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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 02:34 PM
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Need Suggestions

I want to eventually do an engine swap to diesel, but I don't know what to get? What diesel do you guys/gals recommend? I would like an all around motor. Speed/Towing. Also, where can I buy it from? I will certainly buy it used.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 06:49 PM
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Is this for the 97 Ranger in your sig? That's somewhat limited. You're looking at a Cummins 4BT from a bread van. Possibly, a Mercedes 5cyl from a 300D. Read up on 4BTswaps.com and you'll usually see a few for sale on their classifieds. As with anything, check craigslist first.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 07:31 PM
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You'll also have to consider the emissions laws for your state. If it is for your 1997 Ranger it may not be legal to put any of the 3/4 and 1 ton truck diesels in it due to its low GVWR. The engine will probably have to at least come from a vehicle 1997 or newer. Lots to consider if you want it to be road legal and pass a state inspection.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 07:54 PM
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Originally Posted by machmedic
You'll also have to consider the emissions laws for your state. If it is for your 1997 Ranger it may not be legal to put any of the 3/4 and 1 ton truck diesels in it due to its low GVWR. The engine will probably have to at least come from a vehicle 1997 or newer. Lots to consider if you want it to be road legal and pass a state inspection.
Originally Posted by nevrenufhp
Is this for the 97 Ranger in your sig? That's somewhat limited. You're looking at a Cummins 4BT from a bread van. Possibly, a Mercedes 5cyl from a 300D. Read up on 4BTswaps.com and you'll usually see a few for sale on their classifieds. As with anything, check craigslist first.
This is for a future project. I wish I could swap the motor from my 1997 Ranger. I'm planning on swapping a 400 in a 1979 Ford F-250 for a diesel.
 
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Old Jan 2, 2012 | 10:15 PM
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Well in that case you really are just limited to how much you want to spend. If you want to keep a Ford engine there is always the tried and true 7.3. The best way would be to find a donor vehicle that way you can swap over all the little stuff that will drive you crazy. You will also have the layout for all the piping, wiring, fuel system and such.

If you go with a newer diesel like a 6.0, 6.4 etc you will need to consider the computer needs as well.
 
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Old Jan 3, 2012 | 08:34 PM
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If you want the long life and torque of a Ford diesel...a pre-'94 7.3L will give you the most power gains without allot of computer related sensors to deal with. From '94 up your talking about a PowerStroke engine, which have a whole host of sensors all over the place. You could also go with a 6.9L IDI...but they don't make as much power as the 7.3L did; even if you don't go with a turbocharged verision. The 4BT Cummins is a good little engine that will make some reasonable power. And since allot of bread, Frito-Lay and uniform trucks were built with 'em...they have a great parts supply. If you look around you may find one in a local salvage yard.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 01:27 AM
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An F250, I offer an International DT360 or cummins 6bt as 2 good options.
The 6.9/7.3 isnt a Ford diesel, if you wanna get technical. Ford did make a big six, a 6.6 and a 7.8, but that's a bit much for a pickup swap.
 
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Old Jan 4, 2012 | 03:19 AM
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Originally Posted by nevrenufhp
The 6.9/7.3 isnt a Ford diesel, if you wanna get technical.
I agree, they're International/Navistar engines to be exact. But my reasoning is they offered in countless F250/F350 in the '80s & '90s; so it wouldn't be hard to drop one into an older F250. Not sure what all has changed over the years in the F250 chassis. But I'm willing to bet there are some common parts that span decades...not just model years. Axles come to mind in the current SuperDuties.
 
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