Glad you found the information useful. I haven't be on Mud much since the pandemic started. I've only managed to get a few thing out of the way. I guess I'll update this thread with a post of my tire carrier rebuild using the kit available at: City Racer's store: City Racer LLC -...
I agree, a modified 70-series axle with disc brakes would be the better axle.
I’m not sure which is more cost effective (parts, shipping, etc.), but the choice may boil down to what is easiest as opposed to the better upgrade.
Cost of a 70-series axle & moving/welding spring perches
Cost of...
Anything’s possible if you dare to dream:
FJCO Rear Axle Housing Adaptor - https://store.fj.co/collections/custom-fabrications/products/fjco-rear-axle-housing-adaptor
I believe samples were free minus shipping. Might be worth it to order some of the close matches. You’d be surprised how much of a difference there is when sitting side by side with the part.
I had several samples but they were all just slightly off. I compared a few other parts too. The rear view mirror, glovebox, etc. I can see why metallic silver is one of the hardest finishes to match.
This question came up somewhere else. I thought it was true for all transfer cases out of automatics but there may have been some isolated example where it’s not so.
You should get these parts you need in good condition and free from whoever gets your parts. I have a few brown interior parts but not the specific parts you mentioned. Parts are getting more and more difficult/expensive to find in good condition. Welcome to the community by the way.