Diesel Bombers - Noobie from SC

Noob from SC.I have a few things planned for the coming years.

2001 Ford Ranger standard cab,step side bed,2.5L,with auto.Looking to do a Cummins 4BT swap with a 5 speed manual transmission.I use this truck to make runs from SC to KY to pick up and drop off food and other donations.Sometimes I pull a small trailer.So, I need better fuel mileage and the ability to climb 9% grades in the high mountains of KY.

1995 Mercury Tracer Trio Wagon 1.9L gasser and auto.This car eats transmissions like a fish drinks water.Since the family needs a cheap commuter,I am considering a VW 1.9L TDI with a 5 speed manual transmission.

1990 Mercury Blue Max Cougar 3.8L with auto.This is my touring sedan.It has the crappy 3.8L engine that is notorious for blowing head gaskets.Plus it weighs almost 4000lbs and sucks gas.I have been finding good running Mercedes 300SD and SDL pretty cheap.So I am considering the SD I5 OM617 or the I6 OM603 with the auto.I am waiting to see if a local SDL sales on Ebay.If it doesn't,I can pick up a good running car for $300.

Well,that's my intro.No stranger to engine swaps.Just gotta remember, with a diesel, less wiring and more plumbing.