Bronco 2 Front end compatability

[Garthoc]

Hey guys, quick question for all the bronco 2 experts here. I used to have an 89 which had the front end that resembled that of an explorer, with the rap around headlight/turn signal setup and the more round nose on the hood that met the grill. I really liked the way the front end on that b2 looked.

Now, I have an 87 and I'm not a huge fan of the front end style. Is there any way that the front end of the 89 or 90 style bronco 2 is compatible enough to swap out on the 87's?

If so, is it like a direct swap out or how much work do you think would be involved?

 

[Sunk]

You can swap them no problem, it's been done at least a few times. I think at least one swap has been documented on here.

 

[4.0B2]

it could be done... but.... WHY? come on man. first gen is where its at!!! lol

i wanna say its been done before on this website.. research it some. or just tear into the project, it'll work out. just how much time/money is the question

 

[Garthoc]

Why you ask? Well the 89 was the first vehicle ever purchased with my own cash, just fell in love with the way it came off. lol Plus to confuse everyone when they ask if its anything other then the first gen. I bought the 87 for 150 bucks.. so with cash to spare, nothing is wrong with it but the expected rust on the lower areas, And since I don't have any welding experience i figured I'd just replace the fenders anyway so why not put on the parts i want.

 

[4.0B2]

well, at least do the 4.0 swap w/ dash and all to then...

 

[Garthoc]

Thought about it.. and all I'm finding on the site is 2nd gen to 1st gen conversion threads lol

 

[4.0B2]

yeah i figured that when i said search it lol.
but hey, i'd focus on the 4.0 swap before the 2nd gen front clip. motor>front clip!

 

[Garthoc]

The crazy thing everyone is telling me to stick with the 2.9 thats in it

 

[4.0B2]

2.9 is not a bad motor.. i had nothing against mine, other than i when i was towing the 2 four wheelers; and i was used to driving the explorer we own also.

it just helped that i got a donor explorer for $300.

what are some of the reasons people are saying to keep the 2.9? and who is it? people on here? or just people you know?

oh, and i apologize for derailing this thread to other topics...!

 

[Garthoc]

Its all good any info on the vehicle is appreciated. Mainly my father and my father-and-law who are both mechanics my father-n-law being ASE. But i think their main reason is cause of the gas mileage and seeing how i prolly wont be towing much unless we end up getting a small camper or something. Mainly an everyday driver, winter fun, that kind of stuff lol i have more visual appealing plans for it the actual off road or anything.

 

[4.0B2]

i can tell you personally.. i get the same MPG's w/ my 4.0 than i did my 2.9.
and the 2.9 only had about 30,000(had it rebuilt, bottom up, all of it) miles on it, didn't smoke, didn't use oil, ran perfect.
the 4.0 was a fresh rebuild, but now has about 60,000 miles on it.

i get about 17-18 in town and 20-22 on the interstate. that's w/ 3.73's and 30's.
but the 4.0 power is so much more amazing!! the torque and stuff is just awesome. the 4.0 is made for the b2. its a perfect match.

and this is coming from my dad (ASE certified) and me... lol

 

[Garthoc]

lol it may be something ill have to look into in the future but at the moment an engine swap may be a bit much for me to take on. Ideas i have are possibly a small lift just enough to give it a lil attitude maybe some beefier tires. possible some bushwacker flares, maybe a hood cowl and then paint the whole thing candy blood red or a two tone silver/red. lol

 

[4.0B2]

sounds good.. do a 2.5 inch lift, suspension (not body!!!)
some 16 inch rims and 30's
make your own cowl hood out of the stocker. just cut it, rise it, mold it, smooth it, prep it, paint it

 

[Garthoc]

Ill have to grab a hood from a salvage yard to try that cowl idea on 2.5 is a good height ive seen a ranger around the corner and i think the guy said 2 or 2.5 but it looks decent about the height im looking for

 

[4.0B2]

yeah, i like the look of the 2.5 for a slight dd build. but the RC 4" lift i cheap. only thing i don't like about mine is the fact the coil springs are so stiff. and if you ever plan on doing a d35 swap, you'll need a new drop bracket for one of the axles. if you look at my build thread-- the pics of it w/ the black procomp wheels-- those are w/ the 4" RC lift and 245/70r16's.. with a slight add a leaf in the rear also.