looking for some info on 2 subjects
1. i was considering doing an engine swap from a 3.slow to a 3.4, my concern about this is price and wether or not its even worth it going to a 3.4 or should i look into something bigger since im already yankin the motor out anyways. i have an opportunity to get my hands on a freshly rebuilt 3.4 (with computer) that came out of a 98 that has been wrecked. but im not sure what a good price range would be for a used engine like this.

also how much extra labor would be involved in doing this swap.

2. ive been thinking about going from IFS to a straight axle. again, how much cash would i be looking into, and what kind of labor?

any info would be much appreciated!

If you do a kit for the axle swap (I personally recommend this approach), you're looking at around $1200 for a quality kit that includes everything but the axle assembly and driveshaft. After that, it's all about taking good measurements and making good welds. Trail-Gear and All-Pro Offroad supply these, and if you go through Low Range Offroad you can get them for less than the original site's prices. Not sure on the engine swap--haven't done a 3.4.

I've seen a couple 3.0 to 3.4 swaps, and they weren't that bad. The 3.4 will bolt right up to your R150, assuming you have a manual. The power increase is bigger than the numbers would suggest; I'm a big fan of 3.0's going away. The labor difference would be wiring it, and possible exhaust and other re-routings, in addition to physically getting the motors in and out.

I solid-axle-swapped my '87 with the Trail Gear IFS Eliminator Kit. It's a good kit with good value. My biggest problem with the kit would be that it comes with chinese-made wheel bearings. If you have a complete axle and third member, it's everything you need in the front.

For $50 more, the sky's off road kit seems better quality than trail gears.

thanks alot guys!