Hello everyone, I have a question about possible drivetrain options. I have a 85 Gl wagon with a Ea82 carb, 5 speed MT, D/R transfer, 4x4, and the motor has gone south on it. I just purchase a 92 Loyale wagon with a Ea82 Tbi, FWD, and 5 speed MT. My question is if the 4x4 drivetrain can be swaped into the Loyale from the clutch back. I am aware the exhaust on the Fwd cars runs were the drive shaft runs on the 4x4 models and I would have to cut a access for the transfer case shifter. Other than that will the rear end components bolt on to the Fwd car without modifications outside of swaping parts? Any input on the matter would be appreciated.

i think it'd just be easier to swap the motor from the FWD to the 4WD but thats just me

Yes that was the original thoughts, but the unibody is cancer ridden and probably not safe to do more than drive to the mail box and back. Plus I am really not a fan of the carb I have on the 85, between age and wear and tear a good portion of the rubber (hoses etc.) under the hood are not in the best shape. It has done well in the 80k+ miles I have put on it since I have owned it, has only left me stranded 3 times. Not bad for a $500 car.

4WD can be added to a 2WD. I did it to my 87. You will need to fabricate the center bearing mount for the driveshaft. Drill 4 holes to mount the differential. I cut 1" access holes through the wagon floor to put the nuts on. Weld the differential mounting tabs on the tube that supports the rear suspension.

Could the rear axle tube just be swapped out of the 4x4 car in one piece with the rear end still mounted to it? Does the Fwd car have the two Center bearing mount points on it, but without bolt holes? Same with the rear diff support?

Could the rear axle tube just be swapped out of the 4x4 car in one piece with the rear end still mounted to it?

 

Yes

 

Does the Fwd car have the two Center bearing mount points on it, but without bolt holes? Same with the rear diff support?

 

The center bearing mounting point is left off of the 2WD - I had to fabricate 2 pieces to make the mounting points for the center bearing.

 

The holes for the rear diff support mounting holes were partly there - one layer of metal had them, so I could just drill them through.

You also need to swap gas tanks if you aren't putting in a lift at the same time. The 4wd tanks have a dent in them for the rear differential. No holes need be cut for the transfer case lever, it fits through the same hole the FWD shifter goes through. You can swap the interior center console onto the loyale too. Take the rear speakers and plug them into the loyale doors while you're transfering.

 

You swap the rear struts, suspension and crossmember in as well as the mustache bar. Holes need to be drilled for the mustace bar and a center carrier bearing mount fabricated. Many people drill the holes from the bottom up for the mustace bar, then make an oversisedholes inside the body and drop the bolts in from inside, saves welding nuts into the body.