enginje and trans swapp into 79 bronco

I plan to use all of the electronics from the van, wiring etc. With exclusion of some circuits that are n/a to the engine, trans, brakes system, emissions, etc. If needed I can beef up the 302 and brakes. I want the emissions systems to work properly. Its fuel injected, gets 15 to 17 mpg in the van, weighs 150 lbs less, 5.0 , C6 trans, The Bronco Custom has a C-6 tans, 351m, Its a 4x4 Ive yet to check the gear ratio. The shells of these two vehicles seem very similar.

That is a pretty big undertaking. Anything is possible, to be sure, but you're talking about putting electronics where electronics have never been before...your Bronco. The other thing is...Ford electronics in 1987 were nothing to write home about...and had their share of problems. I can't conceive of what the challenges will be until you get into it, but I would imagine you will have to install all the fuel system components all the way back to an in tank fuel pump (and then, of course, your fuel gauge may not be accurate. Then you have to make sure all the circuit protection is in place (battery junction box, etc). The fuse box under the dash may need swapped out. I guess the best thing to do would be to find some local restoration shop or a local independant mechanic who likes long projects and customization. This would be the best resource as you go along the line making your swap for things that come up.

I have an idea for the fuel level sender. And of course circuit protection should go in before connecting any components. Then there is the question of the speedometer... I can do this. Just seeing if anyone had any specific insight to share. I plan to take my time. This engine stock has more power and torque than the model year 351m and can be modified to produce more cost effectively.

I'm not knockin' ya for trying. I think you are ambitious, to say the least. I'm a firm believer that a person can do anything if they set their mind to it. I actually worry about the speedometer less than most things, because if i'm not mistaken it should be cable driven out of the C6. The worst thing would be if you swapped the gear from the old unit to the new one. I think there are few (or less!) who have done what you are attempting. That's why I suggested that you find a local tech who is one of those "outside the box" thinkers. You may have to do some looking, but you'll find one. These are people that do year long project cars and always have a solution for anything that hits them. Is your 87 Van engine a HO 5.0L I'm not certain from my resources. I hope so for all your efforts!

Yes its an HO. The AOD will not do though. Was told it was c6. Not so. Overdrive for highway fuel economy was the idea along with the fuel injection. C6 trans never had overdrive. Still have some planning to do. The aod has the wider gear ratio but its an 87. Not worth building or modifying. Still haven't had a chance to make any progress as the van is still forty miles away at work. I'll update this post when it all comes together. Will be looking for a trans that does not need a stand alone controller if possible. Jaymz285 (forgot to log in)

An AOD is not that attractive a transmission... The C6 is a no brainer, but you're right, that thing with rev hard at speed. You really don't have much choice, however, for a 1987. The E4OD would require processor control, and didn't come out until later (1989). And that transmission probably would not sit behind a 5.0L bellhousing. Sounds like the AOD is really the only choice. Good luck.

Found out that the aod can be built into a 4x4 with the overdrive disabled in 4x4 mode. Will have to find an 88-91 aod though as the 87 has a oiling problem that was corrected the following year.

Not a bad idea. I think that's your only answer on this one. Should be a dime a dozen for a good 88-91 core.