HELP! serious transmission question!

[89frankenford]

ok i am looking for a new transmission to replace the original tranny in my truck that had a cracked housing all the way around that has since been welded up from 2 years ago. on craigslist im finding a bunch of 2wd 5 speeds.....but no 4x4 5 speeds. now i know its the same tranny but can i just swap out the tail shaft housing and make it work or is it an entirely different case without the hopes of turning it into a 4x4 tranny? thanks a lot!

 

[Skandocious]

The short answer is no... The tailshaft is a different length between the 2wd and 4wd transmissions. You CAN take the transmission apart and swap the tailshaft but it can be quite complicated (read: easy to screw up) unless you're familiar with taking transmissions apart, not to mention you'd still have to get your hands on a 4wd tailshaft.

It's much easier to find a 4wd transmission.

 

[89frankenford]

ugh crap.....i kinda thought so. but i was in high hopes. ill be calling around a few places tomorrow to get some prices. thanks a lot chris

 

[radialarm]

check ebay! there was a place in TN that sold rebuilt units for $400 with $100 shipping!!!