Part Interchange:First Gen Part Interchange

This Parts Interchange is for the First Generation Trucks.

Head Light Buckets.
{ NOTE 1979 to 1983 trucks will have unique headlight buckets that are different from Left to Right sides. }

Mazda B2000 to B2600 Window Scrapers (sleeves) are compatible with the 1st Gen Trucks.
Credit Given to ForduBushi.

Mazda B2200 use the same single headlight buckets as the 79-83 D50/MM.
Credit Given to ForduBushi.

G54b heads - 79-84 mechanical lash adjusters - 85-89 hydralic lash adjusters - either head can be used on any G54b block. Both contain jet valves in original configuration in the US - Canadian heads did not have the jet valves in the early years. Dodge Caravans and K cars with the 2.6 motor used a head without jet valves that will interchange - however, they may have an air pump off the back of the cam for emissions. These heads are only marginally better than the jet valve heads and it's doubtful you can find a good one in a salvage yard. The 79 - 82 G52b heads will also work on the G54b blocks - the G52b is a 2.0L version of the astron motor that has a smaller combustion chamber but is otherwise very similar.

G63B and the 4G63 are completely compatible between the 1st generation and 2nd generation trucks. There is though, one non-compatible item to be aware of if trading either of these motors in a truck or car. Determine if your vehicle is a wide block or a narrow block engine. Finding out early which yours is can save a lot of time later if not checked.

To determine if your vehicle's motor is either of the two blocks, measure between the farthest points in the transmission studs as shown above.
It will be as follows: 12.5 inches = Narrow, 13.25 inches = Wide.

1986 and older trucks G63B motors that came with a 45 amp alternator can be interchanged with a Starion/Conquest or a 1990 Van 100amp alternator. The stock fan belt was 38in. and after installation of 100amp alternator a new 39in. belt size was required. The duel '86 wire plugin that is placed into the back of the alternator had to be change to match the '87 version to fit the new install. Also the upper support arm that holds the alternator in place also had to be extended as you can see in image. What I did was just cut the slider section off of an identical support arm and bolted it on the end of the original support arm. This gave me 2 areas to slide alternator for adjustment and did not destroy or trash the original one. The new alternator single bolt attachment on the casting is a little different when installing on 86 and older trucks. Instead of being on the exact opposite sides of each other, the support arm nut mounting is a little more farther around the alternator casting on the 100amp version, hence the reason for a bigger belt and longer arm. Adjustment is less then original as well and if it is moved too far upward it hits the oil dipstick right on the alternators 12volt battery wire location. Too far downward and the alternator will hit the oil filter, so find that mid adjustment point and you'll be fine. I also installed a heat shield to protect the install from the exhaust manifold #1 tube. I took my old air-cleaner intake hose and placed it back on the original mounting on the front cross member/radiator support and pointed the output end right onto the alternator to keep it vented well. The newer alternator also has internal fan blades for cooling the alternator, not like the '86 and older version which are external fan blades. Be sure if you order an alternator update for your vehicle that the belt pulley is a match to your vehicle. "V" belt or serpentine.
Here are some images of the change.

This is a comparison of the '86 or older Mighty Max alternator to the '87-'89 Starion or the '90 Van. Notice the plug change on the newer version compared to older trucks version. Also see the alternator external fan blades compared to internal on the newer version.