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lil_Blue_Ford
Cut & Weld
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V8 Engine Swap
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- Joined
- Aug 6, 2007
- Messages
- 9,178
- Reaction score
- 7,664
- Location
- Butler, PA, USSA
- Vehicle Year
- 00
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Type
- V8
- Engine Size
- 5.0l
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Total Drop
- 4”
So, I may move this to another part of the forum later but we shall see how this goes… also, there is no specific timeline here at this point, but I want to firm up a plan and start collecting anything I may need because at some point after I fix my dump truck, I’d like to get back to this project…
The quick question is, I had to cut my transmission crossmember when I built the extended arms, but I don’t remember how it should be positioned because I cut it several years ago. Now I have to move the truck and need to secure the transmission. My crossmember was the one with the rubber bushings on the outside of the frame rails so I know this wasn’t tight against the bottom of the frame rails, but I don’t remember how far below the frame rails the crossmember sat. So if someone happened to be able to measure or know how far below the frame rails that crossmember should sit, I’d appreciate the information, even if it’s a temporary thing while this truck gets relocated.
Now…
As it sits, 1988 Bronco II Eddie Bauer. 2.9 block under the hood (just the short block), A4LD, 1350e, 3.73 gears in open/open D-28/7.5”, 30” tires, 2” suspension lift, slated to get a 1” body lift too.
My original plan (after I scrapped my first attempt at going 4.0 OHV) was to do a sort of resto-mod all around and try tweaking the 2.9 (free-floating rockers, headers, MAF conversion, etc) plus a shift kit and valve body work to the A4LD. Back when I started fixing it up, I bought a pile of parts, so either in the truck or around the property I should have nearly ever piece that I need to do that short of some interior stuff. I’m talking wheel bearings, U-joints, every brake component for both axles, engine V-belts, AC stuff, sensors, seals, gaskets, body mounts, suspension bushings, shocks, etc. I ended up having some health issues and the project got put on hold a number of years ago. I’m really annoyed at it still sitting with a pile of parts so at some point after I fix the dump truck, I’d like to get back to this thing.
The past few days I’ve been working on getting this thing prepped to move, it’s in the way where it’s at in the driveway, it’s going to be a good few months before I can dedicate time to it, etc. Finally got the drivers side extended arm positioned and welded (still needs plated but it’s solid enough for now), have to secure the transmission and body yet. So I’ve been kinda climbing all over this thing to prep it and I’ve started having some thoughts. Especially considering a few things that I’ve decided on changing from my original plans and in light of the fact that drivetrain parts for this are starting to become a bit obsolete. Also, I’ve discovered that mice and bugs have been using the short block as entertainment plus some water has found it’s way into the cylinders, so at best I would probably have to pull the block, pull the oil pan, clean things up, and put it back together. At worst, the block needs rebuilt and/or is junk. I’m also suspecting something is broken in the transmission, hopefully just the parking pawl, but possibly something more because park doesn’t hold.
I do have 2-3 other A4LD transmissions around that were good. I don’t have a good 2.9 anywhere, but I may have a rebuildable block in the shed still. I have one or two 1350e cases that were good laying around. I have two complete D-28 axles in addition to what’s in the 88, both have 4.10 gears and one has a locker. I have a couple sets of front hubs for the D-28. I have access to an 8.8” out of a Ranger with 4.10 gears. I have a 7.5 that the carrier is junk along with the gears, but good everything else including new brakes. Also have a hybrid D-28/35 front axle, complete. So I do have a selection of stuff to keep a stock setup alive if I want to do the work and I have some options to make changes.
After putting a plastic gas tank in my Choptop earlier this year with a new fuel pump and actually having it run way better despite not replacing the fuel filter or fixing the janky fuel lines (that stuff is on the list, just haven’t got to it yet), I started thinking of ripping the fuel system out of the 88, throw a plastic tank in with the 89/90 pump and run new fuel lines in -6 AN just to simply and improve things. Add that thought with my consideration that I’ll have to pull the block back out and the trans out and I’m starting to wonder if I should consider just engine swapping to something more modern that will give me more power, reliability, and better access to parts (2.9 motors around here have gotten rather scarce in the last few years).
I also started questioning tire size. My original plan was to run 30” tires because I had some that were good at the time. Well, they aren’t any good now. My 92 Ranger has a good set (and a 3.73 geared set of open D-35 and L/S 8.8), that truck being wrecked and my likely plan for it is to cut out the damage and go full-width SuperDuty axles means those parts are technically up for grabs too. But back to tire size, I’ve been considering going to 31x10.50-15 instead of 30” tires on the 88. Depending on what engine lands in it, I may want 4.10 gears to run 31” tires.
My end goal with this is to build something that looks vaguely stock, is comfortable to DD, and capable for some off-road exercise. I know that a stock B2 is very capable on 30” tires and the 2.9/A4LD/D-28/7.5” is tolerant of that. I’m just no longer convinced on that particular combination being a particularly great idea. Once my spares run out, all of that except the transmission would have to be upgraded, and to keep the trans would put me to using the 4.0 OHV, which are becoming a rather aged platform. Just wondering if I might be farther ahead to do all of my upgrades at once and just hold onto the parts I have for if I end up with a stock truck again that I’m trying to keep alive for awhile (it’s happened a couple times now).
So bearing that all in mind, I want to hear some reasonable drivetrain recommendations and why you would go that route. I’m gonna tag a couple people, but really I’m open to all input, all I ask is that you be reasonable and justify why. If any of you can think of someone who might have something useful to contribute, go ahead and tag them for me. My budget is limited but I have time to start sourcing things. I have a welder and some basic fab tools and skills.
@Jim Oaks , @bobbywalter , @4x4junkie , @Curious Hound
Oh, and here is the subject…
The quick question is, I had to cut my transmission crossmember when I built the extended arms, but I don’t remember how it should be positioned because I cut it several years ago. Now I have to move the truck and need to secure the transmission. My crossmember was the one with the rubber bushings on the outside of the frame rails so I know this wasn’t tight against the bottom of the frame rails, but I don’t remember how far below the frame rails the crossmember sat. So if someone happened to be able to measure or know how far below the frame rails that crossmember should sit, I’d appreciate the information, even if it’s a temporary thing while this truck gets relocated.
Now…
As it sits, 1988 Bronco II Eddie Bauer. 2.9 block under the hood (just the short block), A4LD, 1350e, 3.73 gears in open/open D-28/7.5”, 30” tires, 2” suspension lift, slated to get a 1” body lift too.
My original plan (after I scrapped my first attempt at going 4.0 OHV) was to do a sort of resto-mod all around and try tweaking the 2.9 (free-floating rockers, headers, MAF conversion, etc) plus a shift kit and valve body work to the A4LD. Back when I started fixing it up, I bought a pile of parts, so either in the truck or around the property I should have nearly ever piece that I need to do that short of some interior stuff. I’m talking wheel bearings, U-joints, every brake component for both axles, engine V-belts, AC stuff, sensors, seals, gaskets, body mounts, suspension bushings, shocks, etc. I ended up having some health issues and the project got put on hold a number of years ago. I’m really annoyed at it still sitting with a pile of parts so at some point after I fix the dump truck, I’d like to get back to this thing.
The past few days I’ve been working on getting this thing prepped to move, it’s in the way where it’s at in the driveway, it’s going to be a good few months before I can dedicate time to it, etc. Finally got the drivers side extended arm positioned and welded (still needs plated but it’s solid enough for now), have to secure the transmission and body yet. So I’ve been kinda climbing all over this thing to prep it and I’ve started having some thoughts. Especially considering a few things that I’ve decided on changing from my original plans and in light of the fact that drivetrain parts for this are starting to become a bit obsolete. Also, I’ve discovered that mice and bugs have been using the short block as entertainment plus some water has found it’s way into the cylinders, so at best I would probably have to pull the block, pull the oil pan, clean things up, and put it back together. At worst, the block needs rebuilt and/or is junk. I’m also suspecting something is broken in the transmission, hopefully just the parking pawl, but possibly something more because park doesn’t hold.
I do have 2-3 other A4LD transmissions around that were good. I don’t have a good 2.9 anywhere, but I may have a rebuildable block in the shed still. I have one or two 1350e cases that were good laying around. I have two complete D-28 axles in addition to what’s in the 88, both have 4.10 gears and one has a locker. I have a couple sets of front hubs for the D-28. I have access to an 8.8” out of a Ranger with 4.10 gears. I have a 7.5 that the carrier is junk along with the gears, but good everything else including new brakes. Also have a hybrid D-28/35 front axle, complete. So I do have a selection of stuff to keep a stock setup alive if I want to do the work and I have some options to make changes.
After putting a plastic gas tank in my Choptop earlier this year with a new fuel pump and actually having it run way better despite not replacing the fuel filter or fixing the janky fuel lines (that stuff is on the list, just haven’t got to it yet), I started thinking of ripping the fuel system out of the 88, throw a plastic tank in with the 89/90 pump and run new fuel lines in -6 AN just to simply and improve things. Add that thought with my consideration that I’ll have to pull the block back out and the trans out and I’m starting to wonder if I should consider just engine swapping to something more modern that will give me more power, reliability, and better access to parts (2.9 motors around here have gotten rather scarce in the last few years).
I also started questioning tire size. My original plan was to run 30” tires because I had some that were good at the time. Well, they aren’t any good now. My 92 Ranger has a good set (and a 3.73 geared set of open D-35 and L/S 8.8), that truck being wrecked and my likely plan for it is to cut out the damage and go full-width SuperDuty axles means those parts are technically up for grabs too. But back to tire size, I’ve been considering going to 31x10.50-15 instead of 30” tires on the 88. Depending on what engine lands in it, I may want 4.10 gears to run 31” tires.
My end goal with this is to build something that looks vaguely stock, is comfortable to DD, and capable for some off-road exercise. I know that a stock B2 is very capable on 30” tires and the 2.9/A4LD/D-28/7.5” is tolerant of that. I’m just no longer convinced on that particular combination being a particularly great idea. Once my spares run out, all of that except the transmission would have to be upgraded, and to keep the trans would put me to using the 4.0 OHV, which are becoming a rather aged platform. Just wondering if I might be farther ahead to do all of my upgrades at once and just hold onto the parts I have for if I end up with a stock truck again that I’m trying to keep alive for awhile (it’s happened a couple times now).
So bearing that all in mind, I want to hear some reasonable drivetrain recommendations and why you would go that route. I’m gonna tag a couple people, but really I’m open to all input, all I ask is that you be reasonable and justify why. If any of you can think of someone who might have something useful to contribute, go ahead and tag them for me. My budget is limited but I have time to start sourcing things. I have a welder and some basic fab tools and skills.
@Jim Oaks , @bobbywalter , @4x4junkie , @Curious Hound
Oh, and here is the subject…
