B2600 4x4 Project

I probably have the minitruckin magazine covering the Ultimate Customs 302 swap. It might not be too usefull since it was on a 2wd and the cab forward frame will likely be different.

The article did not go into too much detail about the efi wiring( I think they set it up as a stand alone system using the ford engine harness and ecu...might ask some Mustang or street rod guys for help with that ). The article did go into a little detail about modiying the trucks gas tank for use with the Mustang fuel pump, but since Your truck was already fuel injected I would wager your pump would be fine.

If you want to see it I could find it and photocopy the article for you. I work in Pelham so getting it to you shouldn't be a problem. Let me know.

Andy

I appreciate the offer, Andy. I found that article early on during my snooping around and made a PDF version of it. If anyone else is interested, it's available here:

I've been talking to Southern Offroad (Lovelady Automotive) in Pelham about doing the plumbing and wiring. I'll probably take it there when I'm done with the mounts.

I headed out early this morning to pull an 8.8 rear axle from an Explorer. I went to a local Pul-a-Part. They had a fresh Cash for Clunkers V8 Mountaineer that served as the donor vehicle. My Dad and I also pulled the drive shaft and radiator. The radiator isn't going to work due to it's height, though (no real surprise, but it was worth a shot). Everything out the door was just over $200 and the axle was loaded (discs, calipers, traction bars, sway bar, etc.



I also took some time to tear down the 302. I originally planned on stopping at the short block, but I got teardown happy and took it all the way to the bare block. At least this way it'll be a fresh engine when I put it back together.







I'll take it to a machine shop next week to get it hot tanked and freshened up. Then, I can put a splash of paint on it, probably matching red.

Ford T5 Transmission with Steed TriAx Short Throw Shifter


I bead blasted the pistons. They're almost good as new now.


From my initial measurements, the 8.8 from the Explorer appears to be only 1/4" longer than the OEM B2600 axle. That would be great. I was expecting it to be bigger than that. Hopefully I will get to tear into the rear end sometime this week, but it will probably be next week.

Nice i like that you redoing the motor thats what i should have done but it will come this winter. lol

Is that a crown vic/town car motor? That upper intake looks a little funny compared to a mustang engine, and its definitely not a truck engine.

Im a huge Ford/302 fan, but dont know about swapping them into these trucks (not up to date on the Mazda trucks). Check the tag on the axle, a lot of the Sploders/Mountaineers came with 3.73s and a limited slip from the factory, and a handfull had the 4.10s.

Truck looks good, and I like the way you are going with it. Me, personally, would go with the 4WD, but understand your reasonings for not. Keep up with the good work!

Well, I was only a few bolts from a complete teardown, so it was cheap/easy insurance against.

The Lunati fairy showed up for a visit today.

Update:
[list=1:2jub1x2e]
[*:2jub1x2e]Disassembled the engine[/*:m:2jub1x2e]
[*:2jub1x2e]Dropped it off at Performance Specialties in Fultondale, AL[/*:m:2jub1x2e]
[*:2jub1x2e]Found a bell hosuing[/*:m:2jub1x2e]
[*:2jub1x2e]Got counterbalancer and Hays billet flexplate[/*:m:2jub1x2e]
[*:2jub1x2e]Got Pro Tru pistions[/*:m:2jub1x2e][/:2jub1x2e]



The buildup and chassis dyno runs for this engine will be documented with video for the website.

Sick truck bmzero!!!! Looks like we have alot in common, I raced pro quads in the GNCC series from 92-04



now I race Husqvarna bikes



and I have a mint 89 B2600i 4x4 with 38k origional miles...