'86 Turbo Diesel Build

[I am me]

I'm getting a 1986 4wd Ranger (just got to tow it home now) and I'm planning on sticking a Mercedes OM617 engine in it. I might use a vw TDI engine instead but I really don't want to mess with all the electronics that go along with the vw engine. Called a couple junk yards today to see if they've got the Mercedes engine I want, hopefully they do.

The shifter is prity slopy so probably just worn out bushings. Think this'd fix it?http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/DC/5511-05308635.html?utm_content=DN&utm_term=1983-2011+Ford+Ranger+Manual+Trans+Shifter+Repair+Kit+Dorman+83-11+Ford+Manual+Trans+Shifter+Repair+Kit+1996+1995&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ff&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+Google+Base&gclid=CjwKEAjwp-S6BRDj4Z7z2IWUhG8SJAAbqbF3aqPlX19EmHDbH644X2QGeR_9bxzSqa-LJYxFkM0yYRoCOmvw_wcB&ad=47362750812

 

[I am me]

Here's what I've learned I'll need to do, feel free to add on.
Notch oil pan
Lift the truck, possible body lift
Remove the Ranger fuel pump and put a filter in place of it
Use 5/16 hydraulic line for the fuel return
Remove vapor return check valves and replace hard-line that goes to the bottom of the tank for fuel return
Possibly add a larger alternator
Use Mercedes oil cooler
Possibly need electric cooling fan
Push button for glow plug
Switch for fan if electric used

 

[I am me]

Got the truck! Going to go pick up a the Mercedes engine for it tomorrow and a new gas tank

 

[I am me]

Out with the old, in with the new! It almost looks like someone drilled holes in the old tank. Stuck a new fuel filter in to.
The shifter is really sloppy and I thought the bushing pack I linked in my first post but that's not the right one. I think it has a Mitsubishi FM145 transmission, anyone know what the right part is?

 

[68Mercury250Ranger]

here is a good option for you, and a stronger 5spd manual trans will go well too.

http://www.mercedesdiesel4x4.com/product_p/a-mb203.htm

I'm still watching for my supercab donor ranger but I'm looking at an OM616 4cyl and a 2wd ranger.

if you search around here you should be able to find some inspirational pics of 617 conversion.

 

[I am me]

I was looking at that adapter but decided against it because of the cost of swapping the transmission. I can make an adapter so I'm just going to try and use the transmission that's already in the truck. Hopefully it'll hold up to the bigger engine

 

[I am me]

Got the engine! The guy wanted to sell all his old Mercedes stuff so I had to buy the transmission to. Bought an entire an working 300dt complete, except for the radiator, and a couple body panels. All in all it only cost me $350! Going to have to rent another trailer and bring the car home Thursday

And a pic of how nice the tires that came on my truck are

 

[I am me]

Here's the parts car. Hopefully will get the Ranger's engine out this weekend.

 

[I am me]

What is this thing? (it's in the Ranger)

 

[351ranger]

That's the cruise control I believe

 

[I am me]

Ok thanks, I couldn't tell what it was being hooked to both the windshield washer fluid and the throttle body.

So I've got a big problem, I disconnected the engine from the wiring harness and forgot to close my (power) windows. When I hooked the truck up to a battery an error light came on and nothing gets power. The Mercedes engine won't be using any of the wiring that I just undid so how can I fool the truck into thinking nothing's unplugged so that it'll be usable with the new engine?

 

[I am me]

Working on taking out the transfer case, what are these hoses? The first pic is from the front of the transfer case and it hooks to the transmission I think, the other one is on the back and I don't know where it goes

 

[I am me]

^ Never mind I got it. Couldn't get the rear driveshaft off the transfer case so it was a little annoying to remove but I got it. Got the engine and trans totaly disconnected except for the clutch line which is givinge a hard time. Hopefully the pb blaster is put on ita will have done it's magic by the time I get home from work tomorrow and I can pull everything out

 

[I am me]

If anyone has any interest in this project: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/377590-om617-swap-into-ford-ranger-what-would-take.html

 

[68Mercury250Ranger]

lots of interest over on peach parts.

I'm putting an OM616 into my ranger as soon as we get snow this winter. not sure if I will buy a kit for the smallblock ford bellhousing and put in a T5 or use the stock 4spd manual and all MB parts. trying to keep mine as light as possible and 2wd for summer commuting only> occasional use by my wife to haul the monkees around

oilburners has a MB diesel section too. keep at it, its a very cool way to run a ranger!