Thanks for the reply. Yes it is the square headlight wrangler which I will update to the round, just to make it look newer. Can't wait to get started. Brought it home yesterday. So as soon as I get the TDI jetta trans rebuilt and on the road I will start.

 

Like the looks of this.

Just got my flywheel balanced last week and will be working on it this week.

My 617 to AX15 is going to be dropped into my Ranger. Can't wait!

 

Awesome, I'm real curious on the MPG you will get.

 

Brent,
Based on the Benz it came out of with an auto trans and no overdrive, plus being a little heavier than the Ranger, I am fairly confident I will be able to get 30+ mpg.

If I have to I can change the rear end to get there, but I want to see what my rpm range/power band is to start with. Then I can adjust if necessary.

Currently driving a 91 Jetta 1.6L NA that is very weak and likely needs a rebuild. People keep advertising these on CL to get 50+ MPG and the best I can get on mine is 38. Mostly 35-36, and sometimes only 31 with all my tools in the trunk and doing 70 on the freeway.

If I can get about that with my Ranger I will be thrilled!

Anyway, I will keep posting as I go along. Tomorrow I will mount the conversion plate, and cut away the side of the oil pan to make room for the starter.

Rick

 

Hi Rick, you should be able to get 30+mpg, I got that with my Cherokee automatic so a 5spd will be better. Your ranger is 300 lbs lighter as well (I just scalled my ranger-3500lbs). I was going to put a OM617 in it but went with a Kubota instead 40+mpg.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I have heard of others using small tractor engines and getting those kinds of numbers too.

I'm not that experienced yet in doing all the fab work, so I wanted this project to be a simpler one to get started with the conversion components fairly easy to get, and not too expensive.

Is your Kubota turbo'ed? Which model and HP?

I looked at also doing a Cummins 4BT into a 1/2 ton 95 Dodge Ram. My neighbor has one in good shape, but with seized engine that I can get for cheap, but the 4BT's I found are way more than the truck.

Thanks again.

Rick

 

It's a V2203DI out of a reefer unit 2.2l and yes I added a turbo. Stock hp is 50, but it has way more now, has plenty of power.

 

Sounds like a sweet setup. Very hard to do the tranny connection/adapter plate?

 

Any updates on this kit?

 

Nice work! I wish I knew of a decent shop around here to make adapters.