Hello, I Just recently got a 97 Ford ranger from a friend. Its a 2wd and a 2.3 l4. I'm thinking about eventually doing a Diesel swap into it. It needed a little work to get running, but it has 218000 miles in it, so I'm suspecting I'm going to have to replace or rebuild the engine eventually.
So I wanted to hear if any of you Swapped a diesel into your ranger, if so what Engine did you swap into it, what mods/features does your truck have (Lift, 4x4, etc.), what do you mainly use it for, and finally what kind of fuel mileage do you get on average since the swap.

 

I actually looked a lot at this last year, just for fun. Now I haven't done it but I can share what I know. First off the Ranger line of pick ups did have a diesel option back in the 1983. You had the choice between a 2.2 liter Perkins and a 2.3 Liter Mitsubishi. These trucks made about 59-86 horsepower but holy smokes, it got great gas mileage. It put all of these newer vehicles to shame with as much as 45 mpg. I'm guessing you're looking for performance rather than economy so a diesel in that aspect is great because they are very easily modifiable. I too had a really hard time finding information on it but it seems like the most popular diesel to swap into a ranger is a 3.9 liter cummins. Great generator motor with a stock 100 hp and lots of torque but I've seen them modified to make up to 700 Horsepower online. The main issue with this project isn't really the motor. Cummins are almost a plug and play engine, but you do have to worry about other parts of the truck. Diesels are big and heavy so you would definitely have to upgrade suspension. A 4 inch super lift is a popular way to do that. Drive train is also going to need to be replaced if you plan on driving the truck aggressively. New transmission, drive shaft, differential and axle will have to be replaced. You'll also have to do a bunch of cutting to accommodate that big of an engine. Upgrading the alternator and accessories to fit it is also probably something you'll have to do. In the end you're talking about spending enough money on this project to buy a really nice 4x4 ranger from the late 2000's to make a diesel mini truck that probably will never run right (Not insulting you're craftsmanship, but its extremely difficult to do everything right especially the first time) and will continue to have to fix and spend even more money on. I haven't even talked about new fuel lines, fuel pumps etc etc. Its up to you if the efficiency and cool factor is worth it but if i were you and wanted more power, I'd look for a 5.0 or even a 4.6 v8 which can be had for as low as $700.
Let me know if you start on this project!
Good luck,
Tom

 

An V6 Eco Diesel from a Ram might be an option to consider.
The electronics would need a Tech or their help to sort out but the motors have 240hp and 410ft of torque and can be tuned to 280hp and 460ft.
Banks offers a stand alone one for crazy $$$ but they might be able to supply the controller and harness. Their page also gives the dimensions and weight.

 

Look at the Cummins 2.8L and the 3.8L engines. Another alternative is the Isuzu family of diesels.

 

Late but not never !

I was looking into the Cummins 2.8L Turbo Diesel, $7K complete, with EPA Package and all accessories, good price for a brand new diesel complete.

I got as far as reading about CA acceptance, nightmare plus, but I haven't completely given up, if I go 5.0, I am in the same boat on the emissions.
At least the Cummins 2.8L will be brand new, 2018 engine, and supposedly able to meet the CA Emissions Standards.

Next on the list of parts is the tranny, it needs to adapt to an Atlas II.

Of course people would mention the 5.0L Swap, it was made for the Ranger and it is a great swap and power combo, but it isn't a Diesel... !

Cummins speculated on the 2.8L Turbo Diesel getting 35 mpg +, will have to wait and see.
With adapters and trans, it is almost a plug and play, the complete engine harness is a three wire hook up ! Sounds like a dream come true but I need CA Approval first before buying.

 

TD Conversions has a bolt-in VW TDI kit: Ranger / 1.9L TDI Conversion - TD conversions - Switch from Gas to Diesel
I've been thinking along the same lines, and this is the route I'm inclined to go. The 1.9 TDIs have comparable output and physical dimensions to the Lima four. They have a kit for the 3.0 and 4.0 bell housings, so you would need to get one of those transmissions to fit your 4 cylinder truck (I'm in the same boat, though my Lima four runs great. My frame will need replacement in another couple of years, so I'll probably set up the replacement frame with a TDI and then swap the body over. Emissions inspections are kind of a joke in CT, so I'm not too worried about it. The TDI will be at least a decade newer than the truck and it is only two years away from qualifying for classic car plates.

 

What is the cost of the VW TDI Diesel ?

Is there additional wiring required or a special harness with a three wire hook up ?

My Wife had a VW Passat, with TDI, big car for a 1.9L but it moved along easily, great pickup. I would think based on the size of the Passat that the 1.9L TDI would move a ranger well.

STILL... I do like that Cummins, and then there is California and its EMISSION LAWS !

 

 

Thx, I thought you might have a handle on the cost... !
I would think buying the vehicle would help, will all the little arts.

Something to think on !

Again Thx for the info.

 

The OP has not been back since the original post last August. So this is pretty much a dead thread except for those of us that are contemplating a engine swap. I would be hard pressed to spend $9k on a diesel swap when I could do a 5.0 V-8 for a third of that. The 5.0 would not get 35mpg but I do believe it would get better mileage than the 3.0 Vulcan and be a lot more fun.

 

Thanks for the inout.
I don't think I would get 35 mpg from a 5.0L but the 5.0 would sound a lot better than any Diesel.
I am still fighting the California Emissions so either way may not provide a solution for me.

Thanks / Ltr

 

CARB is a PIA. My only suggestion is to get out of Kalifornia.

I have a neighbor that has an 86 (or 88 I cannot remember) that swapped an carburetted 80's Mustang GT engine and 5 speed transmission into his Ranger. He did do some headwork and used a high torque cam that he said doubled the HP to just under 300HP. He ended up putting a 3.31 gear that gives him low 20's city and mid to high 20's on the road.

 

At this moment in time, leaving Cali is not an option but I have thought of it... didn't look into the emission law before moving here, TOO LATE>

I think you are right on the 5.0L, might be the best swap, and seeing I still one sitting here, it would be far cheaper to do it !

I guess swapping gears to a higher ratio wouldn't be that bad, get a better automatic with maybe the 5.oL with a six speeds, that could do it, maybe hit 30 mpg, now that would be nice.

Don't know where I am going for sure, maybe I can find a 1952 F-1, that doesn't need any emission testing.

Ltr

 

4bt Cummins but the one I saw had some major modifications done to get it to fit however, the numbers were insane with enough torque to twist the little Rangers frame.
i think as tempting as it is though a gas 5.0 is the best performance swap.

 

How about the Cummins repower engine? It'll cost ya though. MSRP $8,999+ shipping, etc. R2.8 turbo diesel; 161hp, 310 lb-ft torque; weight=503 lb; dimensions=28.3in (h)x25in (w)x25.1in (d); turbocharged and aftercooled.
The Cummins R2.8 Turbo Diesel has demonstrated through the testing procedures prescribed in 40 CFR Part 86 to meet EPA’s Tier 0 (LDT 1 and 2) and Tier 1 emissions standards (LDT 2 weighing less than 4000 lbs complete weight). This means that the R2.8 generally is suitable for Model Year 1999 or earlier light duty trucks. However, the suitability of the R2.8 engine to any vehicle is the responsibility of the installer and may depend on state or area laws.
What's in the crate?
PN 5467046 includes:

• R2.8 Turbo Diesel engine assembly
• Complete front-end accessory drive (Alternator, Power Steering Pump, Fan Hub, Serpentine Belt)
• Cam-Driven Vacuum Pump
• Remote Fuel Filter/Water Separator
• Remote Oil Filter
• Mass Airflow Sensor and Housing
• Engine Wiring Harness and Engine Control Module
• Starter
• Flywheel
• Universal Vehicle Wiring Harness (not including starter wiring)
• Throttle Pedal
• J1939 CAN Dash Display
• Owner’s Manual**
• Installation Guide**
• Cummins Quick Serve Online Access**
• Emissions Testing Information

 

The Cummins R2.8 is the dream for sure. My 1998 Ranger would seemingly be emissions-compliant as such. It’s old and exempt in CT, and the the Cummins is spendy, so I’m leaning toward a VW TDI with a mechanical pump conversion at this point.

 

F*** California emissions find someone who lives in like Mariposa or Tuolomni county and see if they will let you register your vehicle with that as your address that’s what I have been doing for all my vehicles and you just have to get it smogged the first time and never has to be again

 

This thread is great! Someone must have been reading my mind! I have been looking at pre-97 4x4 Rangers. I have some plans for a DIY camper for a mid sized pickup - most of the use is for traveling and camping. I was first looking at the F 150-250 series, but wanted to check out the Ranger series (smaller footprint, easier to maneuver. Also, it is likely that only 1-2 people will be traveling in it. Some thoughts/questions:
1. Even in Kalifornia, isn't a vehicle that is more than 25 years old exempt from smog inspection? Maybe not in Lost Angles or Sin Francisco but in other places?
2. Someone mentioned frame problems. Is this a chronic weakness of the Ranger? or just an issue when you install a heavier, more torqy engine? Would I be better off with an F150, 250? The cost for a 4x4 F150 of the same use is at least 2x the Ranger. That is another reason I am looking into the Ranger.
3. Dry weight of a 4bt is more than 900 pounds - 1,000 - 1,100 pounds complete depending on which site you look at. Weight of a Ford 4.0 V6 is about 550 pounds?? Cummins is about 2X. that is a lot of extra weight to put on the front end - doesn't even include the extra weight of a hd radiator, etc. I predict lots of front end maintenance :)
4. The Volkswagen 1.9 TDI puts out 155 ft pounds of torque; the Ford V6 gas puts out 238. What kind of performance do you think I can expect with a TDI in a 4x4 Ranger with a box (the camper) strapped on the back? My guess is that 60 mph would be the limit...maybe 65 if I get out and push . I am hoping to be able to cruise at 70 without the engine sounding like stuck pig. Is there an older diesel (non-electronic) that will give me the higher speed that does not weigh more than half a ton? I know that the VW V6 will do the trick, but it has more electronics than the space shuttle!
5. Conversion is easier (much cheaper) if you have a manual transmission and an engine with no electronics.

I am not much of a mechanic. The info I have included above comes from LOTS of research, but please correct me if I'm wrong. I have a friend who is a good mechanic and is intrigued by this project.

 

I'll add to this thread. A few years ago, I got serious about this. A few guys were doing 1.9/2.0 VW TDI engines. Those are damn near impossible to find around here. I looked at the 4BT which is extremely heavy and way more power than I want. I checked out the Mercedes 4 and 5 cylinder auto diesels. These are also really rare in my area but a good choice. Perkins industrial and marine engines are a viable alternative and can be turbo charged. They are heavy and a little big but not Cummins 4bt big. Most Perky non turbo engines are the same as turbo with a little different intake and injection set ups. The best idea I found was a Kubota V2203 or V3301. Both are available in turbo models and the non turbo engines can be turbo charged easily. One company, Kubota Swappers, makes a turbo kit and adapters. The Kubota engines are close to the same weight and small as the 4 cylinder engines. An internet search will turn up a few swaps. I'm not saying the Kubota is the best but parts are easy to get and they are very reliable.

 

Do any of yall know if my 1990 Ford ranger could use a lil 2 cylinder 2T yanmar ym165 diesel engine in my 1990 ranger, the ol motor is blown and need a new engine trying to go on a budget I have the lil 2 cylinder diesel thinking about putting it in the ranger and putting a turbo on it or I have a 3.9L Cummins but I'm thinking the Cummins swap is going to get pricey what's y'all's thought would the 2 cylinder work? And what would the price be in the 3.9?

 

Those engines were made in variants from 12 to 18 hp. Even with a turbo, you're not going to have enough torque to move the ranger.

If your inquire is that of the new 3.9 cummins, they start around $9500 for the engine only and go up with the addition of options and transmission adapters. A friend put one in his 2011 2dr Jeep Rubicon and all in he spent almost $19,000 when he was done. That was just the engine not including drive line upgrades.