I am putting a cummins in my ranger towards the end of the summer, BUT I need to make motor mounts and figure out where to locate the turbo. So....
would like a rolling chassis to put the cummins into several times to clearance the pan for the front diff, make engine mounts and figure out where exactly to locate the engine in the truck.

Cn anyone tell me with Certainty what year ranger frames would be the same as my 04 for a mock up

 

You have a 3rd generation Ranger so same model as yours, 1998 to 2012

3 models
Regular cab
Extended cab 2 door
extended cab 4 door

 

Thank you. Is there a difference between a 3.0 and 4.0 as far as the engine mounts/perches?

 

The frames, as far as I know, will fit either V6 mount, I think the 4cyls had a welded on cross support, but not sure on the 2002 and up Duratec 4cyl

 

Ok, thank you very much

 

The generation 3 Rangers got Boxed frame up front, older had "C" rails.

You will probably have to do some reinforcing in the rear for the extra torque, I assume 4BT swap.
And deal with the weight up front

While not common it has been done quite a few times.

Google: 4bt ranger

 

Yes, lots of research has been done

Front end already has weak torsion bars gone and coilovers with 800lb springs put in
Rear has 31 spline explorer 8.8
Frame is solid as can be, no reinforcement necessary

 

I just picked up an 03 2 door supercab cab, frame and front axle for mock up.

LET THE FUN BEGIN

 

On the frame with the coil spring front suspension if you have a 3.0 there's a 2" riser block between the frame and the motor mount on the driver's side. It's a real PITA to remove because you got to remove the coil spring to gain access to the nut to remove the motor mounts but you shouldn't have to worry about this because it looks like you have the torsion bar front suspension.

 

Thanks for the heads up, but yes I have torsion bars

 

Hey DB,
Did I you get this done ?
Did you end up using a Cumins ?

 

Still working on it. I have a 04 cab and frame for mock up

 

OK, some projects take a little longer… sayth the biggest procrastinator of all !
I was looking for a new F150 but the one I priced out was $48K, NOT, and the dealers local to me wanted to sell me the 4-dr and not a std cab short bed so I didn’t buy.

Now I am thinking there has to be a way to upgrade my 03 EDGE 4x and I am bending towards a diesel.
The VW TDI looks great and I did look at a sight that has all of the adapters I need, about 2K for the kit for a 5-sp setup, didn’t ask about the auto and I think that is where I want to be… at my age !

I heard at least one guy on this site put a TDI in there Ranger and at last count was getting over 30 but not yet to 40 mpg. I want a dependable engine that has a lost of power and gets over 40 mpg.

Are there power add on for the VW TDI or is what you get all there is ?

Anyway, I am watching this thread, good luck and get it done I need a mentor !

Added questions:
Do you know the weight of the VW TDI, I head it was around the same as a 5.0L… 450lbs.
I have the 31 spline rear with OX Locker, was wonder about the front end… Dana 35 type, not too sure that will take much.
Also, isn’t there a difference between the 4x and the 2x frames, maybe the EDGE Torsion Bar vs the Coil Spring ?

ltr

 

Sorry, I know NOTHING about the VW engine

 

Sorry I forgot you were using a Cummins !
Those are a little too noisy !
The 4BT do make great HP and Torque numbers !

 

I am aiming for 225hp/450tq to the tires and 30mpg

 

That would be good or even a little less torque would work for me.
What are you planning on doing with the truck when finished ?

For me it will be a daily driver, some off road, pulling a 2000-3000 lb camper trailer and a trailer for hauling my small tractor, around 5 or 6 k lbs.

Again good luck, keep it going !

Ltr

 

it is my daily driver. I plan On keeping it as such. That is why I went with a VE pump for easier starts and better drivability