Bronco II frame swap on LX hatchback?

8

87LX2.3

New Member

Apr 23, 2009

51

0

0

Central Iowa

May 15, 2009

#1

• May 15, 2009

• #1

Hey all,
I found a 1987 Bronco II that I want to do a frame swap on my LX hatchback. Has anyone else tried this before? What all would need to be done to the Mustang? I think the overall length of the Bronco looks like it would work. However, I would like to know the approx. measurements. Can anyone give me these measurements? Thanks.

 

Blue coyote

Founding Member

Sep 14, 2002

347

0

16

North America's hemp-basket, BC, Canada

May 15, 2009

#2

• May 15, 2009

• #2

Overall length isn't an issue. I'm not sure of the Foxbody wheelbase, but the BII I used to have was 94" wheel-center to wheel-center.

While I'm a big fan of the Bronco II, its not the best donor for a swap. The D28 front axle is JUST big enough for stock use, and the rear is the same 7.5 used in the early Fox later non-V8 foxes. The only available engines were the 2.8 (84-85) and the 2.9 (86-90). Both are decent engines, but not overly generous in the horsepower or torque numbers.

 

8

87LX2.3

New Member

Apr 23, 2009

51

0

0

Central Iowa

May 15, 2009

#3

• May 15, 2009

• #3

Thanks

 

8

87LX2.3

New Member

Apr 23, 2009

51

0

0

Central Iowa

May 15, 2009

#4

• May 15, 2009

• #4

While I agree that maybe the Bronco II isn't the best choice, I have located a donor vehicle that I'm pretty sure I can get for less than $200. The 2.9 in this truck is shot, and I'm planning on putting in a 3.0/4.0 out of a early '90s ranger/explorer. While neither of these engines are incredible in the horsepower department, they will provide enough for my needs. Thanks for the info.

 

Blue coyote

Founding Member

Sep 14, 2002

347

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16

North America's hemp-basket, BC, Canada

May 15, 2009

#5

• May 15, 2009

• #5

In that case, have at 'er!

The 4.0 would be a better swap. It'll bolt up to the BII engine mounts and tranny (although if its an overdrive auto, you WILL want to ditch it. The A4LD is the worst weak-arsed POS tranny Ford EVER used). With a bit of effort and a trip or two to the wrecking yards, the D28 can be replaced with the D35 out of a Ranger or Explorer, and the 7.5 may not be as tough as an 8.8, but it'll hold up pretty well.

And of course a 5.0 is a very well documented swap in the Ranger/BII anyway


Take a look through the forums at broncoii.org as well. Lot of good info that should help ya get familiar with them. (yeah, I'm a member over there...)

 

8

87LX2.3

New Member

Apr 23, 2009

51

0

0

Central Iowa

May 15, 2009

#6

• May 15, 2009

• #6

Thanks, I'll go to broncoii.org right now.

 

Jax Rhapsody

Member

Apr 13, 2009

65

0

6

Louisville,KY

Jun 12, 2009

#7

• Jun 12, 2009

• #7

Fox bodies have a 100" wheelbase. I thought about using a awd Aerostars front end to make a awd fox once.