Beyond the basic will it fit swap questions

[millermayhem]

I am about to chain myself to my 84 B2 and light us both aflame. Let me explain what the challenge is for my situation. I would like to do a swap. Now I have no extreme plans for uber 4x4 or crawling or such. I want a extremely reliable rig that I can take camping with the family and get over mountain passes with. Nothing that sounds like it will blow up or set off car alarms. I want refined power with modest economy.

The foundation is a 1984 Bronco II with the 2.8 with a C5 mated to it. I am impressed with the C5 but underwhelmed with the engine. I could do a 302 carbed swap. Rebuilt engine, rebuilt C4 with the C5 tailhousing and output shaft to mate to the transfer case. This would yield an almost new drivetrain. the rear end was rebuild 2 years ago. I feel the old Carbed V8 fits better in the spirit of the truck. I don't think I need that much engine. Nor am I positive that I would want the 2 inch lift that is so recomended.

Of course the other option is the 4.0 OHV engine. I am attracted to the refinement of EFI but I am concerned about using 20 year old electronics (CPU, harness, sensors, ect) I understand that I could just mate up the 4.0 to the c5 with no drama. Bearing in mind If I use a manual tranny ECU. The 4.0 would not require any lift kits or bizzare modifications. I am worried about the oiling problem the V6 has. I feel the V8 would be more reliable, but just.

I cant find any schematics on the wiring for the 4.0 online. this frustrates me on my compare and contrast between the two options. What parts for the 4.0 can I use used and what should be new. I really dont want to shoehorn an aged engine in.

Just to complicate things I have no real budget. I am pretty destitute.

 

[bobbywalter]

find the freshest 4.0 and auto combo you can


if you can find an aod b2 with good d shafts and case same as the one you have you would be very pleased with the results.

since your not in the woods laying it over and getting stupid any 5.0/302 gt type engine with a 5-600 cfm carb and later ignition would work fine as well. but if your asking may be a bit more then you want to do..

depending on oil analysis results, i would not be afraid to swap a 150k mile 4.0 into anything. the 5.0 makes more heat and in mild form say up to stock truck engine is not really an upgrade over a 4.0

 

[bobbywalter]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92332


something like that is usually easy to find