OM616 Build-up for Ford ranger Swap - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

47dodge · #16 05-22-2013, 06:32 PM

I like the 616 engine, it really can be a nice engine for your swap. Will fit much better then the 617. And if you add a turbo can easily have enough power. If i were doing this swap I would for sure stick with a manuel trans. Better to make the adapters and then have it all work as you want rather then really mixing up parts and hoping to get it working later.

Look in the performance section for 616 engine build This is what I did on mine. you can find other good stuff in the performance section on 616's also.

Walkenvol · #17 05-23-2013, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjz5400

well as dan stokes put it, " the best reason to use the auto is that it exists"

All those performance upgrades seem logical and doable, well the stage one ones.

Maybe i can work harder at keeping the manual, but it needs a rebuild and i just don't have the cash to throw at adaptor machining and parts. Also i didn't get the flywheel PP for the manual. That went with my buddy for his 4 speed swap.

BUT!!!! if someone has any ideas or tips about making the adaptor parts or any experience doing it, I will certainly take them, I do have some metalworking friends like with bandsaws, plasma tables, and access to a water jet machine. Also Bridgeport mill and lathe stuff. So i CAN get it done I just don't know if I am willing to do all the work it will take to bolt it up.

Not trying to crash your party, but to me it would be less work (and probably less $) to adapt the 616 to the existing Ford tranny than it would be to swap from the manual over to the MB automatic, even if it meant sourcing a replacement Ford tranny if your current one is toast.

Lots of examples on the web at Diesel Engine Conversions - Diesel Bombers and Mercedes OM617 & Variants - Sponsored by 4x4Labs.com where folks have mated MB diesels to different trannys. Several folks are selling adaptors if you don't want to take that part on.

Whatever you decide, good luck and post pictures!

Simpler=Better · #18 05-23-2013, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walkenvol

Not trying to crash your party, but to me it would be less work (and probably less $) to adapt the 616 to the existing Ford tranny than it would be to swap from the manual over to the MB automatic, even if it meant sourcing a replacement Ford tranny if your current one is toast.

Lots of examples on the web at Diesel Engine Conversions - Diesel Bombers and Mercedes OM617 & Variants - Sponsored by 4x4Labs.com where folks have mated MB diesels to different trannys. Several folks are selling adaptors if you don't want to take that part on.

Whatever you decide, good luck and post pictures!

Measure your offsets, pick a plat eof the correct thickness (determined by your FW/clutch offsets and input shadft length.

Pay a machine shop like $30 to make you a custom tight-fit pilot bushing(you want this to be a press fit pretty much). Cut a hole in the center of your plate. Assemble the motor&trans, with the input shaft going through your plates hole. clamp the sandwich together with ratchet straps, making sure that the trans isn't hanging and bending the input shaft. mark your holes, and drill them out.

daw_two · #19 05-23-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjz5400

you have a 4bt with a manual and transfer case bolted to it? for cheapssssss.....

otherwise that will be a swap for another day. If you do, then sure, I am interested.

I have a 4BT and a 4 speed manual transmission. I even have a Ford adapter, flywheel, and starter if you decide you want to hook up a ZF5 transmission. If you want to go with a modern Ford manual transmission, then you will want the bellhousing, and clutch (I have these, too, of course). The existing clutch even if you decided not to use it will provide you the sizing you need for the new one.

PM sent.

rjz5400 · #20 05-24-2013, 01:10 PM

So as far as I know no one makes the adaptor for a ford trans, or at least my ford trans.

Daw_Two I check around there, I don't have time to search right now but maybe i should try to find some pics of a M50D. what is the zf5 trans?
I have it in the shed now so i can get the measurements out of the mercedes side, along with the spacer and all that jazz for the TC. bolt pattern to re-drill a ford flywheel I guess?

This is my first project like this ever, i have only ever pulled one transmission and one motor in my lifetime. We shall see I guess, My ideal would be to turbo the 616 and get the ford manual with transfer case bolted up behind it to keep 4wd. The vehicles are very similar weights and again this will likely spend very little time on the highway.

daw_two · #21 05-24-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjz5400

This is my first project like this ever, i have only ever pulled one transmission and one motor in my lifetime. We shall see I guess, My ideal would be to turbo the 616 and get the ford manual with transfer case bolted up behind it to keep 4wd. The vehicles are very similar weights and again this will likely spend very little time on the highway.

Did you read the PM I sent you?

rjz5400 · #22 05-24-2013, 10:20 PM

I have been thinking today that what i want is diesel reliability, functionality of a pickup, and great mpg..... I think I need a light 2wd truck to put the straight MBZ swap into. Bolt up auto trans, buy the flange adaptor to use a standard driveshaft, and "tuneup". seems like that is the best way to get what i want. Maybe i can get a locker for the rear to give me a little bit more traction for dirt road and mud driving. Ill see if anyone wants the ranger. It is a pretty desirable setup.

I really don't know how often i would use 4wd anyway and that is the only advantage to this setup

gatorblue92 · #23 05-25-2013, 06:30 AM

I think a OM 616 in an old Gen I Ranger like the one in the picture would be a very nice setup. They did also make a diesel Ranger in the early 80's if you can find one.

daw_two · #24 05-25-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjz5400

I have been thinking today that what i want is diesel reliability, functionality of a pickup, and great mpg..... I think I need a light 2wd truck to put the straight MBZ swap into. Bolt up auto trans, buy the flange adaptor to use a standard driveshaft, and "tuneup". seems like that is the best way to get what i want. Maybe i can get a locker for the rear to give me a little bit more traction for dirt road and mud driving. Ill see if anyone wants the ranger. It is a pretty desirable setup.

I really don't know how often i would use 4wd anyway and that is the only advantage to this setup

Have you considered buying a small diesel truck??? I know someone with a 2000 Dodge Dakota, diesel Cummins 4BT swap, crew cab truck that is for sale. The truck has an automatic transmission that easily gets 25+ mpg and you don't have to drive like grandma either. Shoot me a PM if you want to know all the details.

Dan Stokes · #25 05-31-2013, 07:42 PM

What IDIOT would consider this insane swap??!!

Before you guys track me down and shoot me - he got the 616 and trans from me for cheap and I plan to help as I can with the project. He's a great guy and I think this will be fun for him. We'll make this work however he decides to go forward.

Dan

t walgamuth · #26 06-01-2013, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daw_two

I have a 4BT and a 4 speed manual transmission. I even have a Ford adapter, flywheel, and starter if you decide you want to hook up a ZF5 transmission. If you want to go with a modern Ford manual transmission, then you will want the bellhousing, and clutch (I have these, too, of course). The existing clutch even if you decided not to use it will provide you the sizing you need for the new one.

PM sent.

That 4bt should weigh at least 800# It would absolutely crush that little ford. Its a great motor though for a full size pickup.

To the OP. You are getting flooded here with ideas, all well meaning.

I don't think there is anything wrong with a 616 in your ranger. It is compact and has lots of torque. A stick would be a must for me though. I think you're on the right track selling the 4wd truck and getting a 2wd with bad motor. With the Mercedes diesels the trick is accommodating the front oil sump without hitting the cross member.

Good luck with your project!

97 SL320 · #27 06-01-2013, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I think you're on the right track selling the 4wd truck and getting a 2wd with bad motor. With the Mercedes diesels the trick is accommodating the front oil sump without hitting the cross member.

Good luck with your project!

The 2 and 4 wd Rangers have mostly the same frame if not the same. ( I have a 88 Ranger 2 wd and a 84 Bronco 4 wd )

Selling the 4 wd to get a unknown 2 wd does nothing except get you smaller front brakes and a truck that sits a little lower. If 2 wd from 4 wd is desired, pull the transfer case, front diff / axles then plug the back of the hubs.

If there is interference with the front cross member, build one from square tube as nothing else besides the frame attaches to it. ( 2 and 4 wd front cross members are the same )

rjz5400 · #28 12-30-2013, 12:12 AM

The truck an all my mercedes cars and motors are gone, sold them and ended up with a full size ford with an international 6.9 NA. Good combo 4wd so consider this thread dead.

Until the next mercedes comes along.....