What motor is in a 1988 Ford Ranger?
The 1988 Ford Ranger could be equipped with more than one engine, but the most common choice for many buyers was the 2.3-liter inline-4. In addition to that staple, the lineup included a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a larger 2.9-liter V6, with variations depending on trim and market. This article breaks down the options and how they affected performance and practicality.
Engine options in the 1988 Ranger
The following overview lists the engines Ford offered for the 1988 Ranger in the United States, noting the basic configuration and intended use for each.
- 2.3-liter inline-4 — The most common engine in many Ranger configurations, delivering a balance of fuel economy and reliability for daily driving and light-duty hauling.
- 2.0-liter inline-4 — A smaller, base-engine option available on certain trims, aimed at maximizing economy and affordability.
- 2.9-liter V6 — A larger V6 option chosen for those needing more torque for towing and harder-use tasks, at the cost of lower fuel efficiency.
In practice, the 2.3-liter four-cylinder was the workhorse for most buyers, while the 2.0-liter appealed to budget-conscious buyers and the 2.9-liter served those who required more pulling power.
How to identify which motor your Ranger has
With multiple engines available in the same model year, identifying the exact motor can matter for maintenance, parts compatibility, and resale value. Below are practical ways to confirm the engine in a specific 1988 Ranger.
VIN and engine code references
Engine codes are often indicated on a vehicle’s under-hood tag or in the built sheet. If you have access to the original documentation or a factory window sticker, you can match the code to Ford’s listed engine options for that year. When in doubt, a mechanic can decode the engine by checking the serial number on the engine block and cross-referencing it with the vehicle’s identification information.
Under-hood check and visual cues
Physically inspecting under the hood can reveal distinctive intake manifolds, valve covers, and accessory layouts that correspond to the 2.3L inline-4, 2.0L inline-4, or 2.9L V6. A quick photo comparison with workshop manuals or a parts catalog can help confirm the engine type without pulling the engine.
Maintenance considerations by engine type
Each engine option had its own maintenance priorities. Four-cylinders generally emphasized timing and fuel system upkeep, while the V6 required attention to cooling, manifolds, and ignition components to sustain torque and reliability over time.
Summary
The 1988 Ford Ranger offered a trio of engine choices to suit different needs: the ubiquitous 2.3-liter inline-4 for everyday practicality, the smaller 2.0-liter inline-4 for economy-minded buyers, and the more capable 2.9-liter V6 for those who needed extra towing power. The exact engine depended on the trim level and market, making it important to verify the specific motor when buying a used Ranger from that year.
What engines were used in the old Ford Ranger?
From 1983 to 1992, the first-generation Ranger was powered by 2.0L and 2.3L versions of the Ford "Lima" inline-4; the 2.8L, 2.9L, and 4.0L Ford Cologne V6; the 3.0L Ford Vulcan V6; and four-cylinder diesel engines sourced from Mazda (Perkins) and Mitsubishi.
What engine came in a 1988 Ford Ranger?
The First Generation
| Engine Size | Available Years | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L I4 | 1983 to 1988 | 124 lb-ft |
| 2.3L I4 | 1983 to 1992 | 133 to 149 lb-ft |
| 2.8L V6 | 1983 to 1986 | 150 lb-ft |
| 2.9L V6 | 1986 to 1992 | 170 lb-ft |
Is the Ford 4.0 OHV V6 a good engine?
The 4.0 OHV's were pretty reliable old school pushrod engines. The earliest 4.0 SOHC's used a bad plastic in the timing chain guides that would break, and it was almost completely random. I've seen them go 350k miles no problem, and many of them failed while the vehicle was still under the warranty period.
What year of Ford Ranger to stay away from?
You should generally stay away from the 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2004-2006 Ford Ranger model years due to significant reliability issues like transmission, engine, and other mechanical problems. The 2019 model is also a year to be cautious of, as it had first-year kinks for the newer generation that are still being worked out.
Older models to avoid
- 1999: Considered one of the worst years, with problems in the engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.
- 2001: A continuation of the problems from the previous year, with added issues related to airbags and wiring.
- 2002: Had a high number of recalls and complaints, particularly related to engine and transmission issues.
- 2004–2006: These years had frequent engine problems and other issues, with 2004 and 2006 seeing a higher number of recalls and complaints.
Newer models to approach with caution
- 2019: As the first model year for the current generation, it had some "first-year kinks" and issues that were being addressed. While not a complete lemon, it's a year to be aware of when shopping for a newer used Ranger.
