The smaller engines can't pass the strict emission test with our current diesel. We are getting low sulfer diesel in 2006 that will greatly reduce emissions and soot particulates. Hopefully then we can have diesel rangers. I'd buy one in an instant.

 

Loose the low range??!!!! No way! I don't think that adding a "creeper" 1st gear would make up for no low range. Especially while off roading. There are times when you just need a full set of low gears. But anyway, I would think that ford will come out with a 6-speed manual for the ranger soon, as dodge currently has one availiable on their new dakotas with the v-6 and the smaller v-8. And I'd love to see a turbo-diesel ranger here in the states. Especially with the high gas prices, it would seem that it would be a decent seller if it could get in the high 20's - low 30's mileage wise. I have always loved driving turbo diesels.....the whooooosh of power is sooooo addicting.

 

I learned to drive in my Dad's '83 diesel ranger. It was not turboed but was a mitsubishi engine. I was a great truck that he finally got rid of few years ago whenthe second cab rusted away on it. It had no acceleration or pick up but felt really torquey.

 

the US army is looking at quad cab 4X4 rangers in diesel

 

hey guys this might help out. I think its south Africa http://www.ford.co.za/servlet/Conten...ge_Temp&c=Page

 

just stick with gas there better all the way more torque more power and less gas mileage so what?

 

Put a PSD F250 up against a Triton V8 F250 in stump pulling. I watched my buddy with an F-350 PSD rip a stump out of the ground. It's amazing. That stump was huge. Are you saying a gas motor would do the same? There's no competition. The PSD will smoke down the gas engine. I'm a huge fan of Turbo Diesels. My mom has one in her VW Jetta. That car is simply amazing. Tons of power. Average of 40 mpg in town with the capabilities to hit 135mph. What's not to like? A diesel motor generally has more torque than a gas motor.

 

I think he was speaking in terms of the ranger diesel (not diesels in general) which is pretty weak.

 

Yes, Ford made a Diesel Ranger for about three years mid eighties.
I had a 1983. I loved it. About 1999 it got borrowed and severely overheated, cracked the head........

My '83 had a 2.2 liter of 59 horsepower. It was not very powerful and the Isuzu's flew past me on the highway. But I loved the warm steady hum of that sweet little powerplant. It got 30 mpg regardless city or highway, with or without a/c.

Economy was false - it took 7 quarts of premium oil, and had two oil filters, so maintenance ate up any fuel saving. The diesel cost an extra $900, and you'd never make it up. On the other hand the radio reception was excetional what with no ignition noise, and it always started a conversation at the gas station.

Later years had a different diesel engine, I think with overhead cam. The 2.2 was pushrods - a very stout little engine.

For years I got unsolicited letters from exporters wanting to buy it, so I suspect there's not many of them left stateside.

Should I ever run across another '83 I'll buy it.

Does anyone know if there's a crate diesel that would bolt up to a 2.3L gas tranny? Maybe a tractor or marine ?
Thanks for asking about Diesel Rangers - it brings warm memories...


(Late Entry - As for towing: with my 18 ft Wellcraft behind the Ranger I could not get above 42 MPH, and even that took miles..... Good thing there were no hills in S Florida. If you're towing, drop in a gas 351.)

 

Hi and welcome to FTE

I remember working on an International Scout with a diesel a few times. The owner of it said that when he was pulling out onto the highway he took a good long look at traffic. If he could see any traffic coming his direction, no matter how far down the road it was, he'd wait. He said it took so long to get up to speed that it was unsafe. The couple Ranger diesels that I've worked on sure weren't that bad but I never tried one with a boat behind it

 

I'm careful and look for a huge hole with the 4.0L when pulling the boat, I can't imagine doing it with barely over half the displacement!
It'd be bloody nice if they'd bring back the diesel Ranger. I mean they sell the Ranger as an economy vehicle, why not have a very efficient yet somewhat capable motor? I guess the public just sees high diesel prices and strays away.

 

Mine was okay in city traffic, but I did get the finger from a lot of impatient yuppies. I really enjoyed the ability to lay out a thick black oily exhaust cloud and engulf that Beemer on my back bumper!

 

I just talked to a Ford salesman and he said that Ford has plans of bringing the diesel back for the Ranger in 2007!! He said that could change though. I wonder if we all called our Ford dealers, just maybe it would help??

Joel

 

How come these phantom diesel's are always 2 years out. The F150 was supposed to get one in 2009, now that appears tabled. Ranger diesel still has yet to appear. Baby duramax is still a dream...

I am starting to wonder if we are being teased

 

A diesel would add a lot of cost to the truck and diesel fuel cost a lot more than gas to boot. There not seeing a lot of advantage to desiels at this time, I sure don't want one of the noisey, heavy smelly things.