Fix the 84 engine or buy the 88

[n_grimm]

I'm having a tough time deciding what to do. On one hand: The 84 I recently bought with a 2.8 auto runs great and I really like it but it sounds like the main bearings are shot. A local guy has a rebuilt 2.8 engine for $250. My Bronco II has manual hubs, transfer case, windows, locks etc. On the other hand I can buy an 88 Bronco II Eddie B, auto with 140k miles for $300 that needs a flex plate to get it running. The plus sides for me are the 2.9 FI and the overdrive and AC for the hot summers here. It has power everything including hubs and transfer case. I am driving it every day and the bearing noise is barely noticeable around town but not so good on the highway. Wife just got laid off so I can't afford to spend much and can't keep both. What would you do?

 

[4.0B2]

Buy the 88 and put the manual hubs and t/case on it!!! Awesome set up! And that way it's an easier 4.0 swap in the future! Either do it or ship my the 88 lol. Jk. But seriously, I'd get the 88 and put the manual hubs and tcase on it. Use the better gears if they are different. You could take the two and have an awesome 88.
Then again, you may like the auto stuff. Idk.

Would the 2.8 flywheel fit the 2.9?

 

[4.0B2]

And then sell the 84 as a parts vehicle.

 

[Shran]

I would just put an engine in the 84. Reason being... how do you know the 88 needs ONLY a flexplate? You could be in a lot deeper if the seller isn't being honest.

 

[4.0B2]

^that's true, i didn't think of that at all...lol

 

[n_grimm]

You've given me some good things to think about. I tend to be hasty.
The 88 has some things that I like a lot, od, ac, hitch, fuel injection, hydraulic lifters. Can I even put hydraulic lifters in a 2.8? I would have to put my 84 on Craigslist to see if anyone would pay $3-400 with the bad bearings with a rebuilt 2.8 engine available for another $250. At least it has a clean title. Here's what the 84 looks like from a distance:

 

[Shran]

With a body in that condition, I would not even think twice about putting an engine in it. You could do a 4.0 swap or V8 swap in that thing and end up with fuel injection anyway. I wouldn't even bother with the other one.

 

[n_grimm]

You may be right but the 88 is just as straight and we get nearly zero rust here. Both of them need mostly need buffed out. I'm going to take another look at the 88 and maybe remove the inspection cover to make sure it is just the flex plate that is broken. He said it wasn't using oil and the 4x4 worked fine when he parked it in 2004 due to the flex plate. He just didn't get around to fixing it and he is moving now. Maybe I can get some pics while I'm out there.

 

[n_grimm]

Just got back from checking out the 88. It has cruise, tilt wheel, tach and the ac is complete. I was a little worried when I saw the radiator had been drained fearing it was straight water and may have frozen so I got a sample from one of the hoses and it tested good to -28*. I got the axle codes: 4SL10757H12. Does that mean 4.10 limited slip???

 

[4.0B2]

Yes 4.10 LSD. Awesome! I want that 88 lol

 

[4.0B2]

Well it should be 4L10 what's the S?

 

[n_grimm]

Not sure about the "S" The axle code on the door is D7 so I think that confirms 4.10 LS.

BTW I looked at the flex plate and it's definitely broken and I think I can get one for $30 locally.

 

[ragajungle]

That's a cool old yota in the background! I would definately keep the 84 - a $300 B2 is going to be a PITA (most likely)

 

[4.0B2]

If the flex plate is all that's wrong, it's an awesome deal. I'll drop $300 on it. I'm a gambler to tho

 

[Shran]

If you end up buying it, just keep in mind that you may have seals that will leak a lot from sitting for six years, and it may need fuel pumps and other things too.