What is the best option?

[stevenf]

I have an 89 BII im building. It has the A4LD and im wanting to add something more reliable as I will be driving this to wheeling spots. What is the best trans for a future 302 swap if there are any? Doesnt the 2.9L have the same housing bolt pattern as the 302?

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

no the 2.9 doesnt not have a 302 bolt pattern.

there arent really any good candidates for a future 302 swap. unless you wanted to adapt a C4 to your 2.9...then later replace the bellhousing to fit a 302.

 

[mikepotts]

no the 2.9 doesnt not have a 302 bolt pattern.

there arent really any good candidates for a future 302 swap. unless you wanted to adapt a C4 to your 2.9...then later replace the bellhousing to fit a 302.

x's 2... the c-4 is the only option for what you want.

 

[stevenf]

So my best bet would be to trash my transmission and then put in a 302 & trans?
If you were me, would you put an explorer trans and later a 4.0L?

 

[mjonesjr]

A 4.0 is plenty strong enough for a BII. That would allow you to run a M50D.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

if i were you, i wouldnt worry so much about increasing power. wheeling is all in the gearing, and with the way gas prices are going (since this thing has to be driven TO and FROM the wheeling spots, fuel economy should be one of your highest priorities), i would rather stick with a properly geared V6.

 

[mjonesjr]

A 4.0 is a much better v6 than the 2.9.

 

[Wicked_Sludge]

the 2.9 is equally reliable and tends to get slightly better mileage than the 4.0. the only advantage to the 4.0 swap is increased power. the original poster will have to decide if the added work of the swap is worth trading mileage for power, while keeping in mind a properly gear 2.9 will do "ok".

he can run an M5OD behind his 2.9.

 

[mjonesjr]

I know as I am running a M50D behind my 2.9.

I was getting 18mpg in my '97 Ranger with 35's, a 4.0, and a M50D.

 

[stevenf]

I have 3.73's with 33-35's depending on the used tire deal I find first.
Milage isnt a big concern. This is not my daily driver and I will only be taking local trips. Anything out of state will have to wait for a bigger trailer. They have $hitloads of explorers around her in junk yards. The gearing will have to be put off until a SAS is done later on. I can get a transmissions for $80.00 and v8 for $119.00 with 30 day warrantys. V6's a bit cheaper.

 

[stevenf]

I know as I am running a M50D behind my 2.9.

I was getting 18mpg in my '97 Ranger with 35's, a 4.0, and a M50D.

What gear ratio were you running?

 

[mjonesjr]

I was running 4.56's.