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Ford Ranger Diesel History & Information

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.

 

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

Rated Horsepower:

59 hp @ 4,000 rpm

Rated 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)

Oil Capacity:

7.0 quarts w/ filter

Rated Horsepower:

86 hp @ 4,200 rpm

Rated Torque:

134 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm

Max Rated Engine Speed:

4,500 rpm

Vin Code:

E