Diesel for F-150

[RdTxTd]

Ford reportedly developing engine for use later in decade

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Co. is developing a 4.4-liter V-8 diesel engine for use in the F-150 pickup later this decade.

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060619/FREE/60619004/1024/LATESTNEWS

[JeepSJ]

I'd swap my 5.4 gasser F150 for a diesel version in a heartbeat. I see a trade-in in my future.

[Dimsdale]

Ford has the perfect engine right now in use in the forward control trucks: the 4.5 liter Powerstroke. If they hadn't soured their relations with Navistar, they could be plugging in those engines as soon as the ULSD comes in.

The 4.5s I have seen turn out about 200 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque using twin turbos. It is simply 3/4 of the Powerstroke used in the F 250 and up series. It would also be a winner in the Expedition and the probably ill timed Expedition EL that is coming out soon.

The Ranger is practically screaming for a small Diesel, but the whole truck needs to be freshened up from its current configuration, which is positively ancient.