Rare Diesel Ford Ranger I REGRET Buying

[@millsmechanics6667]

I had an 83 with the 2.2 Perkins. Thankfully as a diesel mechanic I was already aware that most semi trailer reefer units have the exact same engine. As well as old Lincoln SAE welders. So it’s pretty easy to get parts through trailer makers such as Great Dane and Lincoln welders still sells parts as well. I got my injectors through Lincoln because they were just slightly bigger than the Great Dane injectors. Also a 5 speed from a Mazda rx7 bolts in with zero modifications.

[@I_Fix_ur_broke_stuff]

Thanks for the info on the rx7 tranny I was wondering because I got one of those diesels and the four speed is crap

[@Robert_Mac77]

That Perkins diesel sounds just like my grandpas old tractor 😂

[@RealSteelFabrications]

@@Robert_Mac77 love the sound of oil diesels

[@spiffypuppet]

I have an 83 Ranger with a factory Perkins. It is absolutely worth the pain and time it'll take to find the parts. It took me a while to find what I need, but it isn't impossible. Check overseas and Mexico/South America for parts the 2.2L was sold more often outside the US.

[@M.TTT.]

These old, uncommon diesels are so cool until you own them lol, but its still awesome

[@RealSteelFabrications]

I love any odd ball vehicle

[@jerstruckbuilds]

Cummins, Kubota, Duramax, Perkins, Mercedes, Volkswagen.......whatever diesel engine you can get a hold of make it fit, always worth it when done 😊

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Maybe…

[@VacMaster2020]

I would put a four BT Cummins in it with whatever transmission would fit

[@RealSteelFabrications]

That would be cool

[@getnbetr01]

My good man… put ur time talents and DAD to good use and find another project… 👍👍👍

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Thank you, I will

[@THATPOWERSTROKELOVER]

Since the truck is already set up for a diesel engine, I’d suggest putting in a 4BT Cummins. I would really like to see that. Don’t sell the MF Ford Ranger.😂 Really good looking truck, dude! Love ur content! Keep it up!👌

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Appreciate it man! 4bt would be awesome and reliable, just a matter of finding one that’s not $2,000+

[@THATPOWERSTROKELOVER]

@@RealSteelFabrications I bet they ain't cheap, bro. I've heard they're getting harder to find because of the age. You could also put in an NV4500 if they're not too expensive too

[@I_Fix_ur_broke_stuff]

Another good engine would be a tdi I put one in an 06 don’t know if possible to do in an older one…..

[@RealSteelFabrications]

@@I_Fix_ur_broke_stuff did you do the 1.9L?

[@I_Fix_ur_broke_stuff]

@@RealSteelFabrications correct. The nice part about that engine is the 4x4 etc still work

[@JunkyardFox403]

Might be a mistake, but at least you have the space to keep it. The only thing I can think of if you want to stay diesel is a 4BT. Not sure how much work that takes, but at least it's a common enough engine. My cousin wants to put one in an old Willys-Overland pickup my grandfather had (and then I had, until I couldn't find a place to keep it), but he works on those engines for a living.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Got plenty of room for more junk lol. I would love to do a 4bt but can’t find one reasonably priced.

[@nikdepriest.]

love the look of the ranger, hope you can find something to put in it!

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Same here!

[@dylanjk5946]

@@RealSteelFabrications ready for the tdi swap

[@frasercooley6270]

We have loads of those perkins kicking about in the uk! My father inlaw has a mazda with one in. How about an om605 or 606 swap from an old mercedes?

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Wish there was more here!

[@parkersposts]

There are quite a few 4 cylinder Isuzus out there for much cheaper than a 4bt. Watch local auctions even for power units or old forklifts. Definitely good motors for that truck out there. Just have to know where to look

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Where should I be looking?

[@hugoglenn9741]

@@RealSteelFabrications was told my Nissan LD28 in my old Maxima was a forklift motor Datsun went with in the early 80s

[@kb94596]

Eh, impulse purchases are part of being young. I was laughing at where you had the gloves on and the dirty difference in your arms and hands. Consult with Dad see what he thinks--he'll tell you if its too much to take on, and if so, sell it and move on. Any vid from Devon is always a good vid.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Always appreciate the comments and positivity! He will tell me any Ford is too much work lol.

[@jakedetrick1070]

Should do a 4bt Cummings in the ranger

[@RealSteelFabrications]

That would be awesome but so expensive

[@boredom.victim]

pre-smog ❤

[@RealSteelFabrications]

You got that right!

[@HeadingEast33]

Man put a 13b with a turbo and let that thang hawk tuah!

[@RealSteelFabrications]

What do those come in?

[@RealSteelFabrications]

All about the hawk tuah!!!!

[@HeadingEast33]

@@RealSteelFabrications LOL Mazda RX-7.. 13b with turbo. Rotary if you're into that. Older rotary engines are pretty sweet and easy to maximize power.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

@@HeadingEast33 ahh gotcha. What year of RX-7 should I be looking for?

[@HeadingEast33]

@@RealSteelFabrications old ones can be had cheap. Late 80s has 12A and 13B. You can run them carb and avoid all the wiring stuff. Plenty of videos on bridge porting to open them up and then slap a turbo. Super fun.

[@Mechanix360]

I'll buy it dude!

[@CAROLDDISCOVER-2025]

3rd generation Oldsmobile diesel engine in it. 🤣 That would be different.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

That would be very different

[@madcat4563]

The servicing I do has made me pick up on the doors that need lubrication. Truck desperately needs an exhaust/ manifold gasket. That ranger reminds me of a jeep of sorts.

[@davidwolff8878]

55 TOPS a friend of mine has the ford ranger. 35 MPG UP A HILL

[@RealSteelFabrications]

That’s amazing!

[@isaacrebbe8709]

You should put a 4 bt Cummins in it

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Would love to. But very expensive

[@scotty197878]

Leave the Mazda alone, good little parts fetcher there! Either put a 302 in the Ranger or sell it!

[@rick3090]

I have the 85-87 diesel from a ranger , I almost wish you were closer so we could haggle a bit either I sell you my engine or i buy your truck, I bought a new head for mine from china but also need to get the turbo as well, my turbo seems ok but i haven't started mine after the head change , its a 2.3 Mitsubishi , 4d55 which are common in the mitstu delica van , they sell parts in Florida.

[@wolfMAN-ks8nl]

I'd say you are probably better off putting some a little more recent. An ALH TDI motor out a VW beetle might be the way to go. You can find a 8.8 axle from a junkyard, also if you can find a HD 5 speed manual out of a 93-97 ranger. TDI conversion sell a adapter plate for this application.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Ya, what would be the best route

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

Uh-oh exhaust is leaking time to put the turbo on the stop that leak!

[@RealSteelFabrications]

@@danielsplayhouse3804 great idea!

[@Frusie]

7 minutes with the ranger 12 minutes with the Mazda

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Good or bad?

[@Frusie]

@@RealSteelFabrications unusual but good

[@False_Death]

Man that mazda is a sweet little truck. I love the sound of them old diesels! The more tractor like the better haha. Id have a blast in that ol girl. Especially because you can run it off of burnt motor oil and transmission fluid haha

[@RealSteelFabrications]

You and me both!

[@thedemon4451]

people want oil trucks that have diesel title to do a engine swap because of no smog requirements for 1997 and older diesel trucks

[@robinwakelin2331]

a bit off topic but i have a perkins engine and a 86 b2000 thats need a engine now. is it a easy drrop in i have a whole donor truck just worried about motor mounts mainly

[@garrettabcdefg4602]

I can concur its hot here in MO. I hope you didnt get hosed on the ranger. It would look badass all mintyd up

[@RealSteelFabrications]

I think it would be an awesome truck, but I really don’t want to put a gas motor in it. For a few hundred dollars more I could have probably got a rougher running 2.3 truck. Ohh well. Live and learn!

[@RobertHurley-i1k]

How much for the dualy

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Just got it running today. Might use it as donor for something now lol

[@RobertHurley-i1k]

@RealSteelFabrications I got a decent 88 ford ranger for trade

[@RealSteelFabrications]

@@RobertHurley-i1k where are you located?

[@RobertHurley-i1k]

@@RealSteelFabrications indiana

[@loganstephenson7469]

How much did you pay for her? (Trying to justify my purchase of my very own 84 "danger" a few days ago)

[@hugoglenn9741]

Rangers came with another diesel, maybe more HP, Will that one fit an 83

[@RealSteelFabrications]

With modifications yes

[@Threeheadedfox110]

The ranger also could have come with a Mitsubishi diesel they made more power than the Perkins diesel so it would be a better swap

[@auaiao9]

You had an odd expression on your face every time you changed gears lol.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Ya idk why I do that lol. Still think I’m going to grind gears I guess like when I first started driving manual

[@donnierobitson7221]

Needs a four cylinder Cummins

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Would be sweet

[@EkzdeeLFT]

do a complete custom 1.9TDI with a newer manual transmission.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Would be pretty sweet. Probably would get 45mpg

[@joetrippi1603]

0 to 60…5 minutes

[@RealSteelFabrications]

You got that right lol

[@leonwillis1407]

Put a 4BT Cummins in the ranger

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Would love too. Pricey tho

[@brettohalloran3152]

I would suggest looking at deboss garage maybe even try get hold of him he really likes the older trucks hell maybe even do an EV swap LOL 😅

[@RealSteelFabrications]

He can have it lol

[@Ivanrparrigin]

Alh tdi would be a simple cheap budget friendly swap and a good upgrade with plentiful parts

[@RealSteelFabrications]

I’ve thought about doing a swap but I’m not sure yet.

[@Ivanrparrigin]

@ right on 👍🏻 I love those old diesel rangers

[@chrisseidel1375]

Turn up the injection pump bud !

[@ElPrimo1st]

0-60 20 seconds

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Super duper quick

[@3535KB]

Cab swap

[@Jimmy-rx6cn]

4bt cummins

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Would be awesome, but man people are proud of them $$$$

[@abjeesh5282]

12 valve

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Lotta weight for that little frame

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

Swap the engine into a 4x4, like a Suzuki samurai

[@MegaGingerpimp]

Swap in a Volkswagen diesel in the ford

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Been keeping my eye out for a late 90’s TDI

[@rainbowmangarage]

Body swap it to the B2200

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Different wheel base and would be even more work than trying to get the motor to fit I believe

[@dylanjk5946]

its too bad they didnt make them 4wd

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Would be an awesome setup

[@2brokegamers664]

make it fit lol

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Harder said then done

[@2brokegamers664]

@@RealSteelFabrications i heard that

[@amandastyles-uh6zx]

Heres a wild idea that might not work use the engine and tranny from the Oldsmobile 😁👍

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Olds is gone…

[@amandastyles-uh6zx]

@@RealSteelFabrications yeah I seen that in the Toyota hatchback video👍

[@ikiahlewis9169]

Id swap a VW TDI into the ranger would be way cooler

[@RealSteelFabrications]

I agree!

[@johncrook4469]

Body swap

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Different wheel base

[@rcone4u1]

Hawk Tuah and stuff that EFI 460 out of the F350 in that thing 😂

[@RealSteelFabrications]

@@rcone4u1 let’s do it

[@rcone4u1]

@@RealSteelFabrications I dont have enough hours in the day to work on my own junk 🤪

[@matthewanderson7766]

SBF swap

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Think it really needs a diesel

[@RyanDriscoll-md8nl]

Just tdi swap the ranger

[@RealSteelFabrications]

That would be a good swap

[@Sancho56200]

Sell it and move on.

[@RealSteelFabrications]

Maybe…