4.0 swap and 2.9L valve cover gasket question

[arineod]

I have an 86 Bronco II 5sp 2.9L. What is the best year and type donor vehicle to get the 4.0 out of? I read some posts and the tech article and see that it is mainly the 1991-94 explorer or ranger for the easiest swap and that I should get the vehicle because of the computer and all the other items needed. I also hear things about an aerostar van as well.

I have a 4" sus lift and heard it is smart to throw on a body lift to get more space for the 4.0, is that a good idea? If so, is 2" good enough?

My bronco runs good right now except the valve cover gaskets are leaking causing smoke when you drive. Was sitting for a while. Won't drive it until that is fixed because I hear the heads crack easy. Truck runs great other than that. I plan to replace the valve cover gaskets with the ones that around $40-55, not sure what the part number was but I read it here on the forums and wrote it down.

Looks like there is a lot of stuff I will have to take off in order to get to the valve covers. Any pointers on that procedure? or a tech article. I'm not a mechanic but I can follow instructions and do minor maintenance with common sense.

I will probably get some more life out of the 2.9L at least until I get back from my next deployment (military). use time of when I get back to do the swap.

Thanks!

 

[ronclark]

40 seems really expensive for valve cover gaskets, I picked some up at schucks auto for $12 for two the nice rubber kind, and do make sure you get them and not the cork junk.

The heads don't crack from leaking valve covers, but you might end up with a nice fire

there not to hard to replace. if you have A/C you will have to unplug the wire harness and a few plugs wires, but you can work the cover out of hole there in.
it takes me about 30 mins and I take my time.
what helps too is to get a long flex shaft, to get to the hard to reach spots.
I snug up the bolts just enough so thy don't leak, if you over tight them you will warp the hold down wings and the cover.

I hope that helps you out.
2.9 are nice little engines just don't get them over heated, keep that oil changed

 

[arineod]

Awesome, thanks for the info

 

[AllanD]

a Body lift isn't at all necissary for a 4.0 swap.

Do remember that the 4.0 was specifically designed to go
into an engine bay that was previously occupied by a 2.8
and then a 2.9.

And While I personally did a 1" body lift on my truck when I was converting
to the 4.0, it was a "doing it at the same time ONLY because the truck was
off the road" kinda situation.

my reason for the body lift was for increasing clearance between the
body and the frame. for doing various maintainance/repair jobs.

Ever been working on something and wished you have an extra
half inch of working room? Well, I have a full inch



AD

 

[04sd]

Your best bet for a 4.0 swap would be a '91-'94 Explorer with a 5 spd. Then swap in everything, engine, trans, t-case, axles, and complete wiring harness along with the updated dash.

 

[Nemisus]

04sd said it best! Thats they way I went with it! Completely stripped the Bronco of everything... Including interior (you'll need to to run the harness for the taillights, backup lights and blinkers)

Than just start adding the necessary stuff over from the donor vehicle! If you do it right.... the only real modification will be the fuel lines!

Good luck

Nem

 

[trail B2]

Swap

I tried keeping this getting rid of that and it didn't work one thing you'll have to change is the steering column just did one and tried to keep my 86 b2 column when I switched to one out of A 92 explorer things came together and it's much more enjoyable rig, low end crawl doesn't compare to the 2.9.

 

[arineod]

Perfect information, I think I have a handle on this now. We will see. In the meantime, I did the valve cover gaskets and used the expensive ones. Seems to be doing great now. Need a new AC Compressor but that will have to wait, I rarely use AC anyhow.

 

[BlackBII]

Glad to hear you got the valve covers fixed!

The best thing that has ever happened to my BII was the 4.0.