i have an 85 ranger that i would like to swap a diesel motor into. following that i would really like to convert it to biodiesel. but first, what 4 or 6 cylinder diesel motors are availible? i thought i heard about a cummins 4 cylinder, but only becasue the name ended with 4. where esle can i look? what about trannys?

dad just bought a mercedes with a shot body and a turbodiesel he is going to swap into his heep... maybe start there as I know you can pick them up on the super cheap rusted out

Convert to biodiesel? Aside from MAYBE having to do a few hoses or seals (upgrade to Viton...it won't get eaten), there isn't anything you need to do. If you're looking at doing a straight veggie oil swap there is a little more to it.

The cummins you're thinking of is the 4BT. It will have either a 3.3 or 3.9 liter displacement and can be found in a bunch of different step vans. The ones I've seen have an NV4500, SM465, or Turbo 400 tranny behind them. All would work fine in a Ranger I would think. The bellhousing pattern is an SAE #3 IIRC if you're looking for an adapter for something else.

maybe the strock turbo diesel from another 85' ranger?

As I understood it, the B-series cummins has some kind of removeable adapter when put in the vans like mentioned above, giving them the correct bellhousing shape to bolt up to the chevy trannys. Ive never seen this for myself, so I cant say for sure its true but it would definetly be worth checking into. The 4BT could probably be made to work, but I think the 6BT (same one in the Dodge pickups) would be way too big and heavy (near 1000# IIRC) to try and stuff into a ranger. Thats not saying it cant be done, but would it really be worth it? The 4BT will still be heavier than your stock engine, so make sure to at least beef up the suspension and maybe consider doing some frame reinforcement. Sure could be a fun truck though...

Yeah, they used an SAE #3 to Chevy adapter. You could probably source one aftermarket for $$$ but there are so many of them out there already....

I've heard of a very reliable 150ish hp with 400 ft lbs of torque out of one of those little things.

so a motor that could work is the cummins 4bt 3.3 or 3.9. is that a stright 6? i would be looking at chevy step vans? i know rangers had a factory diesel engine, but it would take me forever to find one. i dont know if i can make a straight six fit in the ranger engine bay

I've said it before and I'll say it again...

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/cummins4BT/

...for all you're 4bt swappin' needs!

:smokin:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW5LWIw7usc



I'm sure you can make it fit.

4BT is to heavy for a Ranger. Look for a Mitsu or Isuzu around 2.0 -2.5 L and Turbo. It'll be all the power you need for that light truck. I'd put a 4BT in a 1500 anyday of the week, just not a midsized.

One lunger 71 series detroit. :smokin:

In all honesty...people swap small blocks into Rangers all the time. I know a small block weighs less, but not all that much. A set of 2 inch lift springs, some spacers, or just some stiffer springs should do it.

ok so more info on mitsubishi and isuzu diesels? what vehicles to source from? trannys? tcases? thanks a lot

There were several Might Max and Isuzu P/u's with TD and 4wd. As well as Toyota and Datsun/Nissan. Most were mid '80s models. An Isuzu NPR van has a great engine, I just don't know what to hook it to for a 4wd.

so a motor that could work is the cummins 4bt 3.3 or 3.9. is that a stright 6? i would be looking at chevy step vans?

Nope it's a 4 banger. the lil brother of the 6BT. Yes, look for Step vans, Frito Lay, etc.

4BT is to heavy for a Ranger. Look for a Mitsu or Isuzu around 2.0 -2.5 L and Turbo. It'll be all the power you need for that light truck. I'd put a 4BT in a 1500 anyday of the week, just not a midsized.

The 4BT worked out pretty well for Mooktank....check his swap into a '93 Ranger. Of course he upgraded the drivetrain a little, too.
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