Thanks and grateful.

[PetroleumJunkie412]

there is another one worth looking at. @Stroker built a 3.5 out of a 2.9 block, 4.0 crank, and 4.7 jeep pistons. Cool af.

 

[DavisRanger]

I’m in full support of a 2.9 rebuild. I once considered a swap, took some advice from @PetroleumJunkie412... aaaand it’s the best decision I’ve made with my truck.

Plus, parts are cheap.

 

[19Walt93]

Parts to rebuild my friend's 2.9 sure weren't cheap. He seems happy enough with the power he's got now, the 351(5.8) in my Ranger runs a lot stronger,though.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Well you certainly gave more than I already knew about smaller engines. You sold me on an idea. I'm gonna put you on speed dial.
If a fella was gonna look for an engine to build in the 2.9 family to fit my truck, what should I be looking for and what should I shun?
Casting numbers and such.

Welcome to the 2.9 mafia.

 

[Shran]

I have done two 4.0 swaps.......they are easy on '89+ trucks. Much more involved on first gens. I did them simply because I had the parts and it just cost me a gasket kit and time - the first truck, an '89, came to me with a botched 2.3 swap halfway done and a broken rod, easy decision there... the second one, an '88, had a cracked head and I didn't have a good 2.9 on hand but I did have two good 4.0s.

I still have a 2.9 in my '87, I'm very happy with it and it runs great. Probably will never swap that truck. The 4.0 also has a reputation for cracked heads especially in 90-92 but it's not as common. Either way they will run for well over 300k with good maintenance.

Run what you got if it's in good shape. Eccentric 2.9 engine mods are cool too. 4.0 swaps are a great option if you want bolt in power with some wiring involved. Lots of V8 swaps have been done too, TDI swaps are also becoming a thing.

 

[sgtsandman]

 

[Dirtman]

The only swap worth doing is a 7.5.

 

[JohnnyTang]

Hello sir

 

[DavisRanger]

Parts to rebuild my friend's 2.9 sure weren't cheap. He seems happy enough with the power he's got now, the 351(5.8) in my Ranger runs a lot stronger,though.

I dropped quite a bit of money in my build too. But, I also did quite a bit on it. But, IMO, still cheaper than a 302 rebuild/swap.