Crazy Thoughts!

[RadioFlyer91]

Ok, I thought this would be the best place to start looking for anyone who has attempted this scheme. I love SUV's. I drive a Ford Explorer now because following an accident my father replaced his 4-runner with a used 1993 Ford Explorer, fully loaded. Soon after while working in a dealership an attractive 1991 Red XLT came across the used car lot. My price was 1000 off of what the dealer was charging for it 7995, so I purchased it for 6995, 4500 bucks after wholesaling my 1992 Ranger XLT 2wd. 71,000 on the 1991's odometer. After purchasing the vechicle I found it had been maintained little and driven only in-town, IE full of problems. Transmission rebuild (under 3month warranty thankfully) one month after purchase. A/C hose replaced after 2 months. Various other problems resolved over the following 7 months. I now attend Nashville Auto Diesel college and have since gone entirely over the 1991 and have it almost back to original condition at 85,000 miles. It needs a little tune-up and thats all. I couldn't afford the plugs and wires at the time. 6 spark plugs and a wireset will have it back in 100 percent working order.

I am almost to graduation and have began the diesel side of my training. There is a long standing debate diesel -vs- gas. I don't want to get into that because most people prefer gas. I have a crazy idea though for a killer 4x4 Explorer. After recently being offered 12k for my explorer because its a 1990 production by another explorer nut, I have chosen to keep mine in original condition and not start my modifications to it. I may sell it though and purchase a 2001 sport trac, trading from one first to another first production.

I am however thinking of purchasing another Explorer and converting to a diesel powertrain. Taking my explorer ambition and constructing a 4x4 capable of taking on the likes of unimog, hummer, and land rover. The project would be able to cross terrain not as extreme yet similar to that these vehicles are exposed to (rivers, swamps, some inclines) I have also been told that several rock hoppers are using diesels in jeeps for the low end torque to overtake the climbs.

I know for a fact this will not be a DOT approved vehicle...hmm upsetting not only them but the EPA as well.

Avoiding debates, I would like to know if anyone on this site has seen anywhere someone doing this to an explorer? Once again this is just a Crazy though I have, hopefully my credibility as a sane Explorer enthusiest and automotive technician will not be questioned!

Thanks for the insite.

 

[Brian97V8]

I have not seen it done yet. It would be a good idea though and I think with your background you could make it happen. Diesel is great for low end torque and taking lots of abuse but then you probably know that.

 

[Brian1]

I think it is a cool idea. You would have to find a diesel engine that does not weigh much but you probably have the connections. My parents have a diesel Suburban and a Powerstroke f-250 and I love them too. Very good milage and that powerstroke... WOW! So would you put a turbo in if indeed you do the swap?

 

[RadioFlyer91]

Brian 1

I have worked with the powerstroke before and while an excellent engine, it would take serious modifications to insert that into an explorer, unfortunately. As for a turbo I am still searching for the diesel to use. I only need about 150 HP at most out of the engine. I am thinking about using some type of small equiptment such as a CAT or New Holland possibly a baby Cummins engine.

 

[Paul Gagnon]

You could get a 3.4L Toyota diesel. One of my wheelin' buddies has one in his BJ60. He added a turbo to it and it has power to spare even in the heavy Cruiser. It is a four cylinder and very compact. Not sure how much it wieghs though. I've heard nothing good about the 2.4L Mitsubishi that Ford used in the mid-'80's Ranger so it might me something to avoid.

 

[Kampy]

I'd go with a Cummins 4BT 3.9, the 5.9s little brother. I know you can get the bellhousing on it that will fit a C6 tranny so an AOD overdrive trans should work also. A few minor adjustments and 150 HP and 300 pounds of torque would make the explorer cruise real nice while you get about 25 mpg.

 

[rock883]

Radioflyer, I live about 10 minutes away from NADC, in Hendersonville. I have been up there a few times about getting my explorer painted, do they do a good job? I just wanted it the same color. Oh, do you know a Scott, well, I can't think of his last name, but he drives a redish 93-97 Ranger 2wd. I worked with him over the summer at the golf course, and he went to NADC. If you know him tell him I said hey(my name is rocky, i worked w/ him at bluegrass), and ask him what happened to him. He just sort of stopped showing up at work and we never found out what happened to him.

Anyways, I think putting a diesel in an explorer would be awesome. I say go for it. Although I don't know a whole lot about what it would take.