Help i have a 1997 stock Ford ranger and I wanna do a v8 powerstoke engine swap
 

I have a 1997 stock Ford ranger and I wanna do a v8 powerstroke swap... and a 2x4 to 4x4 conversion... I need help trying to figure out what is the best engine to swap and what else I'm gonna have to change about the truck to make a powerstroke fit... I also need to find out the best way to convert my truck from 2x4 to 4x4 and what I'm gonna have to do to convert it... the ranger has a four banger and the factory 5 speed manual transmission..

It's been done. only took him 6 years.

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/twin-turbo-7-3-powerstroke-ford-ranger-dually.80575/

https://www.therangerstation.com/forums/index.php?threads/its-finally-running-driving-and-painted.164037/

https://fordauthority.com/2019/09/tr...-ranger-video/

https://engineswapdepot.com/?p=13825

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCzp6JKrg0&t=1s&ab_channel=WilliamMedeiro s

Dry weight is 920 pounds, going to need LOTS frame changes, read reinforcement, lol
The 302(5.0l) V8 weight 450 pounds soaking wet

I would build a tube/box frame and try to fit Ranger body on it, Ranger frame is way to weak for this

Way over my head but if I was determined to do this, I think I would just make the body fit on a power stroke frame.

Diesel engines are heavy. 2 wheel Dodge trucks with the Cummins have issues from the factory with front end parts and that is from the factory. Then converting from 2 wheel to 4 wheel is a whole other project itself . I am sure it has been done but way beyond my skills and budget.

Ranger Engine Bay may not be large enough to fit a Power Stroke and the accessories.
But I agree with you, it might be easier to use the F250 or F350 frame and mount the Ranger body on it.
It WILL need a low of cutting and probably large fender flares, but anything is possible.

Why the Power Stroke, why not one of the 3.9L F-150 Diesels, might fit better but I don't have any experience with these engine.

As stated, why not the 5.0L-W, simple, bolt-in, yes done before but it works and works well.

Luck to ya, its going to be a lot of work !