Different frame for '87 2wd vs 4wd

[Dustincoc]

My '87 2.9l auto 2wd project has sat for 2 years due to lack of funds/stalled due to major repairs needed. The frame had a little rot on the tail end last time I was working on it. The major reason for the stall was I found there were major issues with the engine. I've been puttering around on it again and the frame issues are quite a bit worse than I remember.

A co-worker has an '86 2.9l 5speed 4x4 parked out in the woods. Supposedly its in great condition for the age but the paperwork's been lost.

I'm thinking about piecing the 2 trucks together using the frame from the '86, but I want to keep the 2wd setup as I don't have any experience with a 4x4 and I prefer the simplicity of the 2wd.

The '87 is the regular cab/long bed in my avatar. Don't know what the '86 is.

 

[adsm08]

Yes the frames are different. It has been covered a lot. However since the big difference is the engine cross member is lower on the 2wd, and the 4x4 is higher to accommodate the front diff. You shouldn't have any issues putting 2wd beams on a 4x4 frame.


The body type will need to be the same too though.

 

[Dustincoc]

Yes the frames are different. It has been covered a lot. However since the big difference is the engine cross member is lower on the 2wd, and the 4x4 is higher to accommodate the front diff. You shouldn't have any issues putting 2wd beams on a 4x4 frame.


The body type will need to be the same too though.

What about keeping the 4x4 running gear with a 2wd drive train. I wouldn't mind the added height of the 4wd.

 

[adsm08]

Shouldn't be an issue.