I smoked my engine as well. Don't think of it as the end of the world. Think of it as a learning experience. I was happy when I blew my engine. It is giving me the chance to make some new friends and to learn my vehicle inside and out. Your Bronco is to awesome to drive off a cliff or give up on. I don't just own a Bronco because it is the coolest thing on or off road I own mine for the friendships and adventures that come with it. That includes blown engines.

There isn't that much to tearing down an engine. As much as this sucks, if the block is still good the parts aren't hugely expensive. A complete rebuild kit is somewhere in the $300-350 range. A big part of the expense in rebuilding an engine is in the machine work for the block. I'm not particularly experienced with the internals of the engine, but am happy to help where I can. As cpldavis said, there are folks willing to help, and most of it can be done with basic hand tools and a good book. If you can read instructions and ask questions, you can rebuild an engine.

Does anyone recommend a particular book to get for rebuilding a 351W small block? There seem to be a few out there and I'm thinking of buying a couple just to cover my bases.

Although VERY frustrating that a simple oil change is flipping this dumb thing upside down- I appreciate the words of encouragement. I will take this as a learning experience and now hopefully have a better understanding of the internal components of an engine.

At least I got to drive it a little bit this summer... was hoping to put money elsewhere in the rig though.

Maybe a tech day after the August breakfast? I dont know if you want to wait till 8/15, but they're usually well attended.

Thanks guys! I'll probably post up something to try to get as much done in one day/weekend as I can.

Planning to get everything out and taken down. Will let you know.

Still looking for any good recommendations on books/resources.

If the rods look good you might get away with just the lower end bearing replacement ,cam and lifters. might be able to leave the heads on and not disturb the pistons. I would probably put a new set of cam bearings as well. All of this can be done in a afternoon once the engine is pulled. Might be able to help where are you located.

Wheat Ridge over by Edgewater/Sloans Lake.

Haynes & Chiltons manuals will have the process & torque specs. There are probably better books, but all the info is in those.

aintchya got it out yet ?

Just my personal opinion but I think it is WAAAAAAY easier to pull the trans with the engine... ok actually no but it is WWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY -WAY easier to re-connect the trans with the engine out.

(not that I have had 3 different engines and 3 different transmissions and 2 different T-cases in Drew's bronco at lease 3 times each over the last 2 years....)

What axle swap are you planning? Just the d44 front, or something more exotic?

You say this like there is some sort of question. Once the 351w is re-manlyfied it'll eat small bearing axles for lunch.

Really, if you're going to go to the expense of getting lockers and new axles, a big bearing housing isn't much more. That's the only thing that will need changing. Finding one will likely be a PITA, but they're not that expensive. It'll allow you to run SET20 bearings, which are a nice upgrade. I think I paid something like $150 for my complete rear axle. You'll love dual ARBs. Great street manners, and the ability to have control over when you're locked is nice.

Push it off a cliff? There was a brief moment in Moab where I thought you were going to back it off a cliff!

As much as this sucks, your going to have a lot more engine knowledge by the time you get done. If Kirks engine hoist is occupied, you can borrow mine. Maybe this will get me moving on my 5.8 roller build again. My power stroke crack habit is currently cutting into my bronco funds and time.

Built a work bench tonight. Ready to start rebuilding that engine.

Ready for action. Books arrived this morning.

Sweet! Looking forward to progress pics.

Uh oh, I feel a stroker project being born

I have all the precision measuring tools when you get to that point if you want to borrow them. If we have it on a tech day then I could bring them down.

I used the book one the right when I refurbed my motor. I thought it was very excellent.

Hey Eck

I have an engine hoist and stand that you are more than welcome to borrow for however long. As I live a bit closer than Kirk, they are all yours if you need them.

I am at 32nd and Sheridan...pretty close to you!

With that being said, I am only in town Monday - Wednesday, so let me know if you want to pop by and grab them.

On the other note...if I am in town, definitely down to help with the labor. I'm sure most will chime in and let you know how bad I am at labor !

Matt