converting a 2x4 to 4x4

[thefenixgang7]

I have a 93 Amigo 2x4 I want to convert to 4x4.
My plan is to use a Suzuki Samurai transfer case and an Isuzu front axle. Drive shafts will be modded Isuzu shafts. Any thoughts? Or better way?
Thanks

[jellis]

could you just buy a 4x4 one for cheaper/ less effort?

[thefenixgang7]

Maybe, but I can't seem to find one within a 4 hour drive that's in my price range.

[pig75]

If it has a bottom wishbone like this it will be easy
a.JPG

If it has a bottom wishbone like this it will not be worth the effort
C.JPG

I would be looking for a 4x4 Trooper,Rodeo, for parts

[thefenixgang7]

I have the one in the first picture. It actually looks like a wish bone and not just a a lower control bar. I have been on the lookout for a parts trooper, but if a rodeo will also work then I may be able to find one. I assume I will need a 4x4 manual transmission since I want to keep the 5 speed.

[geeves]

Go for the rodeo parts if you can but trooper parts from 88 to 91 will do. Before you start check that all the mounting holes are there. Otherwise you could be biting of more than you can chew. Samari trany case is strong enough for a zuke but not a Amigo. Try and get a matching 4wd gearbox to fit your motor or even better 2.6 or 3.2 isuzu engine and box. Is the 2.3 the isuzu engine? Another option you have is the 3.1 v6 and chevy box

[thefenixgang7]

it is the 2.3. It sounds strange but I want to keep the carburated engine. I'm not really taking it off road, its just to get me out of a tight spot in the winter.

[thefenixgang7]

I would upgrade to a carburated v6 or v8. Are there any other transmissions that would bolt up to the 2.3? Or could Ford or Jeep axles be used?

[geeves]

Your Amigos are a bit of a hybrid. Our Mu which is essentially the same wagon only had the 2.6 petrol engine in 89 and the 3.2 v6 98 and later. All the others were diesel 2.8 or 3.1 4 cylinder engines.
Your Amigos got the 2.6 isuzu engine or the 3.1 chevy engine. I dont know the 2.3 Is it isuzu or Opel. The european version called Frontera got a 2.2 diesel or 2.3 petrol as well as the above isuzu diesels.
If you had the chevy engine you also got Dana 35 diffs which are also in some jeeps but if its the isuzu engine you got isuzu diffs. They are an engineering required change. You cant bolt on swap anything to or from the isuzu to chevy version

[thefenixgang7]

My 2.3 is an Isuzu engine. I will have to look under it this weekend and see if it has the mounting holes. I measured out of curiosity if a Jeep inline 6 would fit, but I don't think it would. Not really looking for a lot of power, just want to be able to pull light loads now and then. The stock engine seems to do that, so I am not really interested in an engine swap unless its a direct bolt in swap. Thanks for your help so far, I'll check in if I have other thoughts.