Hello, not only am I new to your forum, but this is the first forum I have ever done. I just bought a 1989 Bronco II. 2.9, 5 speed, manual transfer case, manual locking hubs!! Body is in good shape and interior os in impressive condition for the year. Paid $500 cash and drove it 3 1/2 hours home problem free. I have already started to fix it up with new tires and changed some fluids. The only problem is a loud tick. Very annoying but does not seem to affect the way it runs. I will probably try to post some pictures tommorrow if I can figure out how, I am not very computer savy. I am planning on replacing the throttle body with one from an 86-87 because I hear they are 8mm larger and add a K&N to compliment the larger throttle body. Then to increase things on the exhale side I will put on headers and a better muffler. I have already scored a brush guard for $40 and bought 4 100w off road lights I should have installed by next week. I do have a few questions. It has a v-belt setup. Did all bronco II's have v-belt or were there some serpentine setups. Does anyone make a serpentine conversion for the bronco II or even better is there any way to swap an explorer or ranger serpentine setup. Would it bolt right up or would it be a huge hassle? Also does anybody have any suggestions about the ticking? I was told it was probably a stuck lifter but I am not sure. I took the valve covers off and it looked horrible. LOTS of sludge and debris. I have heard about draining the oil and filling the motor with diesel fuel and letting it sit for several days and it will dissolve all the sludge and free up the lifter. Then just flush the motor with fresh oil. Any truth to that? Well I would appreciate any advice and I am glad to be a part of your forum. Thanks

 

First off? Welcome to the site.

We have an '89 currently being fixed up for a daily driver. With the 2.9 as well.

Might just want to give it a good oil change, and maybe throw in a qt. of Lucas oil treatment for good measure. These engines are prone to having valve cover leaks, and it's always a good idea to get some house-keeping done in the valve cover area for de-sludging things. I'd personally not use any type of engine flush products--All that crap will wind up in the oil pan, and it never seems to all want to come out with the oil changes.

Not sure about the other questions--The V belts are ok...but I'll admit, they can be a pain in the rear end to change.

S-