85 Ranger 2.8 to Perkins 2.2 diesel swap

[85ranger2.8]

Have a chance to pick up a Perkins 2.2 diesel rebuilt and priced right from an 83 ranger. Wondered if anyone has done this & could lend any insight as to if it should a pretty clean swap or not. The 2.8 in my 85 ranger is very tired & needs a rebuild which I'll do and store until another day. I'm wondering if my existing transmission will work with the diesel and not lose my 4 wheel drive etc.

Thanks for any input.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Save your money and rebuild the 2.8. Going from an already meager 115hp down to a downright ridiculious 52 or 58hp (dont rememeber exactly) and changing your fuel system, wireing, and whatever else really is a step way far in the wrong direction.

 

[fastpakr]

Dustin, wouldn't that depend dramatically on your goals?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Diesel will probably have more torque than the 2.8.

It will require a different transmission and you are obviously going to have to work over the fuel system.

Parts for the diesels offered in Rangers seem to be kinda hit and miss. Transmissions and whatnot don't exactly grow on trees.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Dustin, wouldn't that depend dramatically on your goals?

I suppose so. But his description thing says DD and trail, so besides fuel mileage, its a worthless swap. If he had a dead 2.8 and a new perkins layiin in the shed then thats one thing, but i wouldnt buy a perkins for it. I just dont want him to listen to the diesel cheerleaders that think anything without spark plugs is godlike.

Diesel will probably have more torque than the 2.8.

59hp and 90 ft lbs. According to google. The 2.8 is 115/150.

Here, watch this video before you decide on a 2.2...


https://youtu.be/Mauqc_BiN_w

Do what you want dude, its your truck, just dont wanna see someone do a swap hoping for a payoff and be disappointed in the end.

 

[Denisefwd93]

These discussions are about as close as I'll ever get to having a diesel powered vehicle of any type. So I really enjoy reading and watching.

Before plopping down down any of your hard-earned cash I would suggest you verify the engine indeed was rebuilt and how much you can get out of the donor vehicle because the diesel engine adapters are very expensive. Which I'm sure are just the beginning of the costs.

https://youtu.be/LcSL9-zBkUM

 

[rusty ol ranger]

If youre dead set on a small ranger diesel, id reccommend the 2.3L turbo diesel used later on. I think they were built by mitsubishi and were about on par for power with the gas 2.3.

But id still keep the 2.8.

 

[Evguy1]

If you really want a diesel powered Ranger than the 1.9 VW TDI is a good choice. Lots of guys have done them, engines are reliable and cheap with LOTS of aftermarket support for more power.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw77vU7-b98