My truck is 1996 Eddie Bauer 5.8 L extended cab 4 wheel drive automatic
300000 plus miles.
It over heated to the point that the radiator exploded, blue the plastic side off.
I replaced the radiator and cranked it up and the steam started out the exhaust and water leaking around the block/head. Blown gasket or something cracked. I have decided to put in a used engine.
Two questions.
1. How do I tell if it has AIR in the head or the manifold? A big question when looking for a used engine. I am not sure how to tell what mine is.


2. I found an engine that is in a 1994 Eddie Bauer Bronco 5.8L Automatic. Will this engine work and be compatible?


Thanks for the replies!!

 

It should be good. You may have to change ove some parts from your 96 engine.
What comes to mind is that on the 302 they added a crank position sensor and put a different vibration damper for it, and you would most likely need the 96 engine wiring harness.
Stuff like that.
But the basic engine itself should be the same.
For AIR look for the crossover tube at the back that goes from one head to the other with a diverter valve in the middle. Most of them will have it.

 

Thanks for the reply.
If I'm not mistaken, the 5.8 is a 351 not a 302. Does that make your answer different as far as the compatibility?
Also what does AIR stand for?

 

The change to the 302 (crank sensor) was just an example of the kind of things that may have been changed, but they are external. The basic engine will be compatible.
The fresh air system is actually the thermactor system.

 

The 96 should be an OBII system the 94 an OBI you may have to do some sensor changes to use it in your truck. or use the wiring harness and computer from the 96.