88 Ranger diesel swap

[Sling]

I am looking into an 88 ranger and wanted some insight on what might be the cheapest, yet most efficient diesel to put in it. The ranger has a 5-speed trans in it that i do not plan to change if possible.

 

[adsm08]

A 4D55 is going to be the easiest, probably. A VW TDI engine is probably the best for efficiency. If I was going to do this (I really want to do this) I'd look for a 4BT, that that is a whole different can of worms. There is nearly a 120% chance you will need to change the transmission though.

 

[Snoranger]

While I do agree with adsm that the 4bt is a good choice, there is nothing cheap about it. They're expensive to buy, usually $2k +. They can destroy any Ranger trans in a matter of seconds, trans and T case(depends on 2 or 4wd) swap needed. They tip the scales at or above big block weight, which means suspension upgrades just to install it. They are poorly balanced and will shake, rattle, and roll. BUT... the sky is the limit with the power you can make.

If I were to build a diesel Ranger daily driver, I'd use a VW diesel.


I had a 4bt in an Explorer... the front diff couldn't handle it. I was making 5-600 lb-ft of torque. So I pulled it and junked that body. Now it's going supercharged over turbocharged to motivate my '79 F350 supercab, complete with 06+ Superduty axles and suspension.

 

[Dirtman]

I can't think of any diesel that will work with your stock trans so you might as well face reality on that.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

FWIW you could get a diesel in a first gen... not a whole lot of power though.

 

[bobbywalter]

I can't think of any diesel that will work with your stock trans so you might as well face reality on that.

4d55. if it has the toyo there is a bell for it.