Topic: First time project 83 shortbed.

[joe510]

I have been reading a few threads about builds and I have decided to start my own.  So I am starting with an 83 that has a 6 inch lift and it's in poor running condition.  I would like to make a mild crawler/daily driver out of it.  I like to do a lot of hunting and fishing as well as going camping in the mountains and lakes.  My truck has a 22R but I am thinking about swapping it to a 22RE for now just to get it running again. 

I have an opportunity to get a 94 2wd as the motor donor.  My question is would the rear end be of use to my project?  I have seen a lot of people swapping in a newer rear, what is the purpose?  Is is stronger or is it just wider?  What else could I use from the truck?

There are many things that I want to get done on my truck and I am hoping to use the help of all you guys that have been there and done this already. 

I still have a few more posts before I can put up some pictures. 
Thanks for looking.

[joe510 [OP]]

Nobody has any advice? 

[Peterbuilt84]

You don't want to use the 2wd rear axle. I think they are 5 lug anyway. A popular upgrade is an ifs 4x4 rear axle because it is 3 inches wider than a stock solid axle rear axle.

[fordh8r]

What's wrong with the rear end that's in it now? 

[toyodaaddict]

i suggest doings  a ton of research here and on pirate. as mentioned the newer 4x4 rear axles are 3" wider also i believe  the housings are a bit stronger but that is probably of little concern.  the 22re swap is a good idea if you have the know how to do it. for suspension i suggest  looking into rears up front  and chevy 63s  or the allpro kit.  for over sized tires ping and pinion gears are a must. as for the 2wd i cant think of much you would use other than the engine.

[UndefinedTaco]

You don't want to use the 2wd rear axle. I think they are 5 lug anyway. A popular upgrade is an ifs 4x4 rear axle because it is 3 inches wider than a stock solid axle rear axle.

They are a 7.5 housing.
If it was an 8" housing..you could technically use a 2wd housing...just have to use 6 lug axle shafts and the 8" 3rd..


I threw away a 7.5" housing at crazykooters, maybe if I remember next time I'm over..I'll see how far off an 8" 3rd is from dropping in the 7.5 housing.

[joe510 [OP]]

Thanks everyone.  The two main reasons for changing the rear are simply the width and the strength of the newer model.  I am interested maybe upgrading to disc brakes on the rear one of these days.  The biggest thing in my opinion is to do the swap to a 22re.  I would love to go to a 3rz but I don't have the funds for that. Just a few more posts and i will be able to show some pics of what I have to work with

[REG535]

Whats wrong with the 22r? you could fix that, its a great lil engine.

[joe510 [OP]]

@toxic,  I agree that the 22r is a decent motor.  I am trying to get better fuel economy from the truck since it will be a daily driver.  my commute is not that bad and it will be mostly freeway driving, however, I am thinking of trying to get at least a 10% increase in mileage by switching to EFI. 

[joe510 [OP]]

Still having issues with keeping the 22r running. plus trying to figure out all the smog stuff and vacuum lines is a nightmare.  The RE cant get here soon enough.

Anyone know if the steering box from a 94 2wd will work in my 83?