'85 ranger engine switch?

[ethanm]

hi -

im thinking about buying an '85 ford ranger (2.8 4cyl gas) with blown crankshaft bearings. rather than repair the engine, which i am in no way capable of, i'm thinking of buying a used/rebuild diesel to put in. ford made a diesel model that year, but are there other engines i should look for? does it make a difference that it's 4x4? and are there other major parts/retrofitting that will need to be done?

i'm not doing this myself, so i want to get an idea of what my mechanic is going to need and whether it will be affordable.

thanks
ethan

[More Power]

These sorts of engine swaps can be fairly expensive if you hire the work done. Generally, a diesel conversion works best for someone capable of doing most of the work. For example, I've heard about a shop here in Montana that charges $10,000+ for a Cummins conversion in a Chevy pickup. If you're a good shopper and capable backyard mechanic, a few thou can be shaved off that for an equal end product.

Jim