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3.8 swap info needed


Joined
Mar 24, 2021
Messages
15
City
Wisconsin
Vehicle Year
1987
Engine
2.9 V6
Transmission
Manual
Total Lift
0
Total Drop
0
Tire Size
28"
I bought a "vintage" 1983 3.8 V6 with auto and driveshaft, and am looking to put it into my bronco 2. Wiring should be a cinch, as I have a low pressure pump in the tank and am converting to GM HEI (missing module and wiring, cheaper this way.) All I want to know (at this time) are what motor mounts bolt up to the motor and are roughly the right height to give a proper angle to the driveshaft.

There IS a thread of a guy using 3.8 convertible mounts from an 85 but I feel that wouldn't work, as I am temporarily 4wd, with plans to convert to 2wd later. I know DuffTuff sells 5.0 swap mounts, but since I am short on cash, I can't exactly buy a set and try them out.

I do ALSO plan to use a '00 4.2 stick out of a f150 but am wary on flywheel choices. Thanks for any information!
 

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I believe that is a 2.8 engine. The trans mount bolt pattern is the same for 2.8, 2.9, and 4.0. I would think the motor mounts would also interchange as all those motors came stock in RBV's (Ranger Based Vehicle).
 
I believe that is a 2.8 engine. The trans mount bolt pattern is the same for 2.8, 2.9, and 4.0. I would think the motor mounts would also interchange as all those motors came stock in RBV's (Ranger Based Vehicle).
I assure you, my good man, it is a 3.8, most notably due to the weird offset distributor and the serpentine system!
 
As similar as everything else in the 80's, any chance you can use whatever came in the Mustangs of that time?
 
As similar as everything else in the 80's, any chance you can use whatever came in the Mustangs of that time?
As previously covered, one user used 3.8 convertible mounts for his 2wd. As I understand, a 2wd ranger has a lower crossmember. That alone is why I'm skeptical of even trying to use the convertible mounts.

Honestly, I just need some form of confirmation if a 5.0 mount (specifically the ones DuffTuff sells if possible) will actually BOLT ON to the motor. That's the simplest way, short of welding two plates and angle iron together, to get a mount
 
I assure you, my good man, it is a 3.8, most notably due to the weird offset distributor and the serpentine system!

And the fuel pump is on the wrong side to be a 2.8 never seen a 2.8 with aloominum heads either.
 
Last edited:

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