OM617 swap into Ford Ranger, what would it take? - Page 14 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

I am me · #1 11-14-2016, 08:32 PM

Got the adapter shifted to where it should be. Going to run a three art adapter now; adapter for the flywheel, the transmission adapter, and a spacer to take up the flywheel adapter's shift.My buddy found a place down in Florida that'll sell the materials for alot lesa then where I was looking. Even has the plastic to make test parts too. Dunno if im going to finish this thing this year though. My car failed inspection and it's likely that I've got to replace it. There's an '87 Ranger that's wicked clean on Craigslist right now but the problem with it is it's 2wd. So I dunno what I'm going to do yet

97 SL320 · #2 11-15-2016, 06:58 PM

Up until 98, the front suspension pickup points between a 2 wd and 4 wd Ranger were largely if not the same. Someone on the Ranger Station web site should be able to confirm that installing a 4 wd front axle under a 2 wd frame is possible. At the rear I'm pretty sure the factory just installed lift blocks between the spring and axle.

How is the body on your current Ranger? A cab swap is an easy task, just use the title from the 2 wd truck since that is where the vin is.

I am me · #3 03-24-2017, 03:16 PM

Going to try and get this project going again now that the weather's getting a little better. Finished redesigning the adapter (it's 3 prices now) and ordered all the plastic and aluminum to make the test and the final part. If that ends up fitting I should have all the parts to get the engine in and start hooking it up so it can run

Simpler=Better · #4 03-24-2017, 08:40 PM

Call around to local laser and waterjet chops. They're cheaper than you think, especially if you tell them to cut it whenever it fits their schedule.

going from 2wd->4wd is well documented, as is swapping in a solid axle under IFS trucks. You've got a frame to bolt stuff to.

I am me · #5 03-25-2017, 11:09 AM

All but two of the adapter parts are too complicated for 2D toolpaths, everything has to be milled. The flywheel adapter should be basically done in a couple hours from now and I'll only have to get some helicoils for the Ford bolt pattern to completely finish it

My truck is an extra cab and so is a bit bigger then the long bed that I was thinking of buying and putting the front end ofy truck under and so I decided not to mess with it.

I am me · #6 03-25-2017, 02:06 PM

Here's the flywheel adapter

97 SL320 · #7 03-25-2017, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I am me

I'll only have to get some helicoils for the Ford bolt pattern to completely finish it

Why helicoils ???

I am me · #8 03-25-2017, 09:00 PM

Wear resistance, the adapter is made of 6061 which won't hold up to taking the bolts in and out of

ROLLGUY · #9 03-25-2017, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I am me

Wear resistance, the adapter is made of 6061 which won't hold up to taking the bolts in and out of

How about using studs? They are probably more durable than a thread insert.

97 SL320 · #10 03-26-2017, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by I am me

Wear resistance, the adapter is made of 6061 which won't hold up to taking the bolts in and out of

While flywheels are sometimes made from aluminum, this is the first crank spacer / adapter I've seen in aluminum.

I'd be concerned that cyclical torsional loads would cause the crankshaft side bolt heads to impress into the aluminum surface causing loss of bolt tension. Locktite would keep the bolts from unscrewing but that won't keep everything compressed.

t walgamuth · #11 03-26-2017, 08:19 AM

I would not use an aluminum flywheel adapter. The strength of the MB crank and flywheel connection is huge. Aluminum to me is very suspect. Now if you have engineering calculations to back up its suitability that would be another matter.

ROLLGUY · #12 03-26-2017, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I would not use an aluminum flywheel adapter. The strength of the MB crank and flywheel connection is huge. Aluminum to me is very suspect. Now if you have engineering calculations to back up its suitability that would be another matter.

I agree, but the flywheel adapter in the photo above does not look like it is aluminum. The adapter plate for the bell housing is surely made of aluminum, which is no problem.

t walgamuth · #13 03-26-2017, 10:24 AM

He says it is 6061. What is that?

ROLLGUY · #14 03-26-2017, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

He says it is 6061. What is that?

I believe he is referring to the bell housing adapter plate.

ROLLGUY · #15 03-26-2017, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I believe he is referring to the bell housing adapter plate.

Let me rephrase that: I HOPE he is referring to the bell housing adapter plate. If all my senses are not failing me, we will find out that the flywheel adapter is in fact steel, and not aluminum. If my senses have failed me, an aluminum flywheel adapter is a recipe for disaster (what others have said, but not the same words).