Long time lurker here, planning my first diesel swap.

I love my 2002 nissan xterra, but the engine is getting real tired, and it gets LOUSY gas mileage. I just picked up a good running '85 Mercedes 300D and am planning on transplanting the engine. The way I look at it, there's 2 options:
1. use the stock transmission from the mercedes, and figure out how to mate it to the nissan transfer case....
2. use an adapter plate to mount the engine to the stock auto tranny in the nissan, and use the factory computer to run the gages and shift points.

Anybody have any experience with these? I know I will have to do a lot of fab around the oil pan to get stuff to fit, planning a conversion to a rear sump pan.

TIA!

 

Might be easier to use a gm th700r4 auto with the hd231 t case, the drive shafts will likely need to be modified anyway. Using the Benz auto would require a divorced t-case and a whole lot more modifications, there are multiple companies that make the adapters for the 700r to the om617.

 

I know you mentioned gas mileage, but honestly if I could have mad the vg30/3 3 work with the jeep trans I would have gone that route That motor is bullet proof, and makes torque like a diesel. It is Hugely underrated. That being said, check Mercedes diesel 4*4.Com for adapter plate for trans. I don't think they make one tho You might have to make the plate, then get the crankshaft adapter from md4x4. Com If the xterra is 4*49or and keep the Nissan trans