Ok so I have an 89 bronco 2 and I have purchased a 2002 ford explorer for cheap as my donor this will be my first swap so Im looking for as much input as possible.

I am wondering if anyone has experience trying to do the sohc 4.0 into an older bronco 2 everything I have read says the best 4.0 for the swap would be an ohv from a 91~97 explorer however im trying to do this on the cheap as more of a learning experience, and im broke.

So everyone,
Will this work? Given that i have a complete donor vehicle and i can swap out virtually everything i need.( I do plan to use the 5r55 trans from the explorer as well)
or
Is this swap non compatable due to the age gap and being an sohc as opposed to the ohv?

 

Does the donor motor run? How does it sound when started?

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post16717618

 

The donor motor is in excellent condition start up and idle are completely smooth the only thing wrong with the explorer is the trans solinoid, it doesnt want to shift into 3rd which was a common issue with the 5r55, which is an easy fix I was already planning on rebuilding the trans anyway.

 

4x4? Bring the TC along as well.

 

Yes their both 4x4

 

what about front and rear axles? That 4.0 sohc is a screamer, is just a few ponies short of the 302.
Consider it to be close to doing a v8 swap into the lil bronco. iirc, the 302 is 15 hp more.

My thoughts are you will be upgrading the axles soon, if you do the swap.
The 4.0 has plastic timing chain guides, anywhere between 175k - 300k miles, they can break anytime and render your motor a brick.
For the effort, may be a better deal to just put a 302 in it now.
The 4.0 ohv has less horse power, and would be a more tamer animal for you.
No idea if you should box the frame or not, might be a good idea.

im trying to do this on the cheap as more of a learning experience, and im broke.
You wont have any problems there, you start this swap and you will never see a $100 dollar bill again.

Dont forget you will need the computer from the explorer to run the motor and trans.
Have you considered building the explorer? Put a more correct motor in the bronco at a later time, as finances permit.
Just some random thoughts.

 

Whats the typical cost of doing the 4.0 swap, if you include engine purchase, rebuild, and installation by a professional?

 

Ive got an '87 Bronco II that I bought new, the 2.9 never was much to begin with and Ive looked at posible conversions for some time now the small block Ford V8 looks quite doable but Ive also considered the strain on that 30+ year old drivetrain, the 4.0 OHC is quite a bit wider than the 2.9 and looks like would be a lot more modification than I want to deal with, the 4.0 OHV on the other hand would be a more straight forward swap and would nearly be double the hp of the EPA strangled 2.9 and that 30+ year old drivetrain would likely survive a bit longer

 

The 7.5" Ford rear will hold up very well, even with a lightly built 302. The 7.5" was used in 80s V8 Mustangs until 87 when the 8.8 was used.