Conversion Choices

Those of you who frequented starbucks last summer, may recall me having driven a late 1980's Eddie Bauer Bronco II (which Paul so dutifully named "the cancer"). I had to drive it last summer because I had multiple leg surgeries and could obviously not drive my 5 speed stang.
Here is the dilemma: I am going to gut it this summer and build it into a decent off-road truck. However, I am not sure which engine I will put into it: I can get a rebuilt 2.9 for cheap (this engine generally sucks, but when rebuilt correctly, it should suit my needs). Otherwise, I can yank the 302 out of the stang and put that in. I already have an AOD and aftermarket torque converter to back either engine. The cost of the two options are fairly comparable, though the 5.0 will cost slightly more and be a headache to install. Obviously, the power would be way better with the 302.
My stang is getting a new engine either way.
Which option should I go with?

I can no longer find any info about how to fabricate the spacer needed to mate the 2.9 crank to the 5.0 flexplate anyway. As such, I am going to do the 5.0 conversion. I am replacing all the bushings on the truck with urethane, and have a james duff suspension lift to install. This kit has dual shocks up front. I do plan to upgrade my front drivetrain to something beefier, as you mentioned. Otherwise, my engine will easily grenade the stock chain-driven transfer case and related parts.

Darkness said:

When we're talking in terms of off road racing more power is not always the best way to spend $$$, suspenssion, brakes, diffs, cage and seem weld the body is far better than extra 50-100hp.
Let the old 2.9l go as far as it gets, you'll have a lot of fun already.

BTW why dont you get into club rally instead of 4x4? I'm getting into it again and taking my license in june.

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You are right with the comment about brakes, suspension, etc. The suspension will be done, along with a small brake upgrade. In addition, the truck is getting an explorer 8.8, atlas transfer case, built AOD and a four-point cage. The back is getting chopped as well.
As for rally, I thought about it, but decided to dump money into the stang to finish it up. The truck was free, and will get me around town as well as up to the mountains to ski, shoot, etc. I also have more friends that off-road, as opposed to rally. BTW, the current 2.9 is screwed, because it blew a head gasket and cracked the block.