BroncoII4x4.com

Hi all, well this weekend i went to pick her up. It went well besides the 2in thick ice that was a little slick, but we loaded her up and strapped her in for the ride.



And I really wish the previous owner had just left the 2.8L in, but instead they took it out and tore it down without labelling anything. So thats gonna be a pain if I choose to rebuilt it.

Now for the question: the 2.8L carbed that was in it, the block is scorched from the other guys forgetfulness to
keep the motor cool with antifreeze/water. Do you all think it would be worth it to rebuild it? And what do you think an overhaul of the engine would run, for gaskets/ other essential items?

Thanks

I am in the search for a 4.0L to swap in to fill this hole

Do you all think it would be worth it to rebuild it?

no. If the block got hot the walls and decks are probably all over the place, and there might be some cracks the wont be apparent until you get it in and running. Where are you located at? If you are close to any pull and save type yards you can pick up a running 2.8/2.9/4.0 for $140 or so.

Im in Pullman, 140 for a 4.0L pull n save? Is there one of those in spokane? Where are u located? Im fine with travelling to go get a good engine. Thanks for the info.

Yep. $135 for any motor in the yard and theres like 12 4.0s out there at the moment. I live about 5 mins from Spaldings and pull and save. I dont know if I will be able to help you out, it would depend on when you plan on coming up here.

http://www.pullandsave.com/

Thanks for the info! Looks like i am going to take a trip up north to see what i can get. Thanks again.

The probelm with 2.8's is that an average driver doesn't read the maintenance schedule and doesn't do the proper valve adjustment when the time is due. This results in the cracked heads that they are known for. If you are not into constant maintenance., stay away from this motor. If you understand race motors, and enjoy tinkering, find a running 2.8 and bolt it in. They like revs and so you will need lower gears.

Take that engine and junk it! You will have more headaches with that engine than anything. Since it is a 2.8 in it it is either a 1984 or a 1985. Get a 302 v8 engine. The 302 will bolt in without a problem. You can use the same motor mounts and same transmission. You will get a lot more power and you wont have to deal with that pos 2.8 motor. I think that was one of the worst engines ever made by ford. I made the mistake of rebuilding a 2.8 and it began leaking a little oil after about 200 miles. And dont say I did it wrong because I have a friend who rebuilt one to and he has the same problem and he has rebuilt many engines before. He is the one who got me motivated to rebuild mine. I figured that he had problems with his but that I could do mine without a problem. But avoid the 2.8 like you would avoid bird flu!

if you want to stick with a smaller engine, i would put a 2.9 in it opposed to a 2.8. the 2.9s are injected and ive beat mine to hell and back and she wont quick. im going to have to drive her to the junk yard