Transmission compatibility

[jebudallaha]

Hey,
I need to replace my 1983 tranny but I can't find any around town. The closest I can find is an '86. Would the '86 be compatible with my '83? I was looking through the forum and saw that they may be compatible but the front differential may be different. If anyone could help clear this up for me that would be great, I need my car back. Thanks.

[sdoan]

Hey Jeb,

The 4x4 trans changed about 1985. I swapped a later trans into my 1983 and had to replace the rear diff to match gear ratios. Not too difficult, just another step and another $100 or something.

You can confirm gear ratios by pulling the diff cover and counting teeth on the ring gear (or is it the pinion?).

[Logbear]

I might be facing the same dilemma. I need a tranny for an "86". But I have a couple of "83"'s. Are you in the Puget sound Area?

[Petros]

'83 and '84 have a higher diff ratio than the '85 and later. All parts are interchangeable, but you have to match the front and rear raitos. It is easier to swap out the diff carrier in the rear axle (it will not affect the gear lash), but if your old front ring and pinion are in good shape you likely can swap your old front diff into your new transaxle. Get some helpif you do this however, you must set the lash properly or you will trash the diff. They are adjusted with shims, and it is not difficult, but if done wrong you will likely waste the whole trans too. I do not know enough about the front diff install to know if you can swap it as a unit without changing the gear lash. You can swap out the center member in the rear axle without affect the gear lash, so most I think choose to do that if you have to.

It might be possible to check the gear ratio by raising the car and marking the drive shaft with chaulk, and turn the wheels until you make one revolution with the drive shaft (counting the number of times you rotated the wheel).

Good luck.