Matthew's '88 Ford Bronco II XLT: the Project

In March 2000 I got my most recent vehicle, a two-tone brown 1988 Bronco II XLT, 4WD with a 2.9L V6.

Want to see a picture of my Bronco II?

Upgrades currently include:

Blaupunkt Tokyo CD receiver

Fog lamps on front bumper and on roof rack (plans are to improve these)

Radio Shack Pro-2041 scanner mounted under dash

GT Radials Savero P235/75R15 off-road tires (upgraded from stock P215/75R15 street tires)

My father-in-law has offered to give me one of his 351 Windsor engines out of a Ford Econoline van. You might or might not know that this is the engine that was used in the late 60's and early 70's Mustang Mach I and is a popular engine in Shelby-modified 70's era Mustangs as well. In addition, it was available as one of the engines on the original Bronco. It is known as a "small big block," because it displaces 351 cubic inches and yet is basically a small block profile--it's the same exact block as the 302 V8 but is bored out and has bigger heads than the 302.

So my next project on the Bronco is to pull the 2.9 V6 and install the 351 V8!

I have been able to locate engine-to-tranny adapter kits for the 351 Windsor, and fortunately, since my Bronco II is a 4WD it already has the suspension it needs to support an additional 175lbs of engine. From what I have read, the stock axles, transmission and transfer case will all be able to take the torque from the 351 also, although I do eventually plan to upgrade them.