Hey all. I'm new to this board, but not new to LUVs. This may be long, so if you just want to read my question, its at the bottom...
I have been wrenching on them with my dad ever since he bought his first one. Since that time he has had about 5 of them, all different years and types (and conditions). It was a bit funny, because his friends started giving them names: Mikey (a Mikado), Ugly, Uglet, Ug, and one other I cant remember. He got all the "ugly" comments because he really never did anything with them other than keep them running. Well, its been a few years and a few are gone. He sold Mikey and the other unnamed (which was to be used for a 400SB project I hear). The other 3 we still have, which brings me here today.
One of the trucks (Ug) is a 1980 4X4. These trucks have been sitting for years, and Ug has actually been sitting for about 7 years. Well, in an attempt to save mileage on my present daily driver (944 Turbo
) I have decided to resurrect this one. We've taken wheels, body panels, windshields, etc. from the other two to fix it up, along with a motor and A/C system from a second truck we bought for $100. It too had been sitting up for about 5 years, and would you believe all we had to do to get it to run was put in a battery? Talk about luck, it started the first time without even priming the carb. Don't ask me, I couldn't believe it either. It does need a carb kit though. The A/C compressor is good too (well, its not locked up). Also, the PO told us this motor is out of an Opel (I think). I believe him too, since I have never seen any of the other LUVs with electronic ignition.
So anyway, we swapped the oil pan on the motor, swapped out the entire A/C system, and the coil (it has something piggybacking on the coil, figured it was important), installed a new clutch kit, then dropped the motor in. We've also replaced all the hoses/lines and other regular maintenance items. BTW, you wouldn't believe how hard it is to find the correct rear transmission seal (well maybe you would). We are also doing a R134a conversion on it. Right now we've spent close to $800 just to get her road ready and reliable again. I am about to paint it (with the help of a buddy) in a few weeks. The total project is going to be right around $2350. Well, as long as I can find all the parts I want for it. Which brings me to my question (finally).
Is there a Positrac or Locker unit that will fit our axles? So far I've been calling around town, and they say they show an 8 bolt and a 10 bolt, and it has asian numbers for the seals and bearings. I've read here on the boards that they are Mitsubishi units with 4.10 gears (for the 4X4). What else do I need to know to buy the right Posi or Locker unit for these from a local 4X4 shop? Also if you guys have any suggestions on models or if you have part numbers, I'd appreciate the help! Thanks.
TufLUV