Will a transmission from a 83 4wd fit a 86 4wd?

[ghohn]

The title says it all. Yes or no?

[ghohn]

Ok, I did some more research and it looks like the trannies swap straight across the board but I'd need to replace the rear differential. Is this difficult?

[xirdneh]

if you seperate the tranny from the transaxle (aka bell housing) you can swap trannys and not worry about differential ratios

[Petros]

changing out the rear third member is not difficult if you keep it together as an assembly. You pull the left and right axles out a few inches so the spline shafts clear the diff assembly, than remove the drive shaft and pull the 10 or 12 nuts that hold the assembly in place. If your replacment third member is in good condition, it just swaps right in. I have done is several times, takes about 45 to 50 min if you have no problems and nothing is stuck or rusted in place.

It has been found however that sometimes with high mileage rear diffs they have too much lash (play) between the ring and pinion gear, if that is the case it would be best to take it to someone who knows how to replace the crush-able sleeves and install shims to get the correct gear lash. It is a tricky operation, but sometimes needs to be done on high mileage rear diffs. if this needs to be done you should also have the diff specialist replace the input shaft seal (do not attempt to do this on your own unless you know your way around a diff).

[Gottolovem]

Changing the rear diff is the easiest way to go as stated above.
If your in need of one i have it.