Howdy folks,
At age 62 I'm a newly retired lifetime motorhead. Some years ago, on ebay, I bought a 4D55T engine and drive train (engine, 5 speed transmission and x-fer case) that came from an '83 4x4 Dodge D50.

The origins of this project go back to the first new vehicle I ever bought: an '81 Datsun (now Nissan) diesel pickup. That was the beginning of my lifetime love affair with small diesel vehicles. As all of y'all know, these were all the rage for a few years, starting in 1979, as the result of the first "gas crisis". At the time, people lined up to buy 'em and happily paid about $1000 extra for the diesel option. A few years later, the "crisis now over" (ha ha haaaaa) people lined up to SELL 'em and happily took a beating. The fools. I was not among their ranks. I knew a beautiful vehicle when I saw it.

That first pickup never DID die exactly. As the years and miles rolled by the entire body simply dissolved into rust. It must have gone 500K miles. Finally, there was just the remains of a chassis left. But it STILL RAN!

Anyway, back to the future. When I saw this 4D55T engine and drive train float by I bought it. The plan was (and still is) to find a suitable vehicle into which to transplant it.

Originally, I hoped to find a correct year 4x4 Mitsubishi with a dead engine or transmission. Since there are virtually no 80s diesels (dead OR alive) out there for sale I'm wondering if there are any "bolt in" options from the 90s.

I am not asking for detailed instructions on how to do a conversion. Although I've never done one I think I'm clear on what the issues are.

Rather, I'm wondering if y'all will give me some guidance on what the best, relatively easy platforms would be - assuming there are any. Presumably, this would be something from the early 90s?

Among my objectives would be:

a) A bolt in to the extent possible;
b) A transplant body that already has workable rear end ratios.
c) A body that's relatively inexpensive and readily available (if any).
d) Any other advice you care to share.

I hope this is the right forum for this kind of question. If not, my apologies in advance.

Thanks,

VT

Welcome. If you want a bolt in, find a vehicle that the 4D55 came in, Mitsubishi Montero and Mighty Max, Dodge Raider, Dodge D-50 and Ford Ranger (probably stay away from the Ford). I have a Raider converted to the 4D55 (which was exported all over the world as a Montero/Pajero). It was converted by Marty at NWMitsubishi (SeattleRaider on this forum). Go to his website and hit him up for advise. Good luck.

nwmitsubishidiesel.com

Johnny,

Thank you for the warm welcome and the juicy tidbit about the Dodge Raider. That's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. Oddly, I never knew before now, that a Dodge Raider was a Mitsubishi re-badge. In fact, although I'm sure I MUST have heard the term "Dodge Raider" sometime, somewhere, I cannot remember having heard it. So, needless to say, that was NOT a platform I'd considered! That information alone gives me a new line of inquiry. Based on a quick search there appear to be quite a few more Raiders out there than Mighty Maxes or D50s.

And to clarify a point in my original post: When I say "bolt-in conversion" I mean an engine bay into which the 4D55T engine and running gear from the '83 D50 donor, will fit without having to fab up new engine mounts and, hopefully, transmission/x-fer case mounts, or a custom oil pan. Any other difficulties I would consider to be just part of the price I'll pay.

Thanks again and keep those comments and suggestions rolling in!

Vernon

If you are interested in selling you 4D55 et all - I'm interested in buying. Thanks.

That 4d55 will bolt into 4 Cylinder Dodge Raiders, and Mitsu Monteros. Both of which are Super inexpensive, and often found with blown up 2.6 gas motors. The motor swap is not that difficult, and basically straight forward.

It will obviously go into D50's as well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

What part of Texas are you located? I am in East Texas and have a '88 Montero with the motor pulled, looking for a diesel to swap in.

BG

We live in Brenham.

I'm not planning to sell the engine. I'm looking high and low for something to put it in. If you decide to sell yours let me know.

Thanks,

Vernon

you will need a 2.6 oil pan to run the engine in the Montero. I am also swapping an '84 Mighty Max 2.3 TD into my '88 Montero, welcome to the forum!

There's a Dodge Raider for sale, http://easttexas.craigslist.org/cto/2986123182.html

Thanks BG,

That's a nice looking one. However, it's more than I can afford. I hope to find a 2.6 with a toasted engine.

V