4bangercraig

Alright I got a good one for y'all. I have a '94 shortbed 2WD pickup. Had it for almost a year and put almost 30,000 miles on it. It's got leaky piston rings, a slipping clutch, a whirring transmission bearing, grinds into reverse, creaks badly around left hand turns, and the leaf springs are shot. In short, it's a bucket of parts.
So it's time for a new truck. I could keep an eye on Craigslist and grab up that '83 4WD I've been wanting so badly, OR I figure I could do something real fun with the mess I've got.
If it's plausible.
I've got to completely remove the engine, the transmission, and the whole front end anyway if I'm going to get the truck up to snuff. So why not drop in an old transmission off a 4WD and re-do the front end with a solid axle? It's the same frame on both trucks right? Is there any reason the project is impossible, or an incredibly bad idea?
And if you're still with me, what specific transmission should I go with, what solid axle swap kit is the best bang for my buck, and what are your thoughts on the 22R carburated versus the 22RE?

Cheers,
-Craig

HIPSI9

in the middle of doing my 1994 now.. im about 5k into it now about the only thing left to buy is the wheels and tires. I bought a new 22re, and used but refreshed 5spd 4x4 trans, 1985 axles, the all pro 6" solid axle convo kit.. ran just shy of 2300 shipped for that front and back. I have my engine trans and all out...i also bought the 4x4 crossmember for the trans..you will need it.. I am completely happy with the progress so far.. i have almost everything out except the front ifs...the engine, trans, rear end etc are all out. while its torn down im going to have the entire truck repainted..im this far into it..i'd rather just do it and not have any regrets. Im planning to do either some 15x12 dick cepek wheels or 15x12 weld typhoons with 35's.. if you need some info on where to find parts etc shoot me a pm.. Id say after parts (engine and all), wheels and tires, plus paint ill be somewhere around the $8k mark..but its my truck, what i wanted, i built it, and ill be happy with it. I could have went with a cheaper motor, wheels, etc but i wouldnt have been happy with it.. You need to be good with a welder and have patience... i have been lucky.. with the exception of the table i had all the bolts laid out on tipping i havent had any real issues yet..knock on wood