Ford Repair: engine swap, cylinder diesel engine, dominic frasca

Question
I run a delivery business, and need economy and power, (dont we all?)
Anyway, I have a 1983 Ford Ranger with the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder gas engine in it. Can I purchase and install a 4 cylinder diesel engine for this vehicle? If so what additional parts would be required? What year engine should I look for?
Thanks in advance!
Dominic Frasca"


Answer
Dominic-

  I honestly don't know if it's possible.  Diesels are dimensionally much larger that a gas engine and it would need some additional wiring and electronics (different computer, glow plug controller, etc) not to mention a different transmission.  I just don't know if it could all fit into a Ranger.  My guess is it could, but it would require a significant amount of fabrication of the front suspension and a lot of custom wiring.  But that's just me...check around and see if there's a shop in your area willing to take the job.  Hope this helps.

Steve