im a day or to from purchasing a 2000 donor 3.4 and here is my last bump b 4 i pull the trigger. the truck is an auto and is going in a 5sp truk and i plan on using the auto harness with minor modifications -but-the the donor is 4x2. im planning on buying a 2000 ecm for 5sp but what about the 4x2 issue? my concern is in the harness. im hopin it will just lack the 4x4 indicator but i dunno. should i be really worried? the engine has 85k on it and im getting from the 2cd cat to the fan for 1300 bucks and i feel it may be worth the minor issues given they dont become a disaster. opinions? thanks yall

 

Personally I would hold out for a 4x4. You're just going to give yourself extra headaches going this route.

I don't know where you are from but you should be able to find a 4x4 5sp for a similar price if you hold out. Or pay a little more to have less problems. Just my opinion though.

 

I wouldn't think that there would be any insurmountable issues with this idea, but you will probably want to download ALL of the appropriate wiring diagrams (recipient truck, donor engine, and donor ECU) so that you have the resources to get it straightened out.

The wiring issues are not as big a deal as some might think, but patience will be required in integrating all three systems, thus the reason that the ideal situation is to have the proper engine / ECU from the same donor - it just simplifies that portion of the project.

 

Dont worry about it. The 4x2 ecu will work just fine. You are right about the 4x4 light but since you are using an auto harness, you can splice into a couple of those wires to make it work. You may also have to extend the wires for the speed sensor, as it may not be long enough. Not a big deal.

 

Yeh i think im gonna go for it. what the hell. u gotta crack a few eggs to make an omlet. thanks for the input fellas. i was gonna hold out for a 4x4 manual setup but i am so damn anxious to get started im gonna jump in balls deep. and the issue i was concerned about wasnt the ecu bein 4x2 auto it was puting a 4x4 manual ecu in its place. it was what conflicts i was gonna have when i mate a manual 4x4 ecu to a 4x2 auto wiring harness. just saying it sounds difficult.-----------but i aint skared