Bronson with Bronco
Member
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2023
- Messages
- 63
- Reaction score
- 28
- Points
- 18
- Location
- Oregon
- Vehicle Year
- 1984
- Make / Model
- Ford Bronco II
- Transmission
- Manual
I got started on the engine swap this weekend and figured I'd start a thread on it. First, a little history...
We've owned this Bronco II for a couple of years now, and it has earned the name "Little Brown Deuce." When we first got it we couldn't drive it faster than 35mph and keep it between the lines. We ended up replacing the suspension system and several steering components, and finally got it to where we could drive it pretty comfortably at 55mph. That is, when it was running.
The previous owner rebuilt the 2.8L, and I have no doubt he did a good job overall, but it's been one problem after another. Even on it's best day, the 2.8L has been really unimpressive in the power category.
More recently, a nut from the air cleaner stem fell into the carb, through the intake, and found it's resting place on the #4 piston. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what happened. Either way, it smoked the intake valve and seat, smashed the piston, sticking the rings. Rather than putting time and money to get back to a running motor I didn't really like in the first place, I figured it was time for an upgrade.
I've seriously considered a 302 swap, but finally decided to pull the trigger on buying a 92 Explorer with the 4.0L. So I plan to swap the motor, the center console, maybe front seats, and eventually the axles.
The donor is a 1992 Explorer 2 door. Motor is good, auto transmission is bad. Overall seems to be a pretty sound vehicle.
The recipient is a 1984 Bronco II, which is currently waiting for a heart transplant to mount back up to the 5 spd manual transmission. We installed a 4" lift, sat it on 32" BFG's, and regeared to 4.56 gears.
I've swapped Chevy 350 motors in and out of a few trucks, but haven't taken on a swap like this before. I'm pretty comfortable with the mechanics of it, but the wiring seems intimidating. Lots to learn...
This weekend I started stripping the wiring and accessories from the 4.0, labeling all the wires as I disconnected them. I've been going slow and trying to enjoy the process, and taken pictures along the way to help when my memory fails.
I also have some young men that I'm hoping to bring along in this project, and leverage it as a mentoring opportunity. Depending on their availability, I'm hoping to pull the motor after work this week and get it on a stand and stripped down. Not planning to rebuild it, but throw a gasket kit at it and check the timing chain. I'll do more if needed, but I'm hoping more won't be needed.
More to come.
We've owned this Bronco II for a couple of years now, and it has earned the name "Little Brown Deuce." When we first got it we couldn't drive it faster than 35mph and keep it between the lines. We ended up replacing the suspension system and several steering components, and finally got it to where we could drive it pretty comfortably at 55mph. That is, when it was running.
The previous owner rebuilt the 2.8L, and I have no doubt he did a good job overall, but it's been one problem after another. Even on it's best day, the 2.8L has been really unimpressive in the power category.
More recently, a nut from the air cleaner stem fell into the carb, through the intake, and found it's resting place on the #4 piston. At least, I'm pretty sure that's what happened. Either way, it smoked the intake valve and seat, smashed the piston, sticking the rings. Rather than putting time and money to get back to a running motor I didn't really like in the first place, I figured it was time for an upgrade.
I've seriously considered a 302 swap, but finally decided to pull the trigger on buying a 92 Explorer with the 4.0L. So I plan to swap the motor, the center console, maybe front seats, and eventually the axles.
The donor is a 1992 Explorer 2 door. Motor is good, auto transmission is bad. Overall seems to be a pretty sound vehicle.
The recipient is a 1984 Bronco II, which is currently waiting for a heart transplant to mount back up to the 5 spd manual transmission. We installed a 4" lift, sat it on 32" BFG's, and regeared to 4.56 gears.
I've swapped Chevy 350 motors in and out of a few trucks, but haven't taken on a swap like this before. I'm pretty comfortable with the mechanics of it, but the wiring seems intimidating. Lots to learn...
This weekend I started stripping the wiring and accessories from the 4.0, labeling all the wires as I disconnected them. I've been going slow and trying to enjoy the process, and taken pictures along the way to help when my memory fails.
I also have some young men that I'm hoping to bring along in this project, and leverage it as a mentoring opportunity. Depending on their availability, I'm hoping to pull the motor after work this week and get it on a stand and stripped down. Not planning to rebuild it, but throw a gasket kit at it and check the timing chain. I'll do more if needed, but I'm hoping more won't be needed.
More to come.