LUVTruck.com

So the '86 trooper tranny looks like it will bolt up to the stock 1.8L.
Trooper tranny is 4 inches longer than the stock tranny. So the rear mount tab cannot be used with the stock rear mount. My mechianic is going to use the rear trooper removeable crossmember and bolt it the frame.
It is possible the stock crossmember may have to be removed. Next week I will update this post and I'll try and get pictures too. I forgot the VIN info but I'll get that done too.

The stock 4wd Driveshaft is too short for the trooper tranny to the 1.8L
I am going to pickup the 4wd Driveshaft off the trooper in the wrecking yard next.

Here is this info I got of the vin plate in the door jam and off the hood from the trooper in the wrecking yard.

Production: APril 85
vin Jaach1sl3g5403439

2.3 Liter
Engine Family:
Gsz138t2dgx

I looks like the stock driveshaft is going to be shortened by a machine shop. I did however pick up the front 4wd driveshaft at the wrecking yard more to come.

Let me know how it goes. I'm just about to buy a 5-speed 4x4 tranny to put behind the 1.9L I bought from Kuranosuke.

Does the front driveline from the Trooper fit the LUV without any changes? I would think it would since the axle passes by the engine in the same place...

Has anyone else done this and recall any driveline swaps that made it more affordable?

-DKAY

The trooper rear driveline is a two piece thing, so that is kind of out, better to cut down the LUV rear. The Trooper front might be the right fit, hopefully Zane can clear that up. It all looks pretty much the same when you are sitting under there with it six inches from your head, but apparently I missed the length difference. Next time I'll pick up a tape measure. One thought, perhaps parts from a PUP would be of use, like the rear driveline. I have not seen one, but maybe they used a one piece of the right length where the troopers have the two piece. 2WD PUPs are not uncommon, but 4x4 models seem to be rare as hen's teeth so finding parts donors trucks would be tougher.


I'd look for a way to keep from completely chopping the crossmember out, like cutting a hunk out of the middle and creating a removable bar that would make it under the trans. On the other hand, the LUV frame is plenty strong if it is rust free, so its not like its a huge loss.

Big thanks to Zane for going forward with this. A lot of us have been tossing the idea around, but no one has ever put it together and completely filled in the blanks.

I think someone else has done a similar tranny swap.

[quote="800xl"]. 2WD PUPs are not uncommon, but 4x4 models seem to be rare as hen's teeth so finding parts donors trucks would be tougher.
quote]

The driveshaft is goign to be shorted, its much easier to shorten than lenghen. Also I saw one 79 Luv in the wreckyard. A week later it was gone. I figure it was parted out quickly. There's also a 75 stepside Luv which are pretty rare too.

I'll update more, my mechanic is swamped at the moment though.

I went to the shop today, the tranny bolted right to the engine. However the crossmember that had the rear stock mount (for the tranny) Most of it was rememoved. There was a small bit left on each side where the torsion bars went through. The mechanic then welded brackets on the side of the frame for the removeable crossmember. A piece of the floorboard was cut out for the 4wd shifter as it is in a differnet place than ths stock shifter.

Latter I will find out about the front and rear driveshafts. Electrical will be the last thing on the list to do.
I will say that its going to be about 8 hours of shop time to do this fabrication if you are going pay someone to do it.

I took pics and need to scan them later.

I picked up an MSG-5ET 5-speed 4x4 tranny from an 86 Trooper. It had a cable clutch setup on the same side as my 4-spd. It doesn't look to be a challenging job. I've already checked the bellhousing for fitment and it looks great.

I've found three local shops that can chop my driveline; I have yet to call for prices but my friend says to expect about $40-$70.

This is going to be fun!

-DK

I've found three local shops that can chop my driveline; I have yet to call for prices but my friend says to expect about $40-$70.
-DK[/quote]

I got the truck back. THe machine shop fee was 240. They had to cut off 5 inches off the driveline reweld it. Put a new yolk on the driveline and replace the other end peice as well. There was 8 hours of fabrication.
My mechanic charges $90/hoiur. Some shops charge 120/hour.

The 4wd driveshaft fit right it. There was a new bracket made for the
E-Brake cable to bold to the tranny. I took some pics and have to get them scanne evtentually.

AS far as it drives, the trooper tranny seems to be higher greared than the stock tranny. Even in 4th gear it seems to turn less rpm's on the freeway.

Quick note: I still have the stock 4spd 4x4. The revese gear is worn, but it could be rebuildable with a kit.

Excellent info. Please post pictures or send them in and I'll post them.

send them in guys. it's been asked so many times that is does belong in there

_________________
1980 luv sport 4x4 Just a memory now
Frame rusted from the inside. Truck stripped and now looking for a new donor in southern ohio

I bought another 2 truck's to day one of them is a 1988 4x4 and it is fitted
with a factory fitted 5 speed box.
The other is just a 4x2 with a very good chasiss and trim.

as soon as i get some money I will get the pics deveopld.
the shop bill was over 1100

I got the 4-spd tranny out. What a pain! The clutch was shot, too. I was already planning to replace that though.

The motor is the next to come out.

Zane, did you use the LUV front driveshaft, or did you take one from a Trooper? Do you have a picture showing how large the transfer knob cutout is? Where did you get the 5" measurement for the rear driveline?

I've got a LOT of cleaning to do before I can get the torch underneath to cut out the old crossmember; it's just covered in oily sludge.

I'm trying to decide if the cab should be pulled so everything can go in from the top. The only problem is I wouldn't be guaranteed it could come out the bottom for a clutch job.

I'll post pictures before, during and after fabrication. Maybe I'll create an article before I'm done since I'm doing as much of the work myself as possible.

-DK

I think the 5inches in the trooper extra lenght of the trooper tranny.
I used the 4wd driveshaft off the trooper, its a little longer than the stock one and you wont need any mods with it.
I got a few pictures I am going email to BEN and one of them has a pic of the holes with the shifters.

I guess I'll pick up a driveshaft this weekend...

Did your fab guy pull the bed to do the welding work? or was he working with a hoist? I've just got the truck on blocks but figure the cuttin' and welding will be much easier from the topside...

-DK

He worked with a hoist, but my Luv has a 2inch body lift, so that was helpful to work underneath with welding and cutting.
But sounds like topside might be easier in your situation.

sweet.... My brother will probably be looking for a transmission/transfer out of a 86 Trooper then... Proably headers and a weber to top it all out... I will stick with the 350 comob I got sittin nearby.. hehe...

here are some pics

http://www.hostingmojo.com/images/zanemurray/Bracket.jpg
http://www.hostingmojo.com/images/zanemurray/Mount.jpg
http://www.hostingmojo.com/images/zanemurray/shifterhole.jpg
http://www.hostingmojo.com/images/zanemurray/brakebracket.jpg [/url][/code]