I need some advice

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Jan 10, 2003 | 11:08 PM

Fred_With_An_R

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I need some advice

I need more than a little advice, I need a lot.

My bronco is a all original 1987 xlt 302 auto 4x4

Goal: I want a lot of low end torque for off-roading.

1)should I just do some work on my 302 or should I buy the 400 for $150 and build it up then slap it in?
So far, I like the numbers I have seen for the 400.

2)I'd like to know what is the biggest tire possible that I could fit under her?

3)Could someone could explain the middle yolk between the driveshaft and the transfer case?

4)How hard would it be to fit the 400 down in her ?

I'm not worrying to much about pollution controls so lay it on me

thank you for any advice

Edited by Administration for easier interpretation

Jan 10, 2003 | 11:39 PM

msuforeman

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Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 295

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From: Brandon, Mississippi

I need some advice

Your post is difficult to understand.

Thanks,
Brian

Jan 10, 2003 | 11:42 PM

greystreak92

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Gateway to the West

I need some advice

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-11-03 AT 00:46 AM (EST)]I don't have a lot of engine mod experience so I can't give you much there.

I can tell you that the largest street legal tires I believe are 44" tires. I think once they exceed that diameter you are into limited use tractor applications as far as use on public streets. This may vary from state to state like lift height and emmission laws.

The U-joint right behind the T-case is a Double-cardon (sometimes referred to as Constant Velocity joint). Its purpose is to allow for three U-joint spiders without the need for a center support (i.e. carrier bearing). This gives the rear drive shaft a much larger range of motion before reaching a "bind". It uses a spring loaded ball between the two spiders to maintain relative angles so that they don't collapse into each other. Some machinists would have you believe they are a pain to replace and deal with but many have done just fine with hand tools and a vice.

As for stuffing a 400 into a Bronco; this should pose little problem since people have squeezed 460's under the hoods of many. As to the necessary swap components I will yield to someone with a knowledge greater than my own for correct answers.

Jan 10, 2003 | 11:51 PM

msuforeman

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Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 295

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From: Brandon, Mississippi

I need some advice

Greystreak92--you are a much nicer person than I am--and probablly smarter to.

Jan 11, 2003 | 12:47 PM

79_250RangerLariat

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Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 1,729

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I need some advice

Was your 302 fuel injected? The 400 will give you a lot more torque but your going to have to do *A LOT* of changes to make it fit. Bellhousing, mounts, exhaust, rad, etc. Unless you really want a project you might want to consider rebuilding and doing mods to the 302

79 250 Ranger Lariat 4wd 400 C6 3.55's 33x12.50 16.5's
78 Bronco Custom 4wd 400 C-6 3.50's 31 10.5 15's
66 Mustang Coupe Sports sprint 200 c-4 cruise o matic 3.00's
99 Grand Prix GT 230 ft/lbs torque out of a non turbo'd 6 cyl hehe

Jan 11, 2003 | 01:07 PM

mweeps

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Joined: Oct 2002

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I need some advice

Stay away from the 400M. Good motor if you had a 78-79 Bronco. You would have to change too many components. Try a 347 stroker kit for it. Good torque from it.

Jan 11, 2003 | 01:42 PM

mrwizard

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Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 2,205

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From: Vancouver WA

I need some advice

I agree with steering clear of the 400. 87 Bronco's and 400 motors just weren't designed to go together. I would definately stick with one of the engines that came from the factory for that year as a starting point. Much easier to find parts that way. I would consider either building/stroking the 302, or probably going with a 351W.