Introduction new member

[Omen]

I am a long time lurker that decided it was time to become a member. I have a an 87 Ranger XLT Supercab with a VW 1.9L TDI, 94 3.0L M5OD on 31’s. It has been my daily driver for several years and is in need of some upgrades. Namely a lift, swap in Dana 35 4.10 front & explorer 8.8 Posi, disc brake 4.10 that i scored from the wrecking yard.

 

[Jazzer]

Welcome to TRS!

 

[superj]

Awesome
Welcome to the club

 

[Vindictus]

Welcome to the TRS

 

[Uncle Gump]

I would be interested to see some details about your conversion... and some pictures.

Also curious what kinda of mileage you get with that TDI stuffed in a brick. Any info you care to share... I'm sure it will grab the attention of several.

Welcome to TRS...

 

[Vindictus]

I would be interested to see some details about your conversion... and some pictures.

Also curious what kinda of mileage you get with that TDI stuffed in a brick. Any info you care to share... I'm sure it will grab the attention of several.

Welcome to TRS...

That's why I asked for pic's
never heard of a TDI in a ranger

 

[Vindictus]

A diesel in a Ranger
Makes me feel funny all over
I could almost see me Trying That

 

[DrWho42]

hi there! welcome to the forums!

 

[bobbywalter]

Yup.....there are lots of diesels that have been on the forums. 1.9 to 7.3.


We are louder....stinkier....and few relatively...

But here.

 

[Omen]

Fuel mileage consistenetly averages35 mpg. Worst tank was 32 & best was 40. It does well out on the highway but not so much in the hills which is why I am going to 4.10’s




I order to keep costs low and maintain a stock appearance I tried to reuse as many OEM parts as possible and limit my modifications to select key parts.

The cruise control knob is an Eaton part from a Heavy duty tractor. It uses simple on/off switches that work well with the VW controls. I tried to use a Ford cruise steering wheel but it was entirely to complicated. An added bonus is the clean look and ease of access.


I mounted the VW Throttle pedal to a cut off Ranger pedal and used a long bolt from the firewall to the top of the ranger lever to hold stationary. In this way I can adjust the angle of the pedal if needed.

I even changed the gauge faces out to say diesel, just in case anyone asked. I had to show the fuel attendant here in Oregon the first time I went to put fuel in it. The only problem though is the RPM scale is different so it made calibration tricky. Even using a Dakota Digital signal convertor I cant get it quite right. I need to adjust the tach resistor to dial it in.

 

[SenorNoob]

I'd almost believe that was stock. Nice work.

 

[Omen]

Thanks. I used TD conversions adapter kit which is 2” thick. This retains factory ford drivetrain and location while providing firewall clearance for the rear of the head mounted vaccuum pump. It’s all factory ford from the flywheel back & factory VW stuff From the crank forward. I really strive to limit the number of one off custom parts and maintain a simple OEM look. The mount isolators are stock v6 mounts & the engine side is TD conversions. The adapter and mount plates are really nice to work with given the price. I used a Volvo intercooler mounted behind the ac condenser location that required notching the core support and extending the lower radiator brackets. In this way i able to use explorer automatic radiator with out a bunch of fancy fab work. I used steel tubes to make the coolant & intercooler pipes. The steel allows for field repairs while minimizing the number of wired rubber hoses to make connections. To keep it cool i went with a Volvo 2 speed fan & relay using a VW 2 speed temp switch. All told the fan has come on 3 times in 70k + miles & 3 years.