Need help dropping in a diesel......all advice is very welcomed
 

I have a 1998 extended cab 2 wheel drive ranger. I have replaced the 3.0 in it twice and it has died a third time already. It is by far my favorite vehicle to drive so i wanted to drop something in it that would last. So i decided to try and find a 3.9 (4bt) cummins engine. I'm still in the searching process and i have been reading threads on forum sights like 4btswaps but i was just wanting and needing some inputs........i know it will be basically putting an entire new chassis under the body but thats half the fun lol any suggestions and or ideas or experienced swappers would be awesome........thanks lots

Don't believe anyone on here has done it. At least no one I've seen. It'll be completely custom, but yeah, sounds like a forum made for those swaps would be the place to start.

You wont need a whole new frame. you'll just need to beef the hell out of your current frame. Our frames are C channel, start by patching it so its a full closed frame. Then you'll want to add supports for the twisting that'll come from that torque monster.

Pretty sure the front part of the frame is already fully boxed, no? Just the bed is open I thought?

Depends how much power you plan on pulling out of that 4bt will determine what you will have to beef up. If you keep it pretty mild the c channel frame should be perfectly fine.

If you plan on grabbing tons of torque you'll want to add some better bracing.

The front section of the 98+ Ranger is boxed; 97-back is not.

This.

Either way with the torque you're putting through the frame, you should box it anyway. One of those, rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

If boxing it just make sure it's done right. Otherwise you'll cause more harm than good. Honestly I wouldn't box it. Just add I some x members for bracing.

Some things need to flex a bit so they don't crack or break other parts. Why do you think the good diesel trucks (f250) used a c channel? Same with semi's. Granted they use thicker material, but a bit of flex in the frame isnt always a bad thing.

There are just as many big trucks with boxed frames. even the YJ, TJ and JK have boxed frames.

But like you said, depends if you want it to bend, or you want it to stay rigid.

What big trucks have boxed frames.... Aside from the junk GM has. And they don't count cause they're so lame they put IFS on a HD truck.

I don't plan on doing anything fancy with the 4bt. I just wanted a little better economy a little more power then the 3.0 plus nothing really beats the sound of a good running Cummins

This??

Forum link to a discussion: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...-ranger-68623/

http://images.dieselpowermag.com/fea...ront_angle.jpg


Article on this one: 1998 Ford Ranger Cummins - Custom Diesel Trucks - Diesel Power Magazine





Here are some additional links:

5.9 swap: Radical 1998 Ford Ranger - Diesel Power Magazine


4BT: 1998 Ford Ranger - Cummins Diesel Engine - Diesel Power Magazine

twin Turbo Cummins: Project Garage - Drag Trucks - Diesel Power Magazine



hope these help!

Powerstroke (6.0) Swap: https://www.ranger-forums.com/8-cyli...-ranger-46628/

7.3 Swap: Billy Diesel 7.3L Ford Ranger Dually Diesel

lul wut? How do even fit a 7.3 in a ranger. I know what I'll be reading through tonight. lol

Not sure if you have emissions in Kansas but you might want to check if you do down here in Georgia they won't let you put a diesel in a non heavy duty truck.