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1989 XLT 4X4 Diesel Swap


Seattle_Mike

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Location
Kitsap
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Transmission
Automatic
Hello everyone!

I just picked up this straight, rust-free low mileage (76K) Ranger last month. After looking it over, the current 2.9L V-6 has a few issues that won't last for my long term plans of towing a 15-18 foot camping trailer. I have two VW TDI's already and am a fan of the motor. I've already looked at some other threads on here about TDI - Ranger swaps, but I haven't seen one this old or 4x4 before. Any help is appreciated as I decide on transmission and engine selection. I'd **love** to do a 4BT, but that might be a bridge too far for my aspirations and time at this point.
 

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bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
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V8 Engine Swap
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Joined
Aug 9, 2007
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23,470
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4,668
Points
113
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
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Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way
I'm not going down this rabbit hole again

I'm not going down this rabbit hole again

But I really want too...
 

Blmpkn

Toilet enthusiast
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Feb 15, 2020
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Location
Southern maine
Vehicle Year
2023
Make / Model
Ford Bronco
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2.5"
Tire Size
285/75/18
My credo
Its probably better to be self deprecating than self defecating.
Yes. I can’t believe they want $1200 for those parts!!
It is a pretty good deal, isn't it?

I have a buddy considering doing all that to his '98 to replace the 350k mile 3.0.

Doing my best to egg him on into doing it lol.
 

ericbphoto

Overlander in development
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Age
59
Location
Wellford, SC
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
3.0 V6
Engine Size
3.0L
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
6"
Tire Size
35"
My credo
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are different.
I'm not going down this rabbit hole again

I'm not going down this rabbit hole again

But I really want too...
... and you're an old school VW lover, too. Aren't you?


Hmmm. TDI BroncoII?
 

Blmpkn

Toilet enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 15, 2020
Messages
5,503
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Points
113
Location
Southern maine
Vehicle Year
2023
Make / Model
Ford Bronco
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Engine Size
2.3
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
2.5"
Tire Size
285/75/18
My credo
Its probably better to be self deprecating than self defecating.

Uncle Gump

Token Old Guy
TRS Event Staff
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Supporting Member
VAGABOND
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Joined
Sep 17, 2018
Messages
13,936
Reaction score
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Points
113
Location
Ottawa IL
Vehicle Year
2006/1986
Make / Model
Ranger/BroncoII
Engine Size
4.0L SOHC/2.9L
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Lead follow or get out of my way

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