Hey Guys,
I have a crazy question.
I have an 1988 2.6 Auto Raider.
I can get a 1989 3.0 ,5 spd Raider for way cheap with only 80,200 original miles. The catch? The 3.0 Raider has been rolled, bad, all of the window glass was knocked out!
So, is it possible to removed the crushed 3.0 body and replace it with my 2.6 with Auto tranny Raider body???
I know, it even sounds crazy!
Anybody ever tried that?
I mean, I know it would not be easy, but is it doable?
Tony P
Charlotte, NC

A lot of work, but it should be do-able, especially if you can get the dash/gauges from the 3.0, and don't mind pulling all the wiring and brake lines.

Can you get a title for it? everything else is just lots of work <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

All I got to do is go pick it up. It was in excellent condition before it was rolled, low mileage, with title.
Chrome wheels, upgraded interior, not sure about lsd, don't remember the sticker. But do remember 80,000 original miles.
At this point trying to figure how hard it will be to lift and switch the bodies. I guess I could construct some sort of saw horses or wood frame to support body and roll V6 chassis underneath?
I'm sure it will be more complicated than disconnecting brake,electrical, steering shaft, etc. and switching bodies. But, MAN is that chasis and engine compartment in SWEET condition! I guess I'd take the V6 title and ID plates and put them on my 2.6 body?
I know, lots of work, But after it's done, I'd have an almost like new V6 engine and chassis!
Crazy! but, admit it, you'd do it too if you had a 2.6!!!!
But, I think I'm gonna do it!
The V6 is about 1 hour from my home, I'll need to tow it. But if I wanted to attract the law, I could drive it home. I guess the lawman would frown on all windows being squeezed out!?
The owner wanted $350 for it with title. I told him he was crazy! Then he called back a week later said how about $250.
Now he said momma wants it outta the yard what do I think it is worth?
Oh, I don't know how about $150. ????
Tony P

No need to completely remove the body. Just raise the front end. That's what we did when we swapped engines for CAP510.

Routing the new wiring harness will be the tough part IMHO.

One small tip. When you prep your '88 body, cut out a fuel pump access hole like the one that is already in the '89. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Great idea.
I think it woud be easys to swap out the engine, tranny, Tcase and fuel tank from the 3.0 vehicle into the 2.6 vehicle. If you don't want to swap the fuel tank then go with a rail mounted fuel pump.
Good Luck.

I'll disaggree.

My `87 2.6 has so many V6 Mitsu parts swapped into it, he's better off doing as origially planned.

He wants the V6 front diff, half shafts, brakes, rotors, and all the pre-existing frame-related mounting points for the V6. Stay with the body swap. Keep the frame.
he only "advantage" to just swapping engine is that he would keep the rear leafs, which in my opinion are better than coils offroad. But otherwise, you'll find trying to bring over the front driveline as well a difficult chore.
Transferring just the body will be a lot of work, as he needs to swap over the gauges and engine control computer, (and use the V6 brake master cyl!) but it's probably the best way to go.

All the wiring exiting the firewall on the driver's side is probably OK to keep, as it's headlights A/C etc. But the passenger side wiring bundle is mostly engine controls.

I would go the body swap route as well. But keep this in mind, that body is heavier than it looks. I had eight guys when I lifted mine off and it hurt pretty good. It's ready to go back on and I'm gonna try it with at least 12 people, six on each side.

OKRED, that is an awesome looking Montero you built! One thought came to me as I was looking at the photo, wouldn't it have been easier to block up the chassis and remove the wheels before picking the body up, that way you are not trying to manuever around those big tires? You'll have to show us some pics when it is all finished. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />