Looking at buying BII, need pointers.

[Dean88]

One of my friends has an '86 BII 4wd, 180K, V6, 5spd.

I really don't know anything about these smaller vehicles, but I do know a good bit about the 80-96's, do they share much in commen?

Ok, I'm not too worried about the miles, since I've seen twice the 302/351's break 250,000, and the 300 I6 can break 300,000 without a sweat, but what motor problems should I expect this to have, such as the 302/351's main seals leaking.

How strong is the 4wd and axles, because I would like to put a small lift on it and put on 31's.

Is the tranny very reliable, because the M5OD in the 80-96's doesn't have a very good repution for being reliable, unlike a ZF which does.

And overall what kind of gas mileage can I expect, because that is the true reason why I am interested in this BII, since my '87 gets 12-13 when I drive it grandpa style.

[mrshorty]

These cologne engines can do as well as those other engines.

The main problems with the 2.9 L V6 are:
1) It has a stronger tendency than most engines to crack heads. Be cautious if it shows any tendency to overheat. Once you decide on one, be sure to keep up on the maintenance of the cooling system.

2) Valve covers like to leak.

3) Sometimes, the lifters can be noisy. If the oil pressure is ok, it may or may not indicate a problem.

4) I'm not familiar with the 2.8, other than to know that it used the feedback carb, and that a lot of people don't like it.

5) Both the 2.8 and 2.9 used the TFI ignition module, which, I understand was used on a lot of Ford's engines of that era.

Transmissions: It's interesting that the full size crowd doesn't like the M5OD, because in these compact trucks, the M5OD is often considered the best transmission of the bunch. The Mitsubishi transmissions have input bearing issues, I'm not familiar with the TK trannies. The A4LD is generally not liked, though if it were rebuilt to 4.0 specs, it would probably work just fine behind a 2.9. The C3 was only used in '84 in BII's and is considered a good transmission for those that don't care about overdrive.

BII's came with a BW 13-50 transfer case. Don't hear of many problems with the transfer cases other than issues with the electric shift mechanism.

Rear axle is a Ford 7.5 inch. Those who break it are usually running pretty big tires. 31's should be ok with the 7.5, but it's also pretty easy to put an 8.8 under there.

Front is a Dana 28 TTB. 31's might be ok with the diff open, but be prepared to break axleshafts, especially if you lock it. Dana 35TTB from a 1st gen Explorer is almost a bolt in swap.

My '87 BII consistently got 20-23 mpg (mixed city/highway).

[rebocardo]

> but what motor problems should I expect this to have

Leaking valve cover gaskets, which can be fixed by not using cork ones and using a decent amount of black RTV.

Overheating and cracking the heads, mostly caused by poor upkeep or letting a defective fan clutch kill the engine.

> How strong is the 4wd and axles

Good enough for 31s max for mild stuff, if you are going to beat on it or do lockers, you are better off with P235s unless you are easy on the pedal.

> Is the tranny very reliable

As long as you make sure it does not leak and stays full, yes.

> And overall what kind of gas mileage can I expect

18 mixed, at least 21.50 on the highway (what I get towing a small 1500+ pound trailer) with the 2.9L 5 speed.

[mudslinging79]

also explorer springs will give an inch or 2 of a lift. i get bout 20 mpg, no problems mechanical, run 235s and have a 5 speed. i would easily go and get another engine qand drop it in if i needed to, all around they are a good little rig.

[wendell borror]

YEP, the driveline is fine for 31's, I wouldn't go much bigger than that as these vehicles have good ground clearence from the factory which also translates into a high center of gravity as it's short wheel based. 30 or 31 inch tires and these little rigs are a blast off road.