Project. Where to start?

[tcoe99]

Looking for some input on what route to take with my b2 project.
I currently have 2 89’s. the main one is an Eddie Bauer 2.9l auto 2” lift but she’s rusted out, the auto hubs are shot and the auto trans overheats and has problems turning the big 33’s. now the parts one I just picked up is an xlt 5spd manual hubs. The body is 99% rust free. Fuel pump is shot interior had a mouse or 50, no ac.
would it be better to take trans,hubs and eventually body off xlt transfer to Eddie? Or take eddies lift, interior, fuel pump and ac to xlt?
Really struggling here! I just can’t decide!
Thanks guys

 

[lvwill]

I would concentrate on the cleanest body and frame. All interchangeable but mechanical is way easier than rust to deal with

 

[Curious Hound]

I like what he^^^ said.

 

[tcoe99]

Hmm. That would make the xlt the base for project. How’s transferring the ac system? That parts got me a little worried

 

[Curious Hound]

If you're careful, sometimes, people remove A/C systems without breaking them open.

 

[tcoe99]

Thanks for the input. Been thinking about this non stop for days now.

 

[gaz]

XLT, mouse dropping clean fast and cheap, rust...

 

[franklin2]

The auto has problems and overheats turning the big 33's. The clutch is going to overheat and slip on the 5 speed trying to do the same thing. You need smaller tires or a gear change in the diffs. But I guess you can postpone that some, and just run around in 1st or 2nd gear. Or possibly just leave it in low range with the hubs unlocked.

 

[tcoe99]

I use it for checking wells in the mud. Basically lives in 4. Low and slow. I thought the auto was on fire many times! Even put an aftermarket cooler on it. The mud up here is very thick and heavey

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I use it for checking wells in the mud. Basically lives in 4. Low and slow. I thought the auto was on fire many times! Even put an aftermarket cooler on it. The mud up here is very thick and heavey

If youre tryin to crank 33s even in low you might need to regear if the mud is that gooey

 

[ecgreen]

I have 31s on my BII with 3.73s and it is barely acceptable. Could not imagine 33s with those gears. You will burn through clutches offroad thats for sure.

 

[tcoe99]

What gears would you recommend? I’m all ears!

 

[lvwill]

I used 4.88 in my ranger with 2.9 auto with 33's and it was great!

 

[wildbill23c]

Where to start? Does either vehicle run and drive reliably? That's where I'd start. Who cares what it looks like inside and out if you can't drive it across town without something breaking.

1. Mechanicals
2. Tires, once you get it mechanically sound if the tires are shot get new ones
3. Exterior (that's where it usually rusts out first)
4. Interior (clean up and/or replacement of carpet, seats, headliner, etc)
5. Modifications (now that it runs and drives on its own without continuous mechanical breakdowns, you can get started on your mod list)

At least that's my idea...doesn't matter if you got that cool new $5,000+ paint job if the dang thing doesn't run/drive LOL.

 

[tcoe99]

The Eddie Bauer runs and drives fine I just don’t like the auto Trans and the auto hubs exploded. I found the xlt just down the road in a guys junk yard-hence the mice. The price for xlt was cheaper than getting new hubs plus all the extra parts that I will use eventually. To be honest I am pretty rough on my mud wagons! I’m looking for different gears in a few places while I get the xlt to run. If it does she will be the base and the Bauer will be stripped.
here’s a pic of the xlt