The Great Bronco Engine Transplant- The Part Has Arrived

My transmission adapter kit has finally arrived! This has been on order since October, 2010 and I found out that it had been back ordered for two months before that. So, a six month lead time. And yes, I think they only build it after an order is placed.

So some of you who do not follow this blog much maybe wondering, "What is he talking about?". The story started last year and several blog entries chronicle the story. I became interested in changing the anemic old V6 engine in my 1984 Ford Bronco II with a small block ford V8 engine. I have owned the Bronco since it was new and it was always something that I wanted to do. Almost every young man wants to build a "hot rod" at some point in his life and this is probably as close as I will get. I also found out that this is a common modification and a lot of information and parts are available.

In Oct 2010, I found a low mileage older Ford with the required engine and transmission. I bought it, extracted the V8 engine and automatic transmission. I also started ordering the necessary parts for the conversion: radiator, engine mounts, headers, electric fan, shifter, gaskets to name a few and the most critical part, the transmission adapter. The adapter is needed to allow the automatic transmission to attach to the four wheel drive transfer case. The length was dependent on what transmission was originally installed in the Bronco II. I had the five speed manual transmission and that was the adapter that was not in stock at Advance Adapter.

Originally, my schedule was to have the Bronco back on the road by mid January 2011. Now I am not sure when I will be done. I can proceed with installing the adapter. This will require a complete disassembly of the transmission to change the output shaft.

I also have some more engine work to do. I cleaned and painted the engine. I have replaced the rear main seal and plan on replacing the timing gear, intake manifold gaskets and oil pump while I have it opened up. An acquaintance who used to be a certified Ford mechanic suggested some things like replacing the intake manifold gaskets. He had "tricks" to installing the gaskets so they wouldn't , but now won't tell me anymore or help me. So I can muddle along on my own.

I know one thing: I am not going to remove the Bronco engine until the new engine and transmission are ready for installation. I still drive it!