Ghosttrain2's '86 Bronco 2

[ghosttrain2]

After seeing this for sale locally, I ended up purchasing this, and towing it home. Still sporting the original paint, the interior is equally just as clean, and no rust. It needs a transfer case, it has a 1350 electric shift, and I have located a 1354 manual shift transfer case. Thinking this will remain mostly stock, for now.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Well, pulled out the electric shift 1350 t-case, and installed a 1354 out of an Explorer, and also got the driveshaft from the Explorer. I am in need of the bolts to bolt in the driveshaft, at the t-case end, and the shouldered bolt for the shifter. Any know of any sources or part number for the shouldered bolt? The driveline bolts for the double cardon end of the front driveline are 385883-S100.

UPDATE: sourced out the driveline bolts to a drive train place out of Indiana.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Onward to a Transmission fluid and filter change, and transfer case drain and fill.

 

[ghosttrain2]

My floor shift plate, and both floor shifters arrived today! I will pull the switch assembly out, and figure out what to install there later...(maybe a clock). Have to cut away more of the carpet, and do some cutting to get the floor plate mounted. I will be able to use 3 of the original holes from the old one, and drill for the other two.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Modified the transmission tunnel today, and installed the shifter assembly. Pictures to follow.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Here's the shift levers and plate bolted to the tunnel, and the carpet trimmed and secured down.

 

[ghosttrain2]

This truck has zero rust, but suspect that these cracks may be what starts the floor pan to start. these were ground, and welded.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Replacing this with the broken switches, with this from an Escort

 

[ghosttrain2]

Received this blue console from a '93 Explorer to install today!!

 

[ghosttrain2]

Test fitted the console, after giving it a good cleaning-

 

[ghosttrain2]

console is now bolted down, and the overhead console out of an Escort is wired , working, and mounted. After these were done, I replaced the rocker cover gaskets. The inside of the engine was pretty clean!

 

[ghosttrain2]

Got a used front bumper and brush guard-

 

[ghosttrain2]

tried on an old set of 31/10.50-15's, think I'll go with 235's.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Replaced the liftgate, and both door weatherstrips,including the beltline, and window runs. What a difference it made! Bought them off of Ebay.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Currently under going a brake system overhaul. Replaced the front rotors, calipers, pads, wheel bearings, brake hoses, and replaced the auto hubs with manual ones. Also have the master cylinder to replace, rear drums, shoes wheel cylinders, and hardware kits. The brake cables are free, and have been used frequently, so they are not being replaced.

 

[ghosttrain2]

While going through the planning stages to replace the 2.9 with a 4.0 from an Explorer, this one came up for sale locally. It's a 1994 Limited, and seems to have every available option it could have, original paint, 103000 original miles, and it is clean. May have to store this one for now, and look for another.

 

[gmanpaint]

Why not swap in a 302? @410Fortune might offer advice on the intricacies of it.

A 2nd gen awd donor should be easily attained for cheap.

 

[ghosttrain2]

Why not swap in a 302? @410Fortune might offer advice on the intricacies of it.

A 2nd gen awd donor should be easily attained for cheap.


I don't want to have to change the axles out, this is going to be mainly a trail/fishing rig. The 4.0 will give me a little more power on the highway.

 

[410Fortune]

Thanks fellas
The 302 into a Gen I is alot more work then just the 4.0L conversion, to put a 302 into a Gen I truck with beams you have to tuck the radiator, re locate the oil filter and run a dual sump oil pan. Also all custom exhaust, engine and trans mounts, drivelines, etc etc. The 7.5" rear axle and dana 28 ttb front axle can hold up okay behind the 302, but since he is just getting to the point of having this all re done I would stick with a 4.0l too, although I would want to use a 5 speed behind it and add a clutch pedal

The pushrod 4.0 is well suited to motivate a bronco II! The 2.8L 2.9L and 4.0L all share the same block and bellhousing. Installing a gen I 4.0L into a BII can be done over a weekend with enough planning
True the V8 gives you a much stronger auto transmission, but the 4.0L can be done much much easier.

"The 4.0 will give me a little more power on the highway."
The 4.0L will make that little BII feel like a truck. The 2.9L is a rev happy engine, it never should have been used in the 4x4 BII SUV IMO, installing a 4.0L pushrod in there will do more then give you a little more pep on the highway it will make your BII feel like a truck. The torque is all down low, way better suited then the 2.9L.
I will ALWAYS remember the day we first put a 4.0 in my BII and I let the clutch out for the first time. I was HOOKED!!! HUG E SMILE on my face. I drove my BII daily for 12+ years with a 4.0, I towed a 20' boat with it, 4x4'd all over the midwest the, 4.0L + BII = happy


That nice new center console you installed is perfect, except it only has one cupholder! Be on the lookout for the dual cup holder upgrade, it bolts right in place. There are at least 3 different front cupholder setups for that same center console. The one I use has a change holder, two cupholders and a place for your small cell phone

 

[ghosttrain2]

the transmission I use will depend on the donor. I have thought about the 5 speed as well.