2.8 to 2.9 swap questions

[Brain75]

this thread has put a different spin in my mind though. I always thought when the 2.9 inevitably cracks the heads, that I would just get another 2.9 no questions asked, but a 4.0 OHV or a 5.0 doesn't sound so bad the more I think about what the challenges really are.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

that's practice.... though I can rebuild a Bock 4 cylinder compressor in about an hour now.... worked for Bock USA for a while, assemble new from parts in about 45 minutes. I can't say I have had that much practice swapping motors (nor do I really want that brag right I think)...

There has been around 8 or 9 motors in my Choptop since I got it. My 88 currently has block #3 in it, but that will probably be pulled for #4 instead of trying to put #3 back together. My 92 Ranger and my green 00 are both on engine #2 currently. I also swapped an engine for dad, one in trade for a Ranger, and I’m going to be helping swap one for a buddy. The donor engine is currently on a stand for that. Hopefully I can do all the work to the dump truck motor without pulling the 460…

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

this thread has put a different spin in my mind though. I always thought when the 2.9 inevitably cracks the heads, that I would just get another 2.9 no questions asked, but a 4.0 OHV or a 5.0 doesn't sound so bad the more I think about what the challenges really are.

For yours, a 4.0 is a bolt-in swap. You have one of the easiest upgrades there. Engine, harness and computer. Even the exhaust bolts up for your swap. You just need a 90-94 donor, but the closer to your year, the better for wiring compatibility.

Oh yeah, that brings up another thing…

2.8l trucks have no computer like the 2.9 and later because they didn’t need it. Any of the computer controlled motors, you really need the correct engine/trans harness for your configuration and the appropriate computer. You “can” run an automatic computer with a manual transmission, but it’s not ideal. Persistent high idle and a CEL for the transmission not being connected are among the problems. So harness, engine/transmission, and computer all need to match. Or you have to go aftermarket for the engine/transmission computer like Microsquirt and other similar systems.

 

[Diego H]

I was interested in the 2.9 because I can get a decent Donor for 650 Canadian there aren’t any good condition 4.0 around here, the early rangers are extremely rare where I am, also I’m not chasing power or speed

 

[Brain75]

650 CAD is like $455 USD (1.0:0.70 exchange)
If that is just the motor and not the whole rolling donor with all the emissions, wiring, computer, and 'forgot to grab that' parts, I would pass and look for a complete rolling donor since this sounds like your first swap... you probably could offload the leftovers through facebookmarketplace/TRS/etc and then the junkyard at the end. Even though it would not be my first, it would be my first with that much different, so I would only get a "complete roller" for myself.

 

[Diego H]

I should also say I’m only considering the swap because I am going to pull the 2.8 due to oil leakage I had heard the 2.9 have better power and better reliability and it would almost cost the same as the rebuild on the 2.8

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

I was interested in the 2.9 because I can get a decent Donor for 650 Canadian there aren’t any good condition 4.0 around here, the early rangers are extremely rare where I am, also I’m not chasing power or speed

Totally understandable, I was just trying to outline the complexity of what you’re asking and give you other swaps to consider that would have similar complexity. I don’t know what your skill level or knowledge is, but swapping to anything other than another carb motor is a big process. A carbureted 5.0 is actually almost an easier swap than going to an EFI motor. Your big potential problem is the fuel system. A Bronco II is not really going to have what you need to fix that, and you would be better off anyway just replacing the gas tank with an 89-92 tank and pump, then build your own fuel lines. That goes for 2.9 or 4.0

650 CAD is like $455 USD (1.0:0.70 exchange)
If that is just the motor and not the whole rolling donor with all the emissions, wiring, computer, and 'forgot to grab that' parts, I would pass and look for a complete rolling donor since this sounds like your first swap... you probably could offload the leftovers through facebookmarketplace/TRS/etc and then the junkyard at the end. Even though it would not be my first, it would be my first with that much different, so I would only get a "complete roller" for myself.

Complete roller is the best way to do any swap that isn’t like for like because you have everything. Ideally a wrecked donor (or in the rust states one that still runs good but rotted apart).

I should also say I’m only considering the swap because I am going to pull the 2.8 due to oil leakage I had heard the 2.9 have better power and better reliability and it would almost cost the same as the rebuild on the 2.8

I’ve never driven a 2.8, but I have heard a lot of people on here over the years say the 2.8 was a pretty good motor. The 2.9, especially the early ones, were very prone to heads warping/cracking and lifter noise. I wouldn’t call that super reliable. There are things that can be done to help those problems like a 180* thermostat, new water pump, 4.0 radiator and free-floating rocker mod. The 4.0 is essentially a bored and stroked 2.9

I will also say that swaps are expensive. There is always something that needs replaced and something you didn’t expect. Even rebuilding the 2.8, budget some extra money over your anticipated cost. Using a less-than-ideal donor always adds to cost and complexity. Your most ideal donors are 86-88 Ranger and 89-92 Ranger. 93/94 Ranger is a maybe. Anything else, be prepared for extra complexity and expense.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

2.8l trucks have no computer like the 2.9 and later because they didn’t need it. Any of the computer controlled motors, you really need the correct engine/trans harness for your configuration and the appropriate computer. You “can” run an automatic computer with a manual transmission, but it’s not ideal. Persistent high idle and a CEL for the transmission not being connected are among the problems. So harness, engine/transmission, and computer all need to match. Or you have to go aftermarket for the engine/transmission computer like Microsquirt and other similar systems.

2.8 had a computer controlled carb, ECM lives behind the PS kickpanel under the dash just like a 2.9

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

2.8 had a computer controlled carb, ECM lives behind the PS kickpanel under the dash just like a 2.9

Interesting, never knew

 

[Diego H]

Yeah thanks for your guys input I’ll see what I do but am leaning more to doing a rebuild my truck is mostly original so might as well keep it that way.

 

[RobbieD]

2.8 had a computer controlled carb

How can that even be remotely thought of, as a good idea?

Whoever came up with that, should have been beaten, flailed, and then thrown to a pack of starving Chihuahuas.

 

[Shran]

I'm not really a 2.8 fan but I would fix oil leaks on a good running engine before I swapped in a 2.9 in unknown condition plus all the wiring and fuel system stuff.

That said a 2.8 -> 2.9 swap is really easy on a 1st gen if you have a complete donor on hand. Just be sure it's in really good shape... I've had a couple 2.9's that seemed like good running engines but they would happily sip coolant. Sometimes it's obvious that the heads are cracked, sometimes it is really hard to catch. If you're SURE it's a very healthy engine, go for it, I like a good running 2.9. They are good engines.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

How can that even be remotely thought of, as a good idea?

Whoever came up with that, should have been beaten, flailed, and then thrown to a pack of starving Chihuahuas.

Until the epa got involved it is a awesome premise.

I would rather have a 2.8 than a 2.9 all things considered.

 

[RobbieD]

I would rather have a 2.8 than a 2.9 all things considered.

I'd rather have at least one of each.

Rangers are like potato chips . . .

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I'd rather have at least one of each.

Rangers are like potato chips . . .

My one is like an all you can eat buffet...