1987 Ford Ranger XL 2.9 4x4 Owners Manual

The 1987 Ford Ranger XL 2.9 4x4 is a compact pickup truck featuring a 2.9L V6 engine, four-wheel drive system, manual transmission, and rugged off-road capabilities. This manual covers essential information for proper operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your vehicle. Below are key sections covering features, operation, maintenance, specifications, and safety information.

1. Vehicle Features 2. Instrument Panel 3. Starting & Operating 4. 4x4 System Operation 5. Specifications 6. Routine Maintenance 7. Fluid Capacities 8. Tire Information 9. Safety Features 10. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Features

Key components: 2.9L V6 engine, manual 4x4 transfer case, manual transmission, instrument cluster, heating/ventilation system.

FeatureDescription
Engine2.9L V6 gasoline engine
Transmission5-speed manual transmission
4x4 SystemManual transfer case with 2H/4H/4L positions
Bed Capacity1,250 lbs maximum payload
Towing Capacity2,000 lbs when properly equipped
Fuel Tank15.5 gallon capacity
SeatingBench seating for 3 passengers
InstrumentationSpeedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge
LightingHalogen headlamps, marker lights
BrakesFront disc, rear drum with power assist

Instrument Panel

Understanding your vehicle's controls and indicators.

  1. Speedometer: Vehicle speed in miles per hour
  2. Fuel Gauge: Fuel level indicator
  3. Temperature Gauge: Engine coolant temperature
  4. Warning Lights: Oil pressure, brake, battery indicators
  5. 4x4 Indicator: Shows 4WD engagement status

WARNING! Never ignore warning lights; stop vehicle immediately if red warning lights illuminate.

Starting & Operating

Proper procedures for starting and driving your Ranger.

  1. Starting: Depress clutch, turn key to start position
  2. Shifting: Use clutch pedal for all gear changes
  3. Parking: Set parking brake, shift to reverse (manual transmission)
  4. Fuel: Use unleaded gasoline only
  5. Break-in Period: Vary speeds during first 1,000 miles

CAUTION! Always depress clutch completely when starting or shifting gears.

4x4 System Operation

Specifications

Routine Maintenance

Essential maintenance schedule for optimal performance.

Every 3,000 miles: Oil and filter change

Every 6,000 miles: Inspect brakes, tires, steering components

Every 15,000 miles: Replace air filter, fuel filter

Every 30,000 miles: Change transmission fluid, transfer case fluid

Every 60,000 miles: Replace spark plugs, timing belt

Fluid Capacities

Engine Oil: 5 quarts with filter

  1. Coolant: 10 quarts
  2. Transmission: 3.5 quarts
  3. Transfer Case: 2.5 pints
  4. Front Differential: 2.5 pints
  5. Rear Differential: 4.5 pints
  6. Fuel Tank: 15.5 gallons

Tip: Use only recommended fluids specified in this manual.

Tire Information

Standard tire size: P205/75R15

  1. Inflation Pressure: 30 psi front and rear (normal load)
  2. Rotation: Every 6,000 miles
  3. Spare Tire: Full-size matching spare
  4. Tire Changing: Use jack provided, engage parking brake
  5. Winter Driving: Consider snow tires for improved traction

WARNING! Never exceed maximum tire pressure listed on sidewall. Check pressure when tires are cold.

Safety Features

Seat Belts: Lap and shoulder belts for all positions. Brakes: Power-assisted front disc/rear drum. Lighting: Headlamps, turn signals, brake lights.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Engine won't startBattery, fuel, ignitionCheck battery connections, fuel level, spark plugs
Hard shiftingClutch, transmission fluidCheck clutch adjustment, transmission fluid level
4x4 won't engageLinkage, vacuum systemCheck transfer case linkage, vacuum lines
OverheatingCoolant, thermostatCheck coolant level, radiator, thermostat
Poor fuel economyTires, tune-up, driving habitsCheck tire pressure, perform tune-up, adjust driving

Service: Contact authorized Ford dealer for major repairs

Emergency: Ford Roadside Assistance 1-800-241-3673

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