• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

4.0 swap ahead


four.on.the.floor

New Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2019
Messages
21
Reaction score
12
Points
3
Location
knoxville TN
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
bronco 2 xlt
Transmission
Manual
I have read and read and read about installing a 4.0 in my 1990 B2 fm146 2.9.

What is something that you told your self that you would do differently if you had to do it again !

Thank you
 


snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,523
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!

Shran

Junk Collector
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
V8 Engine Swap
Solid Axle Swap
Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
8,636
Reaction score
4,702
Points
113
Location
Rapid City SD
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
5.0
You have just about the most ideal vehicles possible to do that swap... the only thing you're going to run into is the auto trans wiring if you use your 5 speed and I'm assuming you will. Easy to overcome that issue. Start swapping!
 

BlackBII

Ranger Custom
Article Contributor
OTOTM Winner
TRS Banner 2010-2011
Truck of Month
Joined
Aug 14, 2007
Messages
7,895
Reaction score
982
Points
113
Location
UT
Vehicle Year
1989
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
4.0 V6
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
5
Tire Size
33
If you can, I recommend replacing the oil pan gasket(with a hefty amount of ultra black silicone), valve cover gaskets, exhaust manifold gaskets, spark plugs, water pump, rear main seal, etc. while you have the engine out. It's much easier than doing it while it's in the truck.

If you are going with the manual trans, make sure you get a 4.0 flywheel, clutch and starter. The FM146 should be fine behind the 4.0 for a while, provided you don't abuse it. You may want to look into getting an M5OD
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,523
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!
Just wondering why. I cannot turn my 33s very well past 60 going up a grade even at 5k rpms. I live in Knoxville Tennessee and it is very hilly.
Because he’s in the 2.9l mafia.
 

four.on.the.floor

New Member
Joined
Nov 6, 2019
Messages
21
Reaction score
12
Points
3
Location
knoxville TN
Vehicle Year
1990
Make / Model
bronco 2 xlt
Transmission
Manual
So there no reasoning other than he likes the motor ? I guess someone has to love it. I mean it could be a good turbo motor I guess ? Lol
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
12,260
Reaction score
7,270
Points
113
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
So there no reasoning other than he likes the motor ? I guess someone has to love it. I mean it could be a good turbo motor I guess ? Lol
Id regear if it were me. A 4.0 still isnt gonna be happy under those conditions.

I am a proud 2.9 flag waver, but every 4.0 ive ever driven didnt really feel gutsy enough to justify ripping out a running 2.9 for.
 

rusty ol ranger

Im a Jeep guy now.
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 22, 2007
Messages
12,260
Reaction score
7,270
Points
113
Location
Michigan
Vehicle Year
1987
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Type
2.9 V6
Engine Size
177 CID
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
2WD
My credo
A legend to the old man, a hero to the child...
How much different would a carbed 302 be ? Vs a 4.0.
Stock for stock? Not much better.

But a 302 can be built to be damn more potent then a 4.0.

Or get a 94+ roller 302 and convert it. They had 40 hp and 55ftlbs on a OHV 4.0.
 

bobbywalter

TRS Technical Staff
TRS Event Staff
V8 Engine Swap
TRS Technical Advisor
TRS Banner 2012-2015
TRS 20th Anniversary
Ugly Truck of Month
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Aug 9, 2007
Messages
23,470
Reaction score
4,667
Points
113
Location
woodhaven mi
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
FORD mostly
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
BIGGER
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
sawzall?
Tire Size
33-44
My credo
it is easier to fix and understand than "her"
The only thing I can say about it...is a question....is

why was it not in there the day it was built ???

For driving in your conditions ...which I know well and have driven a 2.9 and my 4.0 broncos in the same place...the difference between a 4.0 and a 2.9 is the difference between a 460 and a 351.

Huge casm in how the engines actually work under load. On paper it looks close...in reality it's huge. Probably would not have swapped a v8 into my truck if it was equipped with a 4.0 and a manual the day I got it. Instead of the 2.9 and a-frail-ld fail o matic.trans.

The 2.9 5 speed is great in a b2....4.0 is fawesome.
 

PetroleumJunkie412

Official TRS EV Taunter
Supporting Member
TRS 20th Anniversary
TRS Event Participant
Joined
Oct 31, 2018
Messages
7,826
Reaction score
6,565
Points
113
Location
Dirtman's Basement
Vehicle Year
1988
Make / Model
Ranger
Engine Size
2.9l Trinity
Transmission
Manual
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
Give 'yer balls a tug. Fight me.
My 2.9 is in my truck.

My 4.0 is on the scrap pile.

You do the math.
 

snoranger

Professional money waster
TRS Event Staff
TRS Forum Moderator
Supporting Member
Article Contributor
RBV's on Boost
ASE Certified Tech
VAGABOND
TRS Event Participant
GMRS Radio License
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
13,052
Reaction score
13,523
Points
113
Location
Jackson, NJ
Vehicle Year
'79,'94,'02,'23
Make / Model
All Fords
Engine Type
2.3 EcoBoost
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
4WD
My credo
I didn't ask for your life story, just answer the question!

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Staff online

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Truck of The Month


Kirby N.
March Truck of The Month

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Events

25th Anniversary Sponsors

Check Out The TRS Store


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Top