Hey guys this is my first post, I have yet to find another that pertains to my question. I appreciate all help and apologize for my ignorance.

What I have is and 1986 regular cab, short bed, 5 spd, 4x4. I bent my frame in the front just enough to screw up my alignment. I just picked up an '85 long bed. What I am wondering if I could do this "hybrid" as well as asking for advice and help; is taking the bed, tranny/t-case and engine from my '86 and using them with the '85. I am unaware if the tranny/t-case mounts are the same and if not could I use the mounts off my '86. I understand the frame is slightly longer to accompany the long bed and my bed is the short bed. I plan to cut the remaining length off of the frame. The '85 I got is just the cab, frame, rear-end and driveshaft.

There may be somethings I am missing, I will update the post when I can.

Thanks for your help

 

It will work but keep in mind you will probably run in to some snags. Make syrupy use all the 86 engine parts just incase they made something different. Go find a copy of the FSM for both rigs and if you think you have the time to for it. Most of us would love to turn our ifs in to an 85 straight axel .

 

the wheel wells on your bed will not line up on the long bed frame. The cab should swap right over. If your steering box is still good on the 86 save that and swap it over to the 85 and put high steer on it.