Ranger diesel project

a_moore

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I am going to start a project for a new dd. As most of you know, I travel for work extensively and haul tools most of the time (In the bed or the trailer).

I need something to drive that will make some very good mpg's, esp right now. I simply can not justify using the 08 as a dd. It needs to sit and be exclusively for towing.

My first thought was a car.....but I can not haul toold boxes that I need. (Plus hauling 500+lbs nets .75 per mile. A Ranger will handle this with no problem.

My thoughts/goals are 30-40mpg highway. I am looking for a truck now, and need to decide on a powerplant. The 4B is an option, but will require some adaptation for the Ford tranny. I would love to do a 4.5 psd V6 with the 5R100 as found in the LCF Ford trucks. Then I can swap the 4x2 for a 4x4 and be in buisness wil little modding.

Now the questions begin......what can a 4B, or the 4.5 do for mileage in this setup. Is it even worth it? I could go with a little Kubota or Perkins and add a turbo, but I know they will be less peppy to drive.

Any thoughts or experience with similar swaps or the 4B or 4.5 weigh in please.
 

red&silver04

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The 4bt weighs 800lbs empty so i would see if theres any lighter engines but sound like a sweet build
 

co04cobra

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Andy, I was just talking about a 4.5 LCF motor in a ranger a few days ago. I think weight is going to be the fighting factor on getting the high mpgs out of it. Possibly you could gut the ranger down after getting motor swapped in. BTW I have several 01up Ranger parts if your looking for something call me. Im actually finishing up swapping cabs on two 05s tom.
 

Lowdown89

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If you look on 4btswaps.com they have a entire section on the Benz diesels swaps, I have a 84 300d and even running like crap I still get high 20s for fuel mileage I bet it would go nicely in a ranger! At least that why I'm keeping my 97 sitting in the backyard, with the hopes of putting a diesel in it lol
 

Cobra 19 & 54

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I think expecting 30-40 out of an LCF will be ambitous. High 20's would be more realistic. But I have very little experience (none LOL ) with them in that light of a vehicle.
 

Mdub707

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I see a lot of guys on 4bt using a 3.3 litre 4 cylinder cummins in explorers quite often.
 

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