2.2L Perkins & 2.3L Mitsubishi Diesels for the 1983 - 1986 Ford Ranger
Unbeknownst to many, a factory diesel engine was optional in the Ford Ranger when it debuted for the 1983 model year. The 2.2L, naturally aspirated Perkins diesel produced a whopping 59 horsepower, and although its 41 mpg fuel economy rating looked attractive, the engine was short lived. But Ford did not give up on the concept of a fuel sipping diesel engine for the Ranger - after all, fuel economy was becoming a hot topic during the 1980s. After retiring the Perkins diesel after the 1984 model year, a 2.3L, turbocharged Mitsubishi diesel was offered in its place. Producing a respectable 86 horsepower, the Mitsubishi diesel was ultimately dismissed following the 1986 model year. Today, the original diesel powered Ford Rangers remain somewhat of a rare gem.
The most profound problem with Ford's diesel powered Rangers is the fact that finding parts can be relatively difficult, especially considering the limited number of pickups produced with the diesel option. When the first diesel Ranger was introduced, it was only available with a 4 speed manual transmission and a 2 wheel drive configuration. However, it was rated at a maximum 41 highway mpg and had the capacity to haul more than 1,600 lbs; a substantial figure considering this level of capability crosses into fullsize pickup territory. The later Mitsubishi turbodiesel, which was far more powerful than the naturally aspirated Perkins, featured a "Super Quick Glow Plug System", which is said to heat instantly and therefore there is not a typical "Wait to Start" period. 1986 was the last year of the diesel powered Ranger, although Ford continued to build Bronco II models with the same diesel through the 1987 model year. It is relatively rare to come across either model that has an original diesel.
1983 Ford Ranger diesel advertisement
Ford Ranger 2.2L Perkins Specs
Engine
2.2L Perkins model 4.135 Diesel
Configuration
Inline 4 cylinder
Model Years
1983 - 1984 Ford Ranger
Displacement
134.8 CID, 2.2 liters
Compression Ratio
22.0 : 1
Firing Order
1 - 3 -4 - 2
Cylinder Bore
3.50" (88.9 mm)
Cylinder Stroke
3.50" (88.9 mm)
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Injection
Indirect injection (IDI)
Oil Capacity
5.30 quarts w/ filter
Est. Engine Weight
~ 530 lbs dry
Horsepower
59 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque
90 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
Fuel Economy
41 mpg highway, 33 mpg combined
Max Payload
1,620 lbs
GVWR
4,460 - 4,500 lbs
VIN Code
P
Ford Ranger 2.3L Mitsubishi Diesel Specs
Engine
2.3L Mitsubishi model 4D55 diesel
Configuration
Inline 4 cylinder
Model Years
1985 - 1986 Ford Ranger
Displacement
143 CID, 2.3 liters
Compression Ratio
21.1 : 1
Cylinder Bore
3.59" (91.1 mm)
Cylinder Stroke
3.54" (90.0 mm)
Aspiration
Turbocharged, wastegated
Injection
Indirect injection (IDI)
Valvetrain
2 valves per cylinder, single overhead camshaft (SOHC)
