Hello,
I have looked into several different engine and trans swaps for my J20.
Recently a 1997 Dodge cummins 12v with NV4500 came up for sale that had been in a fire. I would want it for the trans and tcase, and there is another complete 12V engine for sale from someone else locally.
The trans shifts into all gears, but that's all I can check. The fire was pretty severe, whole cab is toast. Top of the engine is destroyed as far as anything rubber or plastic goes. Externally the trans and tcase looks fine.
My concern is the high temperatures it may have faced could have damaged the synchros, or bearings or both. I have not had experience with this before. Truck costs $700, tow costs $80, and to dispose of the truck after I'm done costs $300 here in Kodiak, AK (I know, its retarded). So I'm nervous to invest at minimum $1,080 with these concerns. What do you guys think?