hey all you CO locals...

the time has come to do a fairly large overhaul on my 88. Both the top and bottom seals are leaking oil, and the poor thing has either 190,000 or 290,000 miles on it. I drove it up into the mts N of Boulder last summer and thought I was going to get stranded, no power on the climb and severe engine knock.

It needs a general engine overhaul, for power, better mileage and reliability. I'm planning on driving it cross country this fall and would prefer to spend the money now rather then when Im stranded. I've got about 1500 to 2500 free to spend on this and would like to get all new seals, rings pistons, etc. Im not sure exactly what else I really need so I would like some advice and recomendations for a good honest mechanic shop. (or if anybodys interested...cheaper backyard mechanics a plus!)

try western engine and transmission in fort collins I have had a couple buddies that were happy with their work

Fort Colins is pretty far..not sure how id get back from dropping the truck off.

anybody got any sugesstions closer to denver metro?

I always recomend Novick automotive near 225 and I-70.Not sure what he would charge for that job.Probably just swing a reman engine in for time savings.303-360-5688.Give John a call and see what he says.
Ricardo on here just had his clutch done there and got treated good.

The owner is a vendor on this site.Near downtown Littleton.Member Tom Martino Troubleshooter network.303-362-3607

thanks guys I'll check out both of these recomendations!

ok so I have buddy who will replace the engine with a fairly low mile replacement from an 6/86 bronco. Its a 302 5.0 with 114,xxx miles on it. Ive heard it run and it sounds strong. no VISIBLE oil leaks at all on either the top or bottom.
To my understanding, any vehicle with build dates after 6/xx of the year are considered next year models, so this one should fit fine in my truck since all the info I could find said 87-93 ford Bronco, F 150, F 250 engines should fit as replacements for the 302 thats currently in my 88.

also,
if I have the vin number (1fmue15n5gla99715) is there a way to tell what the rear diff gearing is?
Id like to replace the rear diff on my 88 with the one on the 86.5. since mine (the 88) has significant slop from the differential to the driveshaft and I was told it needs to be rebuilt also.
thanks again.

whats the axle code on your door? Also 86 is probably a nine inch and 88 an 8.8.

are those interchangeable? can I basically replace on for another?

I'm not sure what the techinical side of it would be but the short answer is yes with a little work