I'm wondering

[Mightyfordranger]

So I want to build something cool with my ranger an 88 single cab short bed 5spd 4wd 2.3 and I want something outside the box and I can take it to the drift track just to have some fun doesn't have to be the best thing ever just fun and I like the idea of diesel power but 4bt puts up the best numbers but I weighs 715 lbs. TDI's make decent HP for what they are with a little work. Then there's the om617 which doesn't make much power they are 300lbs lighter than 4bts but it's harder to get power from them and parts are harder to find them there's the also ever awesome 2.3 turbo which seems to be the least amount of fabbing and dickin around so let me know what you think the way I see it if I get at least 20mpg I'm happy

 

[RonD]

Reads like you want more torque, the reference to diesel engines.

You could try higher ratio rear axle with the 2.3l to start
Although with 4WD you may be better off with a Gear Splitter, similar to 2-speed rear axles or Transfer case, so you still have lower RPM(better MPG) at higher speeds, but have the higher ratio(more torque) for drifting with rear wheels only.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I vote 2.3T

 

[Cody L]

I had a 1991 version of your truck. I went with a 2.3t out of a turbo coupe. I got about 18mpg highway and it was a riot to drive. With an old man topper and all the rust, it was quite the sleeper as well. It was a bolt in with some wiring work and heater box mods but really easy otherwise. With an 88 it would be even easier since the wiring is so much closer.

Sent from my SM-N920R4 using Tapatalk

 

[Hagan]

You forgot about 4bt1...

 

[Mightyfordranger]

Sorry correction it's 2wd and I do have an old man topper lol but I just love the idea of a ranger Rollin coal slidin sideways

 

[Haywire6000]

I vote 2.3T, I need to build a 2WD now.