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Best combination of Parts for 302 swap


bronco2fan

Well-Known Member
U.S. Military - Veteran
Joined
Oct 2, 2010
Messages
422
City
Copperas Cove, TX.
Vehicle Year
1984
Engine
2.8 V6
Transmission
Manual
Total Lift
3 inch body lift
Tire Size
33
After reading and researching as much as I could about this, it becomes apparent that there are way to many options available about this. IE, trannys, T-cases, suspension mods, axles,etc. So if you were wanting to build a safe, reliable, easy as possible rig, what would you use? Keeping in mind, manual trans, keeping the BW1350 if possible, if not, which one? I realize it all depends on parts available and time and money.
 
M5ODR2 trans for the 302 swap. reliable, and if you're not shooting for BIG power ( >400HP), will not be the weak link.

D35 front with the c clip mod, and aftermarket warn or Mile Marker hubs. If you're not going big with lift, this works very well.

95+ 8.8 disc rear with LSD.

R&R all of the pivot points. that means spring eyelets, ball joints, U-Joints, sway bar urethane, TTB pivots, etc. Nothing feels better than to drive a vehicle with tight running gear.
 
well with a ttb truck theres need for the fox type oil pan ect, so straight swapping from an explorer is not so simple...so i wouid also take time to consider an ecoboost 4cyl or 5.3 ls.


the eco can use the ranger 2.5 stuff, so keeping the t case is possible but not sure how ttb friendly this would be. i will look into it over this winter though.


the 5.3 will replace the whole powertrain....a turn key take out would be ideal.


the 302, if you can find a low mile donor can be fitted somewhat easier depending on your skill capacity. but if your proficient its a non issue and smarter choice for a 5.3.

goals and intentions are key to what a best combo would be.

its the reason there is such a broad variance to begin wit.
 
It all depends on the level/use of the vehicle you desire. My stock suspension, somewhat DD is also my hunting vehicle and the 5.0 with the M5ODR2 works great with the NP205 TC for me. I made sure to get new body mounts when I put the 3" BL on and that makes it nice and tight. With all new rings, bearings, and a valve job I have about $1000-1200 in a fresh engine. Garvin's machine shop on Stagecoach road did the complex work for me.

I'm in Cove, so if you want to meet and talk about the swap, I'm close by.
 
The first few times I did 5.0 swaps I used the build guide from Advance Adapters.



http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/V8Conversions.shtml

Read this guys build thread 'til you get it;

http://broncoii.org/forum/index.php?topic=12551.0

If swapping 5 litre oil pans is troubling, I'm pretty sure Ecoboost and Chevy swaps are out the window. Don't over think it, set your plan and don't deviate. Most projects fail because of re-engineering during the build.

DO:

rebuild your 302, at least rings and bearings
rebuild your heads
rebuild your tranny
swap explorer d 35 and 8.8 axles, and, yup go thru them as well.
Hedman 88400 headers
 
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