Found! Project Truck: 89-92 4X4 Short Bed

[Maui-sprint]

In search of my next project base. Looking for a solid 2nd gen 89-92 4x4 short bed (108 WB). Would prefer a west coast truck but will consider anything at this point. Most important to me is a solid/straight frame and good cab. Everything else I don't care about as I have a donor 91 4x4 extended cab plus rest of body parts needed. And a shed full of mechanicals picked off of a half dozen trucks. I have been looking locally (HI) and have found only 2 rust buckets over the last 2 years.

I'm getting to the point of possibly starting with a 2WD and converting the frame. I really don't want to go this route if at all possible but seems I cannot find anything over here or there on mainland. All the shorties are 2WD. I've read up on TRS that converting the frame can be a pain in the ass. Is it any easier for the 1st and 2nd Gen trucks?

Help me find something and you will have a friend for life in Hawaii.
thanks for looking.
Kevin

 

[BlackBII]

Converting a 2wd frame to 4x4 involves swapping out the engine crossmember, to facilitate mounting the 4x4 axle beam brackets because they are different. If you can't find a good 4x4 short wheel base truck then converting a 2wd is a good option. Plus, with the truck stripped down to the frame you can use that opportunity to strip and paint the frame.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Could not find a decent original 2nd gen 4x4 short box in my budget. But was able to find a nice straight rust-free 2wd specimen in central oregon which I picked up last week and intend to ship back to Hawaii. Now the question becomes: do I modify the frame to accept a TTB set up or fabricate and install a solid axle set up? I've located an '87 cherokee with a D30 at our local junkyard (if you want to call it that) and may grab it since stuff disappears rather quickly out here. I need to do some more research on this approach. If anyone can direct me to some of the more successful build threads using a D30 swap into a 2wd it would be much appreciated. thanks.

 

[Clayshoot07]

I have a 1992 extended cab 4x4 that I am looking to get rid of. The original engine, Trans and transfer case are long gone as I was going to do a v8 swap. Life got in the way and I lost interest. Let me know and I can get you some photos.

 

[Maui-sprint]

Thanks for the offer but not looking for an extended cab. Looking for standard cab short box.

 

[Ramcharger90]

If you only find a 2wd truck consider a solid axle swap.