Motor mount differences 2WD vs 4x4

[RayInStl]

Do the motor mount brackets at the crossmember differ if it's two-wheel drive versus 4x4? I'm working on swapping a 96 2.3 into my 83. The 96 mounts farther back than the 83 did. So I need to replace my 83 brackets with 96 brackets.

My parts truck is a two-wheel drive and the mounts are held in by a large bolt that runs all the way through the crossmember that my 83 doesn't have. I don't know if it's because it's an 83 versus a '96, or because it's a 4x4 versus a 2WD.

 

[bobbywalter]

there is a difference in mounts 2wd/4x4 on one side or the other

and iirc...they change somewhere in 92 or 93 with a bracket... i would have to see what you are working with

 

[scotts90ranger]

Assuming you are changing 2.3L for 2.3L you should be able to put the older style mounts on the '96 block and use the original frame mounts. They changed everything around '87 on the 2.3L's but all of the frame side are different between 4x2 and 4x4... that is unless you can find the fairly rare '87 up 4 cylinder frame side mounts (unless Bobby is right in there somewhere, for many years I ignored many things past '92 and definitely past '97) even then I can't guarantee they'd fit...

 

[RayInStl]

I looked at swapping the mounts on the engine but they don't fit. The bosses have been moved around to make room for the larger cast aluminum accessory mounts. The 83 mount also has a hump to clear the distributor that the 97 doesn't have. I'll figure something out. If anyone has an 87+ 2.3 4x4 parts truck they could pull the frame side mount brackets for me, I'd be in your dept!