B2 4.0 swap questions

[jg09]

I've got a couple questions about putting my Explorer's engine into the B2. Since I'd ultimately like to do the swap and spend as little money as possible ($0 is a good figure for this project), Can I use the 2.8 flywheel? if i do that, what starter should i use? the 2.8 or the 4.0?

Also, the B2 has an electric fan with a toggle switch in the cab. I'm having a brain fart right now, but as I recall, the Explorer has a mechanical fan. Is there anything special that i need to do to remove the Explorer's fan? can I just remove the fan clutch and call it good?

 

[88BII got it for $250]

If you use the 2.8l flywheel, you will need to use the 2.8l starter. This is not a good idea, my 88BII will push past the crap 8 and change(7/8?) inch clutch. Giving that a 4.0l has much more torque, I would recomend forking out the extra cash and getting a 10" setup from a 5speed explorer/4.0l ranger.

As for the fan, I would use the stock clutch fan, but if you want to go electric, then yeah just remove the fan clutch.

 

[cammeddrz]

if you stick with the electric get a fan relay kit for $20 from auto zone and then you won't need a toggle switch, it has a wire that you can hook to a toggle to turn it on manually too. abd a temp probe that you just slip in between the radiator fins i would use the exploder radiator it fits and is much better

 

[adsm08]

If you use the 2.8l flywheel, you will need to use the 2.8l starter. This is not a good idea, my 88BII will push past the crap 8 and change(7/8?) inch clutch. Giving that a 4.0l has much more torque, I would recomend forking out the extra cash and getting a 10" setup from a 5speed explorer/4.0l ranger.

As for the fan, I would use the stock clutch fan, but if you want to go electric, then yeah just remove the fan clutch.

2.8/2.9 clutch was 8 2/3". Don't put that behind a 4.0, not that I know why you would want to.

I put a 4.0 10 inch on my 2.9, worlds of difference, so much nicer with the bigger disc. Also, your starter has to match your flywheel, and the 4.0 starters are a lot stronger, good luck getting your 4.0 to start with a 2.8L starter. Just doesn't have the balls.

 

[jg09]

where's the cheapest place I can get a somewhat decent starter and a flywheel w/ ring gear? I looked on Rockauto.com, which is usually pretty cheap, and it was a little pricey for my low budget build.

 

[88BII got it for $250]

An Explorer starter/ Flywheel will cost more, try a wrecking yard if you are looking for cheep. I would buy them new though. Cheep most of the time= TRASH.

And I wish i would have went with the 10" setup on my BII, and thanks for the info (clutch being 8 and 2/3) But Im getting ready to drop this reman pmc 2.9 into her....so I will do it then.

 

[jg09]

what about the clutch? if it's still in good shape, can i use the 2.8 clutch with the 4.0 flywheel?

 

[adsm08]

No, bigger fly wheel means the pressure plate holes are farther out and spaced differently. Short story is, 4.0 flywheel needs 4.0 clutch and 4.0 starter.

I got all my stuff from NAPA. I think my total bill was about $450, but I had some other stuff in there too. To do this you are going to have to spend some money. Its worth it to go buy a new flywheel and clutch kit, and a new starter.

You can get those three thing, with the lifetime warranty on the starer at napa for about $400. You should also replace the slave cylinder while you are in there. Thats another $50-80 depending on the vehicle.

I'm kinda assuming that the Explorer has an auto since you aren't just taking parts from it, which means that you are also gonna PO the engine computer when it doesn't see an automatic tranny anywhere. That old it shouldn't cause too much trouble, but you should think about a new PCM too.

Now to tell you what I tell my dad every other time he talks to me about fixing up one of his old cars. Unless you have a fleet of the darn things, or have exactly what you want to put in vehicle X sitting around in vehicle Y, $0 is a very unrealistic cost for any project. To do this right I'd say you probably need to spend about $7-800, to make it work, and not have to worry about anything, at least $500. For a 4.0 swap, thats a good price.

 

[AllanD]

You absolutely cannot use either a 2.8/2.9 Starter on a 4.0 Engine.

There are reinforcement ribs on the block that won't clear the early style starter.
And even if you could use it I wouldn't recommend it.

as for the flywheel? if you are talking a manual trans you really want
to use the 4.0 flywheel and clutch.

If for a manual the only difference on the 4.0 flywheel (up to '96)
is that it has additional reinforcement in the middle.


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