302 swap harness

[1984RESTOMOD]

Am I overthinking my harness install? Seems a monumental task for me having very little electrical experience but I took the factory 2.8L harness off and labeled all connectors. The setup is close to stock operation wise, retaining carbureted function and manual trans/trans case. The add-ons that confuse me are wiring in radiator fan(s), in line fuel pump, and accessory wiring for future power needs i.e. light bar, winch, on board air, trailer lights. I still have the factory harness with fuse box and ECC intact - please advise.

 

[SenorNoob]

That old a model, if you wanna add much in the way of accessories and add-on fuse panel is a good idea. Then anything you add will be different depending on how you want to trigger it. There are many many options with wiring. Look up each mod with wiring and you'll find at least 10 different diagrams to do it. Pick the one that makes the most sense to you and copy it...

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

That old a model, if you wanna add much in the way of accessories and add-on fuse panel is a good idea. Then anything you add will be different depending on how you want to trigger it. There are many many options with wiring. Look up each mod with wiring and you'll find at least 10 different diagrams to do it. Pick the one that makes the most sense to you and copy it...

Would the better/safer route to go be a new "kit" harness that has ample fuse space and new wires? My biggest concern is shorts or faults causing fire. From a function standpoint its pretty basic - no efi , entirely mechanical drivetrain

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Where all the vacuum crap was mounted for your 2.8? I added two fuse panels there. One is hot with the key, one is constant battery. Battery is right there for easy access.

My ignition, fuel pump, fans and everything I have added runs off of that. I wouldn't have had to have my ignition tied into it but I used the wire that originally went to the ignition to run the relay for the keyed power fuse panel. Put the little cover back on it and out of sight, out of mind.

 

[1984RESTOMOD]

Where all the vacuum crap was mounted for your 2.8?

Here’s a peak of my engine bay preswap and after

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I deleted everything over there. But the starter relay (judging by your belts you may have a voltage regulator over there too.

All the rest is junk for your 2.8 that you won't use.