4.0 swap how original

RangerJake · Feb 7, 2010

So I swapped the 2.9 for a 4.0 in my 87 BII and had no problems other than the transmission crossmember decided that it needed to be like 5 inches forward. I thought I remembered reading something a while ago about this being a problem but I can't find it anymore. I've been going crazy trying to figure out whats different (other than the new engine). Are the mount holes on the 4.0 in the same place as the 2.9? They are the same blocks but they could've moved the holes back right? Anyway I got it in with a little persuasion from a crowbar, but the tranny mount isn't too happy about the whole situation. Any help? Thanks.

pfrye2007 · Feb 7, 2010

Sound like an issue, glad its in though!!! Let me know how much of a difference that makes! They are the same block I'm not sure about your problem but good luck though. Hopefully one of these guys can help you out. congratulations though, sounds like a long job.

Clem · Feb 7, 2010

I stuck a 92 4.0 with a 91 M5OD in my 86 B2 last summer, had to move the trans cross member back 2 inches. The previous trans was a TK5.
Of all the swaps I have read about, yours is the first to have to move the cross member forward, especially that far. What are you putting in for a transmission? Is this 2 wd?

Ray

kunar · Feb 7, 2010

if you were only swapping the engine, the transmission should go back into the same exact spot. if you were swapping transmissions too (fm145 to m5od in your case) the transmission cross member should have to move toward the back of the truck about 2" just like Clem said

trail B2 · Feb 7, 2010

The A4LD and m50d are the same length it bolts right in.The reason so many people are putting in a 4.0 isn't because it's common it's because it works real well.

adsm08 · Feb 7, 2010

trail B2 said:
The A4LD and m50d are the same length it bolts right in.The reason so many people are putting in a 4.0 isn't because it's common it's because it works real well.

its also easier than a lot of other engine swaps.

RangerJake · Feb 7, 2010

It's the original BII manual trans, thats why i'm having such a hard time figuring out what is making it happen. I don't really care that much because like I said it is in. Also I work in a fabrication shop so I'm going to make my own lift for it, and when I do I'll just make a new crossmember that fits the way it's supposed to. The problem I'm having now is that my book covers '83 to '89 rangers and bronco II's execept for when it comes to the wiring diagrams it only has '84 to '86. Since mine is an '87 I'm kinda out of luck. I really don't want to take anything apart to find out which wires go where, does anyone know of any online wiring diagrams?

Clem · Feb 8, 2010

If you are only swapping the engine, it should be a bolt in without any changes other than the obvious wiring and such.
Did you use the mounts that came with the 4.0? Did you reverse the mounts, one side to the other?
I cannot think of any reason why you would end up with the engine being back 5". As far as that goes, my 4.0 would have been into the firewall if it was moved back that far.
Do you have the transmission bolted to the engine?
Keep us posted as to what is going on. A couple pictures might help also.

Ray

RangerJake · Feb 8, 2010

Yes the trans is bolted to the engine and you can't switch the mounts around, they are idiot proof. I think you missunderstood me the transmission mount is to far forward not back. The engine looks like it is right where it needs to be.

Clem · Feb 9, 2010

Try my Photo Bucket:
http://s960.photobucket.com/albums/ae89/Clems86B2/RBVelectrical/
Note: at the bottom of each picture, it tells what it represents. The Ranger/B2 has one for diesel, the last 2 are for Explorer.

Ray

AllanD · Feb 9, 2010

RangerJake said:
So I swapped the 2.9 for a 4.0 in my 87 BII and had no problems other than the transmission crossmember decided that it needed to be like 5 inches forward. I thought I remembered reading something a while ago about this being a problem but I can't find it anymore. I've been going crazy trying to figure out whats different (other than the new engine). Are the mount holes on the 4.0 in the same place as the 2.9? They are the same blocks but they could've moved the holes back right? Anyway I got it in with a little persuasion from a crowbar, but the tranny mount isn't too happy about the whole situation. Any help? Thanks.

what vehicle donated your 4.0 engine?

Because First gen Ranger/explorer mounts put the 4.0/trans/transmount into EXACTLY the same place as a 2.8/2.9 does.

SO if the trans is in a "different spot" you are using the wrong engine mount brackets.

AD

NMB2 · Feb 9, 2010

AllanD said:
what vehicle donated your 4.0 engine?

Because First gen Ranger/explorer mounts put the 4.0/trans/transmount into EXACTLY the same place as a 2.8/2.9 does.

SO if the trans is in a "different spot" you are using the wrong engine mount brackets.

AD

exactly what i was about to post. This seems to be the only plausible thing it could be.

adsm08 · Feb 9, 2010

so now, does that mean I can go buy a 96 donor truck, get a set of 91 engine mounts, and drop the 4.0 into right spot?

I kinda want OBDII when I do my 4.0 swap.

4.0 swap how original

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