Hello everyone i have recently decided to go with the 4.0 engine swap for my 89 bronco 2 xlt. This will be my first swap so any and all advice would be greatly appreciated I have a mechanic friend who is going to guide me through the process. My main concern right now is the donor vehicle, im currently looking at a 2002 ford explorer and my first question for everyone "Is this possible?". From all the forums i have read through the best date ranges to swap from the explorer to the bronco are 91-97. The engine on the explorer is solid the tranny needs to be rebuilt but its still in great shape, both are automatic trannys. My next question is "will the front axle from the explorer bolt on to my bronco with minimal effort?". The explorers from 91-97 share the same bolt pattern but I am unsure if for changed patterns from 97-02. Thats a good start so like i said any and all info would be appreciated.

 

The 2002 Explorer motor, is that an SOHC motor? If so, forget it IMO. Also those transmissions have fatal design issues, so yes, a rebuild would be good before you break you back and bank installing it.


A 2002 Explorer front axle will be IFS with a control arm/torsion bar set up. Your BII would use Twin I beam or Twin traction beam. It will be maximum effort and may not work at all without a lot of cutting and welding.

Earlier Explorer 4.0 OHV motors are the ones for this swap.

I will search out some links for you, or scroll through this forum and find other swap threads. Gotta go for now.

 

85e150six4mtod in your opinion why stay away from sohc? You are correct that is the motor in the 02 explorer.

 

The cam chain setup in those is prone to failure and that is pretty much the end of the motor. They are terrible to work on to fix that issue as well.

For 2002, some would fail at under 100,000 miles, some have gone far longer. Impossible to tell without a teardown. Ford provided improved tensioners, but usually only the driver side was fixed, as doing the passenger side required pulling the engine.

Plus I think you can get a carb manifold for the 4.0 OHV should you so desire.

 

Considering you also need all the engine wiring and PCM I'd suggest you look for a pre OBD2('96) 4.0 Ranger or Explorer.

 

If you are gonna go through all this trouble you might as well swap in a 302.It is very doable and used to be a popular swap.

 

I agree, the 4.0 OHC looks like the way to go as the OHC is much wider than the 2.9, as far as induction issues Im considering an sheet metal intake with the Holley striker EFI , Ive had this '87 BroncoII since new., the 2.9 never was a powerhouse with all those Carter era EPA mandates it barely put out an estimated 80hp so even the advertised 160hp from the 4.0 ohv would be more than adequate and be less of a danger to the 30+ year old drivetrain