Rough and shaky idle

[Kostlund]

hello Knute here new to the site, I have a 1983 ford ranger 2.3l 4spd, it’s been sitting for a looonng time, cleaned the fuel tank, carburetor, and fuel lines, and replaced plugs and wires, got it running, fixed some vacuum leaks now if just idles rough. Revs up just fine doesn’t die but not sure what’s cause the rough idle. Can some one point me in the right direction?? Thanks in advance

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

How was the carb rebuilt? You did it?
Float level correct?
Idle screws adjusted to get highest vacuum?

 

[RonD]

With air filter off and engine idling rough spray some gasoline into the top of carb
RPMs will go up some but what you are listening for is if the idle smooths out
If so you have a fuel delivery issue so carb issue, could be small vacuum leak leaning out mix at low RPMs or float bowl barely overflowing richening the mix at low demand

If its still rough then its a spark issue

These old distributors can have a wobble at lower RPMs that straightens out as RPMs go up
Feel the shaft for play

 

[sgtsandman]

It might be time for a carburetor rebuild or a tune. Making sure the jets and ports are clean wouldn’t be a bad idea if you are going for the tune up first.

I would recommend listening to what RonD said.