So, it would seem that my daughter now has the Eagle bug...12 years after I sold my last AMC. I just picked up an 87 wagon that needs A LOT of work. One question I have is regarding the front diff/axle. I can't remember if all 4.2's built from 80-up have the bosses for the front diff. The engine in the car is from an 82 (so says the stamping on the block-205C12). The axle came with the car...in the hatch, so I'm wondering if the engine was swapped & there was no provision for the axle, or if someone just gave up on the re-install & left it out...it is good to be back here though!!
Welcome back and good luck with the new project!!
It is my understanding that once they started making the Eagle, all 4.2 engines had the bosses for the front axle, and that even carried over to the 4.0 engines for awhile.
Welcome back.
The stock '96 4.0 I swapped in had the holes drilled and tapped for the front axle mounts already, so I think you're safe. Just make sure that you still have the brackets to mount the front diff. There's one bracket that bolts to the top of the diff, one that braces the pinion, and one that hangs the axle from the passenger side.