engine swap

[dirtymike]

Looking for compatibility problems between a 1987 2.9 4x4 XLT 5 speed FM145 transmission and a (Donor)1989 Extended cab XLT 2.9 2WD A4LD transmission. Has anybody did this, and if so what did you encounter.

 

[RonD]

Usually people want to swap in a manual trans and get rid of the automatic, but to each his own.

You can not convert a 2WD A4LD to work in a 4x4, so you will lose transfer case and 4 wheel drive
4WD A4LD used a shorter Main Shaft and tail shaft, so while you could rebuild the whole trans and buy and install the shorter shaft and get the 4WD tail shaft.
It would be way easier to find a 4WD A4LD and rebuild that.

You need the computer from the '89 to run/shift the A4LD, 2WD or 4WD didn't matter

Transmission mount is different, so you need one for A4LD

And new Drive line for 2WD unless '87 is extended cab as well

Floor shifter would probably be best, since there is a hole there now, have to be a Universal cable shift model, stock would be hard to find, or you could change out steering column to get column shift automatic

Need to change pedal assemble, not required but for looks

 

[dirtymike]

All im using from the 89 is the engine. Everything else will remain the same on the .87

 

[RonD]

Then you will be fine, replace rear main seal, always, when back of engine is exposed.

Watch for shims under flywheel they have to go back on new engine

 

[dirtymike]

So as long as I'm using only the long block from the 89 all is well. I keep the EGR and the original ignition system.

 

[RonD]

Yes, if '87 has EGR then transfer it over to '89 engine, the '87 computer needs to "see" it.

'89 has better heads and slightly different valve covers, seen here: http://therangerstation.com/tech_library/2_9_Page.shtml