Questions about upcoming project with my 87 Bronco II

[desertRAT828]

Im new to this site and me and my dad are planning on replacing the cracked heads on an 87 bronco 2 we aquired. We found a set for $500 but i had heard we might be able to just get a new 2.9 liter engine for $600-$700 does anyone know where i might look or have any advice on this?

 

[brinker88]

Why not just swap in a 4.0L. They can be had for cheaper than a 2.9L and are

 

[desertRAT828]

Why not just swap in a 4.0L. They can be had for cheaper than a 2.9L and are

And are what? how much would that run and where couli i look at them? would it be compatible with the transmission that is in it already? im sorta new at this. Its a project me and my dad are doing together and im learning as i go. Please excuse my lack of knowledge. lol

 

[brinker88]

And are easier to find lol.

Look in the tech library at the top of the screen. It's a fairly straight forward swap.

 

[desertRAT828]

ok. i will look into that. we are on a tight buget, that is why we were going to just replace the heads. We have an 85 bronco II that we put a brand new 2.9 in but it needed the 2.8 so something happened and the heads on it cracked. so we figured since the engine is new we will just pull it out put the new heads on and do other general maintenance and just swap that one out for the bad one that is in the 87 currently

 

[desertRAT828]

Also, what are some opinions of the james duff suspension kits?

 

[brinker88]

Duff Tuff.

They're top of the line along with skyjacker.

 

[desertRAT828]

thats good to hear. we have a comlete james duff suspension package on our 85 that we will be putting on the 87 when we finish with the motor

 

[country0001]

+ 1 on the 4.0 swap. Plenty of power and makes it fun to drive.

 

[desertRAT828]

how much could i get a 4.0 for and where?

 

[Thrashingrage]

It depends on how much work you want to put into one. I would try to get a running '90 4.0 Ranger or '91 Explorer, as you won't have to hassle with hauling a non-running one home. Also, you'll get a computer and wiring harness from the parts vehicle, which you will need for the swap. Granted, I haven't done this yet (buying a 4.0 is on the list); this is basically what I have learned from the Tech Library. Also, the stock trans on your 2.9 Bronco will fit on a 4.0 - do you have a manual or an auto? If your donor vehicle has a Mazda 5-speed in it, you can also swap that for your stock trans for more durability. If you have the Mitsubishi manual trans though, I'd say that as long as you don't drive like a maniac, it should hold up fine behind a 4.0.
Anywho, I would start with Craigslist and local yards. If you can find a cheap, running donor, you might pay 400 - 500 bucks. I have also seen some people in my area parting out exploders; the 4.0s from them tend to be in the area of 200-300 bucks, if you didn't want an entire vehicle. Just make sure to grab the harness and computer. Hope this helps, and good luck man.
Josh