One of the most common modifications that people want to do to their Rangers are to enhance the exhaust system. Although there are some catback (from the converter back) exhausts available, it is difficult to find one for the 4×4 Ranger.

Gibson advertises systems for both the 2wd and 4wd Rangers.

PaceSetter offers a TFX Performance Kat-Back System for 2wd and 4wd Rangers.

Dynomax offers a Ranger exhaust.

Borla offers exhausts and headers for the 4.0L.

Hedman offers headers for the 2.8L.

Holley (formerly Hooker) offers headers for V-8’s used in Rangers.

JBA offers headers for the 2.9L, 3.0L and 4.0L.

You may want to by some performance mufflers from either Summit Racing or Jegs and have a local muffler shop build you a new exhaust. They can modify your exhaust from the converter back, but will not remove the converter.

More Exhausting Info……

The exhaust system consists of quite a bit more than just a muffler. The main function of your exhaust system is to control noise and to channel exhaust fumes away from the engine to the rear of the truck. As we all know, exhaust gases contains carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas which is why the exhaust tips need to exit the vehicle in the back or far back on the side. The exhaust system converts pollutants into less harmful byproducts by the use of a catalytic converter and provides just the right amount of backpressure into the engine to improve its fuel-burning efficiency. A catalytic converter (commonly called the “cat”) is a device that uses a catalyst to convert three harmful compounds in car exhaust into harmless compounds.

The three harmful compounds are:

  • Hydrocarbons (in the form of unburned gasoline)
  • Carbon monoxide (formed by the combustion of gasoline)
  • Nitrogen oxides (created when the heat in the engine forces nitrogen in the air to combine with oxygen).

Carbon monoxide is a poison for any air-breathing animal. Nitrogen oxides lead to smog and acid rain, and hydrocarbons produce smog.

It’s Not How Big Your Pipe Is…………..

Some people believe that the bigger the exhaust pipe diameter, the better the system. Bigger isn’t always better. Systems that are too large in diameter can actually hurt performance.

Generally, switching to a performance system that is 1/4″ to 1/2″ inch larger than stock will provide you with the best horsepower increases. To determine which pipe diameters will be best for your system, decide what RPM range your engine will operate at, most of the time. Smaller diameter pipes will produce low to mid RPM torque. Larger diameters produce mid to high RPM torque. For the 4.0L Ranger, 2.25″ – 2.5″ is about as big as you want to go. Bigger isn’t always better. Systems that are too large in diameter can actually hurt performance. improved flow is what you need. Besides the lost back pressure by running too large, or at an extreme — straight pipes (with no muffler) you lose a lot of low end torque.

Smoke Signals……………..

Blue smoke from a tailpipe indicates that engine oil is being burned, and that unburned hydrocarbons (HC) are being released into the air.

Black smoke from a tailpipe indicates that the air-fuel mixture is too rich to burn completely.

White smoke is steam, and is normally visible on a cold day. However it can also indicate an internal engine coolant leak, especially if accompanied by a pungent odor.