identifying between a 90 and 91up tranny

[stevetford]

Other than counting output splines, is there any other way to identify between a 90 awd manual trans and a 91 newer trans? I was thinkning maybe a number cast on the outside or maybe a certain casting difference. I also hear that there are some x-fer cases in aluminum and iron? Any truth to this and besides being heavier, is the iron unit better? Thanks for any help you guys can give.

Steve

 

[Staged]

Sure, the number cast on the outside is important. There is an issue with the upper shield being a different size between the AWD 90 and the FWD 92 4G63's. The size difference is at the starter housing. Other than that, I really wouldn't know what else to look for other than the cast number and the splines. I have a 90 AWD tranny and if there is anything you need to compare, just let me know, it's out of the car and just laying there.
I have heard one thing that is strange and I am curious about it myself. Some transmissions are reffered to as having Renualt's, what is that and would this apply to his question on differences?

 

[ezell4G63]

I just did a swap, took a 91 motor and tranny into a 90. Only difference I have found between the two are the shifter linkages are a little different. I just had to adjust the cables a little bit.