i have a 1985 2.8 4x4 5 speed and it spun a bearing in the motor the other day and i was told that the 4.0 out of a 1991 explorer would bolt right up to the bellhousing that i have. if this is true than i think i am going to go that route if not then i will go for the 302. i just want info if it will work and wich one is easier????? i can get the explorer motor and all wires and computer for 500 and think that will be a better motor for the price and easiest to do also. please help!!!!!! thanks for all the inputs on my delima!!!!

 

I just finished putting a 302 and C4 into my 84 Bronco II. It actually was pretty easy. The wiring was simplified big time compared to all that crap that came from the factory in 84. The 302 is a good swap to do, but don't forget other things. Firstly, get rid of your current tranny. It's not gonna hold up to a 4.0 and don't even consider it for a 302. It you bolt in a 4.0 to your current tranny, you will be replacing it sooner than you think. All BII trannies are weak and shouldn't even be considered.

If you're thinking about a swap, don't forget there is more than just a motor. Take a look in your engine compartment now. You'll see a rad that will need to be upgraded, new motor mounts, a new tranny as stated above, and don't forget a new exhaust system. Add in some miscellaneous items and the motor is the cheapest thing. While you may be getting the 4.0 liter for a great price, factor in everything else you'll need and you might find it similar to a 302 swap. Take a look at James Duff's website to get a good idea of what it takes to do the 302 swap and what it needed. Everything will be similar for the 4.0 swap. Either motor is a good motor, but which to swap into your BII that fits your budget and ability are two different things. Let me know if you have any questions about the V8 swap. I'd be happy to help you out.

 

I would say to do the 4.0 if you want to go the route of ease all you would need to do is swap engines and the wiring harnesses and hook up the fuel and you are done

 

Hello,
I swapped a 302 with an AOD into an '86 Bronco II that had a 2.9L. If the motor mounts for your 2.8L are similar to the 2.9L, it will be easy for you to make your own. Those alone are $130 to buy! I used a Griffin aluminum radiator with the Chevy hookups. The donor 302 came out of a van which has the water pump with the inlet on the passenger side which worked out great. I did not have to do any body lift or driveline modifications. I made my own bracket to mount the A/C compressor. I have put 85,000 miles on the V8 conversion so far and usually average about 15-16 mpg. Get in touch with me if you'd like any other info or pictures.
Grant

 

Just a few thing the V-8 swap will concern. You will have to mod the heater/ac box. The fire wall most likely will need some mods. You will need an oil filter relocater.

So I would say if you want easier go 4.0 v-6. You won't have to make/buy motor mounts. You won't have trouble keeping AC. You would have to up grade radiator and transmission (eventually) with both and the 4.0 radiator is cheeper. It would be great to have the whole donner truck so you could just park them side by side for the swap. You didn't say what tranny you had. The TK if it's in good shape depending on driving style would hold up for a while. But this would be a great time to upgrade to the M5OD.

Just my flavor of ice cream is all. Yours might be one of the other 30 flavors.