Is the 2.9 and the D28 all that bad?

[jkufen]

I have an 86 B2 and I have been considering buying an explorer and swapping the 4.0 and the D35 axles into my B2. Well I believe that might be out of my mechanic know how and I am curious if anyone here has been running their stock axles and engine and not have any problems? I am looking to only run a 4 inch lift with 33 inch tires. I am going to do some wheeling but nothing serious just some trail riding or mild mudding. Also I am not really worried about gas mileage because this wont be my daily driver so different gears is not a necessity but I am considering lockers. My main concern is my factory set up enough for me to enjoy my B2? I am going to rebuild my 2.9 and the trans if the consensus is they are capable. Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

They aren't awful, but if you plan to put any sort of large tire on the front the D28 shafts will break eventually.

Also, if you are going to spend the money to rebuild a 2.9, you might as well get a 4.0. It is much stronger.

 

[jkufen]

will all the 4.0 parts bolt up to the B2 or will it need modifications? I believe I was told that I'd have to change the gear box and everything. That is the main reason I was gonna stay with my 2.9 I wasn't sure if my know how is enough for the work. I am on a student budget so thats my major concern,

 

[adsm08]

Yours is one of the easiest ones to convert to a 4.0. Check the tech library, lots of good info there, but a wrecked running Explorer is probably cheaper than an engine rebuild on a 2.9L.

 

[shadow88]

If you want to know how much stronger a D35 is than a D28 just go to the parts store and ask to see axle u-joints for each, you'll be amazed on the difference in size

 

[country0001]

The shaft size difference is huge. The D35 shaft is almost twice the size of the d 28.

As for the 4.0 vs the 2.9. Hands downs do the swap. I've had one good 2.9, and the power difference begtween it and the 4.0 is remarkable.

The 2.9 thats in my son's ranger will barely go up a hill at 45, my B2 with the 4.0 is able to do hills at 70 in 5th.

You will not regret the 4.0 swap.

 

[shadow88]

I just did my swap a few months ago, like he said, you won't be disappointed, it's a night and day difference,

 

[jkufen]

I have checked the tech library and there are basic directions on what to do but i havent found any detailed write ups on how to do it. Anyone know of any good write ups on how to do it? Like i said previously my know how is extremely limited so ill need all the directions and help i can get. I am hoping here in the next few months i can get some money together and buy an explorer so i will have everything i need. I seen that it said you have to swap the dashboards out. Is this hard to do? Is it able to bolt up? Thanks for the help this will be the ultimate test for me so if this goes well i might be able to do a lot more in the future!!

 

[jkufen]

u

Ok i have seen that you dont have to change the dash so i can scratch that off the list.

 

[4.0B2]

IF you don't change the dash..there is more wiring involved. I wish I made a list of wiring I had to do..but there is a good bit more if you don't change the dash.

the 2.9 can't be polished to much. I spent WAY to much money building up a 2.9 with different injectors, cam, polished intake, bigger throttle body, etc.... and it still wasn't as nice as the STOCK 4.0. Once you ride in it, you'll know quick it was worth it.

the d28 help up for me alright other than the auto hubs on 32's... I didn't do much wheeling or anything either tho.. just pastures and hunting trails. For anything more than that, I'd be worried... Long story short, Overbuild for your needs and just do the swap. It's easy.

 

[jkufen]

Yeah that's what i will probably do if i can find an explorer not running or something. I just hate to spend $1500+ for a running explorer and then have to scrap it. I have to start going through junkyards i guess.

 

[4.0B2]

if I buy an explorer now, it's getting comp cut, 1 tons, and 38's (or larger) and armored out

 

[4x4junkie]

If you want to know how much stronger a D35 is than a D28 just go to the parts store and ask to see axle u-joints for each, you'll be amazed on the difference in size

Don't even have to do that, just look here:
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/4wd_Front_Axles.html

As for the 2.9L, it's a good reliable engine, it just has a fairly severe low-RPM torque deficiency (the two engines are actually within 15-20HP of each other). This requires you to keep a 2.9L revved out to get any decent power from it where the 4.0L can muscle out decent power at lower RPMs, making it less fatiguing to drive.

The 2.9L in mine will maintain 70 up most any freeway grade once downshifted to 4th. It just recently passed 177K miles... I most likely will swap a 4.0L in once the 2.9 has had it, but probably not before then.

 

[Gary101386]

The 2.9L in mine will maintain 70 up most any freeway grade once downshifted to 4th. It just recently passed 177K miles... I most likely will swap a 4.0L in once the 2.9 has had it, but probably not before then.

second me on this! Even on my 33's....

 

[94xlt4.0]

the 2.9 in my b2 does just fine up hills and highway driving. that being said with the bigger tires (31's on 3.73 gears) it does take a little more pedal to start going. but once it gets going it isnt too much less powerful than a 4.0. my ranger is the 4.0 with 3.08 gears i believe and definitely takes off a lot stronger (partially due to it being manual and the b2 auto) but as said before after you're rolling there's not a huge difference. that being said, IF the 2.9 goes out theres no point in rebuilding when swapping to the 4.0 is as simple as it is and not much more money than a 2.9 rebuild.