planing engine swap. want feedback

[jrpdash9]

im planing a engine swap in my 2000 ranger. i have a 84 Mercedes benz 5 cylinder turbo diesel and auto tranny. i measured it out it should fit under the hood with some minor adjustments. but im not sure how to put the transfer case on the transmission yet. since the engine is all mechanical i can take out all the computers and ect. i was wondering if some of you people who have done a engine swap in a ranger have and advice or tricks

 

[bilzy7]

Not sure but I'd love to watch this build go. Are you planning manual 4x4 shifter?

 

[jrpdash9]

im not sure yet. im pulling the diesel out this summer and doing a complete over haul. i wanna try to keep it electric but i got to see what the transmission will let me do

 

[bobbywalter]

how does this apply to exterior?


i am thinking of a smaller diesel like this to put in one of my kids vehicles.


on the surface it looks cake for a sla truck.

 

[bilzy7]

Lol didn't even think of place it was posted haha. Interior either... "engines other" come to mind.

 

[jrpdash9]

lol sorry i wasent looking were i putting it. so bobbywalter, i see you put a diesel in a ranger. sounds like one hack of a ride! and ya it is a smaller diesel but im looking for milage and i know in the car the diesel is in now it gets 40mpg and its 1500 pounds heavier then my ranger. you have any advice on how to do it?

 

[strvger]

someone did it here: http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50961&page=6
post starts at #90. he is in Germany but his english isn't too bad really. i'd read his posts, then maybe pm him for more info. good luck, sounds like a great build!

 

[disciplerocks]

I had an 82 Benz with the 5 cylinder turbo diesel. It wasn't very fast, but the thing had enough torque to pull a damn yacht.

 

[jrpdash9]

thanks! and your right in general they are slow but they are a sweet engine

 

[bobbywalter]

lol sorry i wasent looking were i putting it. so bobbywalter, i see you put a diesel in a ranger. sounds like one hack of a ride! and ya it is a smaller diesel but im looking for milage and i know in the car the diesel is in now it gets 40mpg and its 1500 pounds heavier then my ranger. you have any advice on how to do it?

hack of a ride is fitting

the 617 benz can be a decent way to go, but with oem suspension the ones i have looked at will require extensive oil pan work, which on the surface is not really a big deal.

i like the vw engines as they have a wide support structure for swaps and build ups.


but the jdm stuff seems to be the best route for what i would intend to do.

say a 2.8 hilux or similar setup complete from one of the importers...probably do that for 3 grand engine trans and t case with low miles dropped off at the house on a crate.

then the chassis. not sure which way to go with madi. i prefer a 2wd explorer for around 500 bux that dont run with custom engine k member and dana 30 swap to facilitate the powertrain fitment. figure mild roll cage work and it can be done for 5 grand. good lil 4-5 seat rig that can put 30 mpg hiway and avg 22 or so with 373 gears and 31's or so and have a decent increase of stupid kid shit protection... she can learn how to use wmo/tranny and wvo for fuel...she actually already knows how this all works but she could do it herself...and have a great cost effective utilitarian rig.


but 3-4 passengers can get to be troublesome in the teen girl situation

so a reg cab with the same setup may keep the shitheads in check when i cant watch em. it would also get better economy and allow a smaller engine that could end up cheaper as well.

with a sas scenario a diesel swap is ridiculously easy. best way to go imo as well.

if you get a passenger drop donor you can just run early waggy jeep gm dodge axles...your really open to making it happen cheap that way.


if you want to keep your existing suspension, the work can be extensive. you will really have to be selective. using a sd55 would be a great way to do.
time consuming would definitely be putting it in context.

with an sas setup and some tube, the swap is cake.

thats why the 6.2-5 can be easy. all the shit is cheap, and readily available and you can configure powertrains with oem parts to do whatever you want for reasonable costs.

whereas the benz motor one needs a degree in benzology just to decipher the friggen transmission potentials.

 

[bobbywalter]

oh....then theres this, looked at an 01 escape for 2300 bux.


went back and it was gone though

 

[jrpdash9]

i c what ur saying now, so basically your saying with a benz motor the front suspension would require a lot of modification to compensate for the added weight of the diesel

 

[bobbywalter]

with your sla rig not a chance of a weight issue- save for wear of already wear prone parts being a bit accelerated.


the 617 isnt going to hurt a ranger of any type, the 2wd rangers will provide an easier swap as opposed to 4x4.

the pan mods are potentially a pia if you want to stay stock chassis in total, no body or suspension lift.

i have not swapped the motor into a stock 4x4 chassis, and base the judgement on measurements and various other swaps i have done in the past.


weight is not an issue

2wd should be a cake to swap

4x4 has potential issues due the space the 4x4 systems occupies. very very doable in any case.

the problem with the benz specifically is the lack easy simple swapping of a t case and trans that makes easy use of your existing axles.

but thats not a showstopper at all.

 

[jrpdash9]

man you are awesome thanks for all the advice