I am in the process of fitting a 4D56T into a Mazda pickup.
The problem is that the motor came with a dual mass flywheel and I have heard bad things about them, reliability and life span wise. My question is, could I get a 1985 Ford Ranger diesel(4d55) flywheel and use it on my 4d56?

as far as I know yes you can...aslong as you have a starter that matches up to the ring gear and a clutch that works with your transmission. might be easier to just find a 2.5 (4D56) old-school flywheel from the older generation of that engine.

Not sure if the ranger and mitsubishi used different flywheels and transmissions.

I'm almost 100% sure they used different trannys.

I ran into this when doing my clutch last year (it was hell). Anyway... Some people use 2.6 (4G54B)ones but they have issues with the ring gear. I would recommend looking for some of the conversion threads on this forum.

I think the 2.6 was in some of the Mazda's (the 2600) so I'm assuming you are re-using the Mazda tranny? In theory this should work but I am NOT in any way an expert, don't listen to me, do research.

Option 2, I've only read this on European forums, is to have someone weld the two halves of the duel mass together, thus creating a single mass fly wheel. This is not an easy task as they are forged.

Option 3, (this is what i did): order a aftermarket fly wheel from an importer and install it.

The other problem you may run into is that the mounting points on the duel mass wheel do not accept the "standard" pressure plate. The aftermarket one had the same mounting points. There is a different pressure plate needed then on non dual mass trucks. I tried two, one that was listed for Pajero's and one that was listed for the 2.6. They were essentially the same part, but neither fit. I ended up re-using the stock pressure plate.

Good luck! I'm not to patient with these types of things and did not do enough research prior to taking on my clutch project. This resulted in my truck sitting in Phil's garage for most of May 2009 while I waited for parts.

Good luck sir.

Maurie

I wish you luck sir... you'll need it

Thanks for the help, I think I'm going to risk it and go with the DMF,I found the right clutch kit.
Thanks

Befor you install the clutch I would set the flywheel on it's back. Pull sideways on the dowl pins, this effectivly will turn the fly wheel on the lower half. If the two halves move freely from eachother (with relitive ease) or if when you let go it "springs" back into place it means flywheel is hooped.

You should post the part number for the pressure plate. I didn't have much luck finding one that fit so I'd be curious to see what it is. Have you test fit it yet or are you going by part number?

Maurie

My parts guy took the clutch and match it up, I haven't seen it yet so I'll let you know.

Now as far as the Flywheel, I was told if it turns more than like 10cm then its No Good. I aasumed it was supposed to spring back?

I didn't really follow what you said about testing it.
Its off the truck on the bench so I could try and turn it, but how do I do that? I don't see how pulling on the dowels will work?