94 EXPLORER DASH INTO 87 BII

[gaz]

Hello,
I am getting ready to install a complete 1994 Explorer dash in the 1987 BII. I am concerned that I will need the 100% of the Explorer's heater system installed in the BroncoII for it to work well.

I thought that I would be able to use the Bronco's heater and ducting with the Explorer's dash but it is begining to look like I will need every last bit of the Explorer's heating system for it's dash to work correct in the BII.

What I am becoming concerned about is the heater blower, core and ducts not aligning well in the BII firewall or the BII's blower/core and ducts not aligning with the Explorer's dash.

This a big issue for me is the heat and defrost need to be top notch where I live and primarily the defrost; not so much for cold weather but rainy weather. If I can't keep the windshield defogged in the rain, the vehicle is useless.

What are my options, for a system that works like showroom floor new?

 

[gaz]

I have decided to incorporate the entire 94 Explorer dash assembly, heater box/controls, heater core, blower assembly and all associated ducting into the BII's and it's new dash.

I anticipate some mild structural alterations may be required.

 

[Snoranger]

I know they use the same HVAC box in the engine compartment, the only difference would be if it has A/C or heat only.

 

[Shran]

Yeah, you use the same box under the hood, but you need to use 89-94 Ranger/Explorer parts inside the cab. If I remember right when I did mine, I had compared the two dash plenum assemblies and determined that there was no way to use any of the 1st gen parts with a 2nd gen dash, fortunately the 2nd gen stuff just works with no modifications needed.

You will also find that the upper dash mounts near the windshield are in different spots... you will need to fix that... I cut some of the little tabs out of a donor 2nd gen truck and welded them to my cab in the correct spots.

 

[gaz]

@snoranger and @Shran ,

Thank you for the inputs. I will remove the upper mounts to use in the BII ..)

Both the BII and Explorer have a/c but I will not be using the a/c. I have a rough plan to remove the condenser and part of the condenser box to make room to access the passenger side spark plugs better.

It will only be an inch, maybe 1½ inches but it will be well welcomed. I am shocked at how much tighter this area is with the 4.0 compared to the 2.9.

That coil pack sitting there isn't helping, perhaps relocating it to void created by the smaller condenser box will help? Maybe even to the other side of the condenser box

 

[Snoranger]

If you’re going to remove the A/C, try to find a heat only box from a Ranger or BII. (Up to 94 is all the same.) It will give you a lot more room in the engine compartment.

 

[gaz]

@snoranger ,
That makes all the sense in the world but I already own the 94 EXP setup with a/c parts so I will be listening to my cents instead. I do like what your saying though

 

[Snoranger]

@snoranger ,
That makes all the sense in the world but I already own the 94 EXP setup with a/c parts so I will be listening to my cents instead. I do like what your saying though

The last time I bought one it cost me $10 at a pick and pull. If you can find a deal like that, jump on it.

 

[gaz]

@snoranger ,
That sounds like a good plan and I feel that you are correct, it wouldn't cost to much ..)

 

[gaz]

To get the harness through the firewall into the engine bay, I wound up cutting some relief into the trailing area of the metal fender skirting. It is very tight in the area though with the complete heater box removed, it would simply be patience and some WD-40 to get the grommet through without damaging it .)

Some of the heater box retaining fasteners are hard to see, a couple are internal otherwise once all those are removed, then pull the heater core and the box splits into 2 main sections; the cab section and the engine bay section.

I am taking the section of the firewall from the driver's side and replacing the BroncoII's with it. The Explorer did not want to be taken apart, it fought me tooth and nail for each and every piece of it! It looks very sad as a baron hulk of metal, just white paint and holes.