My B2 has a 2.9 with over 250k on it, never been rebuilt. Starts with the first turn of the key, every time. Runs and drives like a top. Gets better gas mileage with 6" of lift and 33s with 3.73s than my stock nissan pathfinder. The 2.9 isn't a POS, or a mistake.
That being said, I'm doing...