confusion regarding 4.0 swap into BII

[70roadrunner]

i have an 84 BII, 2.8 5-speed, and have been researching the 4.0 swap. i bought a 91 explorer w/5-speed for my donor ($200 !) ive read all the posts regarding this swap that i can find. here is where i got confused, DieHardFord says i can do it without swapping the dash, all others say i have to swap dash. has anyone else done this without swapping the dash? i am also swapping in the d-35/8.8 at the same time so i only have to have driveshafts modified vs made. i would like to keep my 1350 t-case, but i see the outputs are completely different, is there a way to use 1354 style flanges on my 1350? and what is the single wire plug to the rear diff on the 91 ex? i appreciate any help i can get, as im new to fords.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I bought my '85 b-II with the '91 Ranger 4.0 already installed. It has the original dash. I plan on installing a '91 ex 4.0 into a different b-II that I own and using the ex dash.

Richard

 

[jhammel85]

There are definitely some members here who've kept that dash. There's some splicing involved but its possible.

 

[trail B2]

I swapped the dash because I like the dash way better.I swapped the steering column too.My 93 donor the fuel power went through the turn signal switch.What I tried to do was as much original wiring from the 93 as possible.I wanted AC so I also switched the heater unit at the same time.Sitting there with no engine ,tranny,dash,heater and seats is kind of a scarey place to be.

I think your electric plugs are the same style which is huge.Guys have had a lot of success just moving wires and some like the original dash better.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I kept the 1st gen dash. The wire splicing was minimal, maybe 20-30 wires.

 

[70roadrunner]

ok, im gonna keep the 1st gen dash, i like it better, although the tach would be nice. im having trouble finding the inertia switch on my 91 explorer donor. anyone know where it is mounted?

 

[TexCaliBII]

Passenger area foot well. Just pull the carpet down a bit and you'll see it.

 

[ronclark]

ok, im gonna keep the 1st gen dash, i like it better, although the tach would be nice. im having trouble finding the inertia switch on my 91 explorer donor. anyone know where it is mounted?

Why not trying and swap the gauge clusters out of a newer 1gen?

 

[70roadrunner]

i pulled the carpet back, removed the computer, and the entire dash. still not seeing what i recognize as a ford inertia switch. im picturing a "box" approximately 1.5" cube shaped, with a red button about 1/2" in diameter. the only wiring left in that area is the harness to the door, and the one running back on the pass side. i removed the fuel tank and the harness to it, and didnt find it in that harness either. i have removed the computer harness, and headlight harness also. there is a box that was mounted on the radiator core support, pass side, says "EDIS" on it. is that it?

 

[thisfords4u]

if you were to sit in pass seat and put your left foot up and to the left by the tunnel at the carpet line it should be screwed to the fire wall. If you've removed the comp harness from the vehicle then youve it already, because its part of that harness.

 

[70roadrunner]

found it! thanks! when i unplugged it i thought it was part of the heater.