Originally Posted by
garrycol
I understood that the 3.9 diesel is almost double the weight of 3.5 V8.
I am basing my comments on the experience of others who have replaced the original engine with heavier engines. Yes the front springs are stiff but compared to the unladen rear, quite loaded up. I know from my own vehicle that the front does not need much more weight up front.
I am not sure there is any real advantage performance wise in going to an older diesel. I have seen vehicles with a 300tdi and a Mazda diesel and there is no real performance improvement and not the improvement in fuel consumption that would be expected.
I think a 4.6 properly setup on gas would be the go.
Garry