2.9 > 2.3 Duratec Swap into a Bronco II 4x4

[Resident_Ranger]

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some thoughts on this. I have a cousin that had his Bronco II 2.9 over heat and crack the heads. Trying to find replacement has been not easy, so we are just running through ideas.

The Bronco II has the 7" running gear so swapping anything bigger becomes a total overhaul of the drivetrain. So the idea of swapping a 2.3 Duratec came up. It has similar-ish power numbers to the 2.9. What is the viability of this. I know we would have to mess with his transmission a bit to get the transfer case hooked up. But overall it seems like less messing around.

 

[pjtoledo]

sounds like a great project.
for wiring & computer get a donor 2005 year. that year only does not have PATS.
there are no 2.3 Duratec 4x4 transmissions. you can swap 3.0 tranny guts & tail housing to make one.

the Duratec does have stuff hanging on the back of the engine, may be firewall clearance issues.
avoid 2001-2003 because of the intake manifold flapper issues.