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

t walgamuth · #1 05-10-2016, 11:22 PM

Good idea!

mach4 · #2 05-11-2016, 01:59 PM

It should be possible to swap in the rear subframe as well to be able to match track and rear end ratios and rims. It would appear that this wouldn't be quite as easy as the front as you'd need to fab up the top spring perch, shock mounts as well as a differential mount.

Conceptually you'd be doing a "body swap" onto an MB suspension.

Again I have no idea of the feasibility in practice, but it does open a different line of thinking to doing a swap.

R107 rear subframe

I think if I were going to attempt this, I'd rig a jig of the front and rear subframes in relation to each other at the proper wheelbase and relative position (level) to the ground and then drop the body down to assess possible mounting points for the subframes.

Fun to think about.

There might even be an unforeseen benefit to such a strategy and that would be in licensing and titling. If, hypothetically, the two subframes were joined with say a "tubular" frame member before the donor body was removed and properly documented, the resulting vehicle with a new body would be potentially able to be licensed and titled as the "donor" Mercedes. (Think kit cars). This could be an elegant way to deal with some of the onerous smog requirements that can plague many desirable swaps. Every state is different and requirements vary, but it's worth contemplating.

...just sayin'

mach4 · #3 05-18-2016, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Good idea!

At 26:50 in this Wheeler Dealer video, it shows the removal and replacement of the front subframe of the R107 - https://youtu.be/7V-0uO8t1NQ

This is an excellent illustration of how a subframe could be used as a bolt on in a 617 engine swap.