Power Stroke Ranger Conversion

[TDI Ranger]

Hello everyone,
I have been wanting a ranger with a powerstroke diesel since I found out they were sold in south america, but of course not here. I bought my first ranger new back in 2004. Sold that one bought a F-250 with the 7.3 years and years ago which I still have. After much searching I purchased another ranger. It's a 2003 4.0 4wd with a 5-speed manual. I have been trying to figure out how to get a diesel ranger up here for years. The only way it can happen is to build it myself. I have sourced the closest engine to the powerstroke 2.8 TGV possible. The Land Rover 300 TDI. They are more or less the same engine and they were actually used in the ranger until 2000 from what I've researched. After years of searching I've finally sourced a engine I will be swapping into my ranger in a few months. I have done some rough measurements. It will fit in the ranger. The diesel is longer than the 4.0. I will have to source another radiator and intercooler for sure. I'm also going to have to make an adapter plate as I'm going to use the stock 4.0 transmission.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Take lots of pics as you do it. Not just for us but for your own memories.
Good luck in the build.

 

[Jim Oaks]

YES!!!

 

[bobbywalter]

yeah.....i am looking forward to this.

 

[bobbywalter]

one of my friends in Colorado has a v8 toyota diesel he is swapping into his tacoma. the jdm engines are plentiful right now if this one turns out bad.

 

[TDI Ranger]

I am trying to source parts from South America. They installed this motor in the rangers down there. Spares are plentiful down there, but I'm having trouble finding a retailer that will ship to the US. Down there these engines are as common as any GM 350 up here. I would like to use as many OEM South American parts as possible, but I'm concerned about the cost of getting them up here and future parts availability. That is one reason I'm wanting to use the stock gearbox rather than the factory Eaton. I'm trying to source a cheap 4.0 gearbox so I can start making an adapter.

I'm still driving the 4.0. It has recently developed a timing chain rattle. I don't know how much longer it will go.

 

[ericbphoto]

 

[adsm08]

I'm still driving the 4.0. It has recently developed a timing chain rattle. I don't know how much longer it will go.

Getting some new tensioners in it will buy you a little time.

 

[bobbywalter]

I am trying to source parts from South America. They installed this motor in the rangers down there. Spares are plentiful down there, but I'm having trouble finding a retailer that will ship to the US. Down there these engines are as common as any GM 350 up here. I would like to use as many OEM South American parts as possible, but I'm concerned about the cost of getting them up here and future parts availability. That is one reason I'm wanting to use the stock gearbox rather than the factory Eaton. I'm trying to source a cheap 4.0 gearbox so I can start making an adapter.

I'm still driving the 4.0. It has recently developed a timing chain rattle. I don't know how much longer it will go.

Easy way to go if they do verified video running take outs, is to have them ship the induction and head along with all of the engine accessory drive system on one load.

Then the short block and transmission on another.


This is what I was going to do years ago. I wanted the 4 door cab as well

There was a place in San Diego that I was dealing with. Then o said fawk it and just used what I had.....which at the time was a 6.5 diesel from my g30. I made money on the swap.

 

[TDI Ranger]

Well, I finally have started on the swap. I have had other projects that had to be completed before I started this one. About 2 months ago the timing chain finally started making so much noise at start up I parked the truck.
I spent a few evenings after work getting the engine out.

 

[TDI Ranger]

The transmission is out and cleaned up. Now the easy part is over. I was able to test fit the diesel engine in the truck. Once I got the engine in the truck it really becomes more obvious why there are some differences between the Land Rover and Ford Ranger engines. The easy difference is the oil pan. It will have to be modified to clear the front differential.

 

[TDI Ranger]

I'm still slowly plugging away at the ranger. I have had the flywheel modified to fit the original 4.0 transmission. It is now the same O.D., same starter ring gear, and clutch as the factory 4.0 flywheel. I also had to machine a custom adapter plate and build custom motor mounts.
I was able to source a OEM ford inlet and exhaust manifold, as well as the variable geometry turbo all from the 2.8 powerstroke. I was also able to source a radiator intercooler assembly.
It has taken a lot of head scratching and waiting on the machine shop to get to this point.

 

[bobbywalter]

Nice thing about straight axle setups on moderate lift....it would just fit.

 

[89Twincharge]

Dude I love it!!! I hate how vehicles in other countries have bad ass turbo diesels in dang near every vehicle and we have none!!keep up the good work!

 

[Blmpkn]

Dude I love it!!! I hate how vehicles in other countries have bad ass turbo diesels in dang near every vehicle and we have none!!keep up the good work!

A lot of the diesel crazy countries are only so diesel crazy because the price of gas is 5$ a gallon at best.. and over 6$ at worst.

I'll do without having a cool diesel for cheap gas.