Bronco swap
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Bronco swap
I got a great deal on an 89 bronco with 302, automatic, 6 inch lift, and near perfect body. The guy I got it from said the freeze plug came out and now it wont start. If I can't get this motor started, I was going to swap in my 400/c6 combo sittin in the yard. How hard would this be? I know the broncos came with 400s in 78-79, so it shouldnt be too bad. My concerns are engine mounts, transmission mount, and wiring. How much modification is required? Any help if appreciated, thanks
Rick
Rick
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
why go backwards. everything is different from 80 + in regards to the frame and such. i suggest finding an efi 5.8 complete. this is a direct swap for the 5.0. just reuse your 5.0 wiring harness, get a 5.8 computer and 5.8 y pipe from bronco or f150 and be done.
where do you live, this would play a role in regards to the 400. also what tranny is the 5.0 bolted to?
where do you live, this would play a role in regards to the 400. also what tranny is the 5.0 bolted to?
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
why go backwards. everything is different from 80 + in regards to the frame and such. i suggest finding an efi 5.8 complete. this is a direct swap for the 5.0. just reuse your 5.0 wiring harness, get a 5.8 computer and 5.8 y pipe from bronco or f150 and be done.
where do you live, this would play a role in regards to the 400. also what tranny is the 5.0 bolted to?
where do you live, this would play a role in regards to the 400. also what tranny is the 5.0 bolted to?
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
The bronco has an automatic, not sure what it is tho. Oh and it leaks, so I'd have to service that too. I already have the 400 and C6 together ready to run, so I wouldnt have to worry about parts. Everywhere this question is asked, everyone either jumps on the 351 side or the 460 side. Well I like the 400, and thats what I got. Im going to check the bronc out tomorrow and see what the differences are in mounts and measure for clearance. Someone told me the 302 mounts are the same as they are for a 400 but I need some re assurance
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Yea thats what I meant the frame perches. Right now its sitting in a 77 frame so I already have the mounts am I correct? Im going to check tomorrow if I get a chance. What about the transmission, do the 89 f150s and broncs have the single bolt perch design as the 73-79? Thanks for any help, I really want to get something worthy of taking pictures to post on here.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
what year 77? if its a 77.5 they might work but doubtful as they bolt in differently. the older 77 for sure wouldnt work as the frame was narrower then later years.
also that 400 will need to meet the emission standards for the year of the vehicle, this is a federal guidline not state so if you ever tried to sell the rig it wouldnt be legal.
seriously you would be better off selling it. just because you have the motor/tranny already doesnt make this a practical swap. There are plenty of guys looking for that combo to replace a tired motor in there 78-79 trucks and broncos.
also that 400 will need to meet the emission standards for the year of the vehicle, this is a federal guidline not state so if you ever tried to sell the rig it wouldnt be legal.
seriously you would be better off selling it. just because you have the motor/tranny already doesnt make this a practical swap. There are plenty of guys looking for that combo to replace a tired motor in there 78-79 trucks and broncos.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
The truck its in now is the 77.5 with solid axle and disk brakes, but before that I had it in my 2wd 76 stepside.
Im not building this to sell it, Ill prolly drive it till the wheels fall off literally. I take all my vehicles to the same person for inspections, and never once has he even popped the hood. He checks my tires, lights, horn, and wipers, but thats it. And my buddy helping me with this has his state inspection license so yea, no worries.
And believe me I'd sell the 400/C6 if I could. Its on CL right now but nobodies interested
Im not building this to sell it, Ill prolly drive it till the wheels fall off literally. I take all my vehicles to the same person for inspections, and never once has he even popped the hood. He checks my tires, lights, horn, and wipers, but thats it. And my buddy helping me with this has his state inspection license so yea, no worries.
And believe me I'd sell the 400/C6 if I could. Its on CL right now but nobodies interested
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
The guy I bought my 76 from said it was rebuilt with about 3500 miles on it, but not sure if he rebuilt it or a shop. I cant ask him cuz we worked at the same plant and both got hit with the layoff, and I dont have his number
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
well if its a stock motor its for sure not worth the time/effort for the swap. that motor in stock form is a pig and very restricted due to the smog standards. going with an efi 5.8 swap would perform better.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info. Im not trying to swap at all if I don't have to, just need this thing road worthy. I tinkered with the 5.0 and so far i am at the conclusion that the gas is old or something. I have fuel at the rail, I have compression, and just put in a new battery. Anyone have any helpful tips on getting all the old gas out? Or maybe know if theres anything else I can check for? Preciate it
Rick
Rick
Last edited by f150onblocks; Oct 9, 2009 at 12:30 PM. Reason: I kint speel
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cruzsky
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Aug 14, 2006 11:09 AM
calazo
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
18
May 19, 2004 03:01 PM
fiscus
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
1
Dec 7, 2003 11:22 PM
