what year to get

[kemicalburns]

I am currently looking for a b2 to build up. i have a roller 5.8 efi/AOD/1356 setup to drop into it. have a complete efi harness from my rolled fullsize bronco as well. plan to run a D44 up front and 9" out back.

what year b2 would be best suited for this? perhaps it doesnt matter since it will be cut and built accordingly but figure starting in the right direction with a better year would help. I appreciate your time and comments.

Travis

 

[hopster]

I think you should look for one that already has fuel injection so that you already have the fuel pump and lines that you need. other than that just look for one with a fairly solid body

 

[CopyKat]

Look for an 89-90 if your going to cut one up. Personally I don't care for the front end look. So this way you don't go cutting up a good first gen.

 

[BlackBII]

If you have to, I say get a 85-88, a first gen, that way you don't go about dismantling a good second gen.

The second gens do have a much better interior though...and I imagine the wiring might be a little easier.

 

[CopyKat]

The second gens do have a much better interior though...and I imagine the wiring might be a little easier.

I agree with you on that part but the First gen is still a better looking front than the second Gen.

 

[BlackBII]

I agree with you on that part but the First gen is still a better looking front than the second Gen.

Well, there are some people that implement round headlights into their first gens, that tends to improve the look some.

 

[BDAB]

I say 91 - 94 explorer sport with a Gen 1 front clip and Joel's headlight conversion ........

 

[CopyKat]

I say 91 - 94 explorer sport with a Gen 1 front clip and Joel's headlight conversion ........

Not possible without alot of custom work. The Explorer fenders are wider and they don't have the body line.

 

[BDAB]

thats true....... keep forgetting about those damn body lines.

 

[BlackBII]

Not possible without alot of custom work. The Explorer fenders are wider and they don't have the body line.

Haha anything is possible...

You make a body line!

 

[BDAB]

it would work with a perry's fab n fiber glass fenders :icon_thumby:

 

[CopyKat]

it would work with a perry's fab n fiber glass fenders :icon_thumby:

No it won't. The conversion glass goes up in years not back. There is no conversion glass to make a truck look a first gen.

Unless you go full custom fiberglass.

If I knew someone local that had an explorer that they wanted the first gen ranger look too I'd definatly make some custom glass. Just because it's different and who else can say they've seen a 4 door B2.:icon_thumby:

 

[Sunk]

That would be sweet, I love the first gen look. I'm partial to any gen though, with the right accessories of course.

 

[kemicalburns]

great guys i sure appreciate it. now on to the search. whats the sensus on the drive train i mentioned above? i know its duable but what major hurdles might i encounter? the guys that will be helping me build this have a bunch of fab experience which is a must i am sure.

 

[BlackBII]

Some things you may want to research,
Motor Mounts
Headers/Exhaust manifold vs the Steering shaft
Oil pan vs the Crossmember
Oil filter clearance
Heater/AC box vs Valve Covers
Driveshafts
T-Case vs Frame clearance
Fuel Lines

Look in the tech library for v-8 swaps, along with here in the forum

 

[Sunk]

You also may want to consider a body lift to make fitting all that stuff in there a bit easier. As BlackII said, there is a lot of info on here, take some time to read, and you'll find most of your questions will probably be answered.

 

[kemicalburns]

i figured a body lift of some sort would be needed. We do plan on streching the wheelbase out to just shy of 100"s. place the motor as low as possible with out sacrificing clearance.

 

[Totalled]

The second gens do have a much better interior though...

That's debatable... maybe if you like sissy comforts and acres of plastic that match the wussy Gen II styling.

 

[eprovenzano]

I prefer the Gen II styling, but to each his own...

 

[kemicalburns]

I have found a 90 for $500 obo. states that it currently isnt running. no big deal and is probably an easy fix