Ok so i have a question, that I'm hoping someone can answer. I have 3 trucks, an 87 Pathfinder 4x4 z24 5speed (runs); 90 Hardbody 2wd ka24e 5speed (daily driver); and finally a 91 Hardbody KC 4x4 VG30E 5speed (transmission issues).
I want to know if it is possible to convert the 91 KC from a 4x4 V6 to 4x4 L4? I really want to use the King Cab as my daily driver, but since it is a V6 I know some things might be different such as the transfercase, maybe axles and what not. Between the 3 trucks I believe it is possible to do this conversion, but I have searched and not been able to come up to a definite answer, on whether it is possible or logical.
If possible, will the pathfinder 4x4 system bolt right onto the frame no problem and if so will it all work in conjunction with the hardbody KA motor?
VG to KA Swap... Is it Logical?
-
ludachris141
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2013 7:08 pm
- Car: 1987 Pathfinder Z24 4x4
1990 Hardbody KA24E
-
Crazytalk21
- Posts: 21
- Joined: Sun Dec 23, 2007 3:01 pm
- Car: '86.5 Pathfinder
Re: VG to KA Swap... Is it Logical?
I'm actually wondering if this is possibly myself as i'm coming across many v6 D21 with bad motors. And i have need of a truck, so does anybody have any input?
Re: VG to KA Swap... Is it Logical?
There are 4 types of D21 frames... There are no frame differences between I4 and V6 cars or different years from 86.5-97 that I've heard of.
Short wheelbase frames:
2WD reg cab
4WD reg cab
Long wheelbase frames:
2WD king cab
4WD king cab
The VG30, Z24, and KA24 all have different transmissions. It seems like an endeavor to swap transmissions between individual engines so I HIGHLY doubt that you could get away with swapping transfer cases onto different transmissions. You should keep the Z24 with it's respective trans and transfer case, the same goes for the KA/trans/tc and VG/trans/tc. You'll be opening up a can of worms with those kinds of swaps and it's not worth the frustration. Being that you want to have an I4 4x4 truck your best bet is to swap the whole Z24/trans/tc out of the 87 Pathy into your 91 Hardbody.
To swap the Pathfinder's Z24 and trans into the KC D21 you're going to need a longer driveshaft to account for the added wheelbase. The Pathy's are based on the reg cab HBs so you'll need a 4x4 king cab driveshaft that can be easily found at a junkyard. You might be able to reuse the motor and transmission mounts from the Z24 car on the HB but I'm unsure because you're going from a short wheelbase 4x4 --> long wheelbase 4x4 frame so the mounts may be different. If they aren't the same then all you'd need are the correct mounts from an auto parts store (which is a good maintenance item to replace anyway). You'll also need the PCM, the other powertrain components, and a gauge cluster if you want an accurate tach. The V6 and I4 tachs have different motors.
Short wheelbase frames:
2WD reg cab
4WD reg cab
Long wheelbase frames:
2WD king cab
4WD king cab
The VG30, Z24, and KA24 all have different transmissions. It seems like an endeavor to swap transmissions between individual engines so I HIGHLY doubt that you could get away with swapping transfer cases onto different transmissions. You should keep the Z24 with it's respective trans and transfer case, the same goes for the KA/trans/tc and VG/trans/tc. You'll be opening up a can of worms with those kinds of swaps and it's not worth the frustration. Being that you want to have an I4 4x4 truck your best bet is to swap the whole Z24/trans/tc out of the 87 Pathy into your 91 Hardbody.
To swap the Pathfinder's Z24 and trans into the KC D21 you're going to need a longer driveshaft to account for the added wheelbase. The Pathy's are based on the reg cab HBs so you'll need a 4x4 king cab driveshaft that can be easily found at a junkyard. You might be able to reuse the motor and transmission mounts from the Z24 car on the HB but I'm unsure because you're going from a short wheelbase 4x4 --> long wheelbase 4x4 frame so the mounts may be different. If they aren't the same then all you'd need are the correct mounts from an auto parts store (which is a good maintenance item to replace anyway). You'll also need the PCM, the other powertrain components, and a gauge cluster if you want an accurate tach. The V6 and I4 tachs have different motors.