Originally Posted by Mudraider
Bad rod knock? Hahahahahaha If the balance shaft goes bad, it makes a rod knock noise. Wouldn't that be great? Balance shaft delete and you're rolling. The 2.6 is a pretty easy motor to go thru.

Thanks for info. I got the rig yesterday. The body and interior is in excellent shape. I got it for $700. I will get some pics in a few days. I am looking forward in getting it back on the road.

I believe that was the problem, but my buddy and I were doing a compression test when a pushrod came through the valve cover. Looks like a new motor is in my future.

What other vehicles were the 2.6's put in? I know the Raiders had them, but they are as rare as the Monteros. I have read that Mazda's B series trucks came equipped with the Mits 2.6 but are they a bolt in swap? Do the intake/exhaust manifolds along with the carb interchange?