86 2.8 & 89 4.3 Interchangability..
 

Hi,
I recently damaged my 89 4.3 when I lost control on the ice and hit a rather large rock in the ditch. From what I can tell, the transmission linkage was hit hard (it doesn't want to shift easily), the sub-frame has quite an impression and my passenger wheel sits back an inch or so more than it should.
I havent been able to lift the truck up and look at it, but plan on doing so.

Now, I'm thinking if that's what has been damaged, the easiest thing for me to do is find a donor truck. Well, down the road there's an 86 2.8 4X4 for sale for cheap!

How much is compatible? Do the two trucks share the same tie-rods, sub-frame, etc ?

The 86 is a 5-speed while mine is an auto, so I know the linkage is still an issue - but everything else?

Thanks for ANY feedback!

J

There are going to be differences all over between the two trucks. The frame should be quite similar, but motor and transmission mounts will be different. I am not sure if it is just bolt on pieces for the motor mounts or not.

If you were going to keep your engine/trans, you'll likely have to swap your body over onto the good frame including all of the fuel system parts (tank, lines, etc).