2.9L to 4.0L clutch swap question

[PacoTaco1000]

So i’m a little late to the party but, i’m in the middle of swapping the clutch on my 88BII. I blew through a few starters and now i’m just going to do the upgrade. I have all the pieces in place right now, bell housing doesn’t rub the flywheel even!

currently my problem is the starter, I just discovered that i have to modify the bell housing to accommodate it but i cannot find any detailed advice. Does anyone have any pictures or a guide as to how to go about it? These cold Minnesota winters test our patience lol
Thanks in advance!

 

[franklin2]

Did you read this article?

TRS Magazine - 4.0 Clutch Conversion

www.therangerstation.com

I don't see a bellhousing on the list. I do see a block plate on the list. The 4.0 starter is different.

 

[RobbieD]

And there is a difference in 4.0 starters, for manual or auto trans.

 

[PacoTaco1000]

Did you read this article?

TRS Magazine - 4.0 Clutch Conversion

www.therangerstation.com

I don't see a bellhousing on the list. I do see a block plate on the list. The 4.0 starter is different.

I did read it, maybe not thoroughly if there is a guide. My starter is from a 95 explorer with manual trans. I will double check and see to make sure i’m reading it right, propane fumes mighta got to me last night lol

 

[PacoTaco1000]

Did you read this article?

TRS Magazine - 4.0 Clutch Conversion

www.therangerstation.com

I don't see a bellhousing on the list. I do see a block plate on the list. The 4.0 starter is different.

So after further review, the fumes got to me and i mistook Blocking plate as the bellhousing. I’ve always called it a dust cover so that’s my confusion! Thank you!

 

[franklin2]

The plate is very important for starter locating. If it gets worn out where the starter goes, or the dowel pin holes in the plate get worn and let the plate move to one side or the other, then the starter will tend to scrape and tear up the flexplate teeth. The starter bolt holes are sloppy and do not locate the starter properly.

 

[PacoTaco1000]

The plate is very important for starter locating. If it gets worn out where the starter goes, or the dowel pin holes in the plate get worn and let the plate move to one side or the other, then the starter will tend to scrape and tear up the flexplate teeth. The starter bolt holes are sloppy and do not locate the starter properly.

Tuesday i will be able to work on the truck again. Just so i make sure i get this all right, as long as the holes on the plate tightly and don’t allow for play all i have to do is bore out the hole for the starter a little more and i should be golden? Currently the starter clicks as though it contacts something when i actuate it

 

[franklin2]

Oh no, you are trying to use the 2.9 plate? I have never done this swap, but people have so many problems with the starter alignment, I would try to get a new plate or a good used one for a 4.0.

 

[RobbieD]

2.9 plates are hard to find; a good one can be easily sold.

The plate locating the starter properly is critical. Your best bet is to get a good 4.0 plate. Those are more common and easier to find.