Bunch of questions about swapping in a D44 and what parts to salvage off a 87 4cyl LB

[88towmanche]

Sluggy is finally going to become Tuggy....found a rusted out 86 LB 4x4 with a Dana 44 - PO says it is an original 87 MJ 44 that was regeared with Yukon R&P some kind of locker and is now a 4.11 - still Spring Under, perches have not been messed with.

 

Have not picked up or seen truck yet -  just pics.

 

Couple of questions for those who have done this:

 

Going to have to modify the drive shaft to accommodate the 44?  Have read on here that either have to lift 4-5 inches or shorten the shaft...sound correct? (don't want that much lift)

 

Anything else regarding rear swap?  Brakes should not be an issue or is there something different with that axle?

 

I'll be swapping the D30's up front to keep the ratio as well - can't imagine any issues with that part of the swap.

 

What else should be scavenged off that 4cyl truck?  

 

Tailights are decent - those go into the parts bin.

Interior buckets are rough, but will keep those for frames & brackets.

Tailgate is trash

Flairs are all there - keeping those.

Rubber molding around rear window - keeping that - maybe rear window as well if better than mine.

 

What else?

 

Plan is to scavenge what I want off the rig and then send off to pick n pull

 

The interior looks fairly complete and is red - I might grab a few misc parts but most of it is no use to me.

 

What is unique to the 86 4cyl that is in demand - I'll pull stuff off and post on the want ads here if people are looking.

 

Not trying to turn a big profit - happy to sell to folks on here for nominal prices and shipping before it goes off to the boneyard.

 

Will post pics when have in my possession.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[eaglescout526]

Depends. The air box for 86 is different than the later years as is it’s vac harness. The mounts for the AC/alt combo for 88-90 are a bit uncommon to find. The valve cover if it has the AMC logo is better than the aftermarket crap and a neat piece to at least save. I’d say to snag other 2.5L specific stuff like the engine harness and TBI set up but I’m not sure if they’re in a demand or not. 

[derf]

Parking brake cables are essentially identical.  Brake hose should be the same.  Put a brand new one in as long as it's apart.

 

Driveshaft is shorter (Dana 44 pinion sticks out further).  It's easy to find a shop to do that.

 

The speedometer will be off if you change the axle ratio and/or tire size.  That means a gear swap in the speed sender in the transfer case.

[88towmanche]

14 hours ago, derf said:

Parking brake cables are essentially identical.  Brake hose should be the same.  Put a brand new one in as long as it's apart.

 

Driveshaft is shorter (Dana 44 pinion sticks out further).  It's easy to find a shop to do that.

 

The speedometer will be off if you change the axle ratio and/or tire size.  That means a gear swap in the speed sender in the transfer case.

Thanks Derf,

 

Was thinking maybe the driveshaft off the 86 donor was possibility but not sure until I get it and can measure everything - different engine/combo so who knows...

[mjeff87]

Plan on new U bolts for the axle.  Don't try to reuse your old D35 or the (new to you) D44 ones.  Might as well swap new u-joints into your driveshaft as well, since it'll be off the truck.

 

If you have a single tube rear driveshaft, you can have it cut down.  If you have the big old "tube-in-tube" style, driveline shops won't risk trying to cut it.  There's a rubber isolator in it that can't be replaced.  You'll need a new single tube shaft.