller cam from the '89 of just stick with the turbo cam?