Detroit 353 (2.6L) swap

[Camp Ranger]

Hey, I'm tearing my Ranger down to the frame in the spring, I want to do a diesel conversion, but not something that's already been done, after doing some research, I'm thinking an aluminum 353 from the late 60s early 70s would be my best bet, it's about 850lbs, produces 105hp stock and about 140 with a turbo and has 245ft lb of torque match that with a 4 spd sm465 and 3 spd aux spicer 5831b for a total of 12 gears and paired with a divorced np205 t case...that will be a torque monster in bull low! Who thinks that's a great idea for a build?

 

[Snoranger]

I love the sound of the old Detroit’s, but man are they heavy. Even an aluminum 3-53 probably weighs in around 750-800 lbs bare....
Take lots of pictures.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I love the sound of the old Detroit’s, but man are they heavy. Even an aluminum 3-53 probably weighs in around 750-800 lbs bare....
Take lots of pictures.

Looks like about a thousand pounds dry:

Specifications for the Detroit Diesel 353

The 3-53, or 353, is a high-powered diesel engine manufactured by Detroit Diesel Engines. The "3" signifies the number of cylinders in the engine, and the lack of a "V" following the "3" signifies the inline layout of the cylinders. As part of the 53 series, Detroit Diesel also made a 4-53 and ...

itstillruns.com

Or about the same as two 302's...

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Better plan on some F350 front coils....

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[Will]

I like it!

But...we had a 3-53 in an articulated 4x4 forklift in Hawaii. The machine might have been called an RT-4000. Or maybe the RT-4000 was the better machine that replaced it. Over 30 years ago, so my memory isn't clear. It was in the gun park at Kaneohe Bay and we used it to move guns around--to the wash rack or into the maintenance bay. The engineers owned it but let us use it. It had a roots blower, because it needed it. I think it read 105hp on the plate. It wasn't a strong engine. Not crisp. It had to wind up to get the load moving. And it was loud as hell. I never liked it. The machine that replaced it had a 4-stroke diesel and the rear tires turned--it wasn't articulated. That second machine was a much better object. Much better engine--very precise throttle, no waiting for power. And the steering was better as well..less relevant to this thread.

I love those 2-stroke diesels, but not when I have to actually use it. The 8 and 12 cylinder motors have a great soundtrack. Over 20 years ago when Columbus, Indiana had a single small Walmart (we have 2 big ones in different places now) on National Road, I was standing in the parking lot and a logging truck took off from a light. That's the best sounding machine I have ever heard in my life. My dad drove a 318, which you know is an 8V71. The Marine Corps had the LVS when I was in, maybe it's still around. It used the same engine I think, but more powerful. I've heard those a lot. But this logging truck had to be a 12 cylinder Detroit. It was the thickest engine sound I've ever heard. No mufflers. Ripping through gears. The driver is hearing the echo off of buildings and maximizing it. Doing it on purpose. I have a Harley with straight pipes and I do the same thing. But nothing sounds like a truck with a 12 cylinder Detroit pulling 50,000 of logs from a stop. Front end of the truck twisting a tire almost into the air pulling gears. Never forget that.

Go for it. I think you will hate it, but I want to see it.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

I like it!

And I think you know what I think about that.

 

[pinto-one]

3-53 Detroit Diesel into ranger , well getting ready to do the same thing . got a gama goat engine and a 2000 ford ranger to stuff it in , did a fittment in a 1988 ranger but the cross member and streering was in the way and lost a place to do it , , now getting ready to retire and this is going to be my project in the next few months , looking at keeping the truck as light as I can and this has been done before , the weight of the engine is a few hunderd pounds lighter than the all iron one , also I will end up with many gallons of fuel free to use so that is one good reason to do it , Later Blaine