I want to turn a S10 or Ranger into a diesel and I'd like it to be 4wd. Now I'm just wondering where to start...

 

first go to bank and get lots n lots of cash.

 

and lots and lots

 

ball park estimate then for just the cost of parts? 5k?

 

depends on what engine you decide to go with... where you get it and it's parts... etc. etc.

 

well im having trouble deciding what engine to pick. I want better fuel and a little room for fun but over all i want the easiest engine to put in an S10 so i can save some money.

 

With a 4BT, you should easily be able to do it for $5k. That is, if you do your own work, and are smart about it. A large chunk of that is the engine and tranny you are putting in.

I did my swap for about $3200, not subtracting selling back my old engine and tranny, and parts from the donor truck.