Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

1948 CJ2A, drive-train is mostly original. 134 L-head engine, T-19
trans, Dana 18 xfer, Dana 25 front/rear (or whatever the original,
weakest, kind were). I had the engine rebuilt about 2 years ago. I'm
having the trans and xfer case rebuilt now (I rebuilt them 2 years ago,
with the engine, but did an awful job). I spent a ton of money on new
springs and shocks, 11" brakes, brake master cyl, tie-rods, steering
gear box and shaft, so would like to keep them.

In about two years (or next major problem) I'm going to upgrade the
drive-train, but want to start getting parts now. Mostly I want to be
able to go 60 on the highway, but also it is getting harder to find
parts. I also need a bit more power, because my jeep doesn't do well
going up the mountains, with 4 people, and a small trailer packed with
camping gear.

I wish I could keep the T-19 trans and the Dana 18 xfer, especially
since I'm having them rebuilt right now (by a guy who really knows what
he is doing). However, I don't think they'll hold up well, especially
in the hills, where I want to go (I live at 2,000, and need to get up
to 9,000 feet to get away from the heat on the weekends).

Here is the combination I'm thinking about, after research on this
newsgroup and other places. The main thing I'm worried about is all of
the electronics required. I've got an elec. ignition on my L-head, but
that was cheap enough to buy a spare if I'm ever wondering if it goes
bad (instead of having to take it to someone who can test it).

Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine
T400R Auto trans (actually I think the newer 4L60-E is what most
recommend)
Dana 300 xfer case, straight through model
Dana 30 rear end, standard (not offset)
Dana 30 front
3.73 gears in front and rear

I was first looking at the older models, with the carbed engine and the
non-electric auto trans. However, I think I'd run into the same
problems with them, not being able to find parts, and I've heard that
those were poor designs. Does anyone make a good V6 carbed engine, or
has recently? How about an auto trans. without a computer? I guess I
could go with manual, but I'd rather have an auto, and it seems nice
not to mess with clutch linkages. I like the fact that this auto is an
OD version also, since I want to cruise on the highway. I don't want
to go over 60 though, I'm not crazy!

I know I can get a carbed 350, V8, and find parts for it. However,
that seems like more work because I have to change the radiator, and it
doesn't fit as well (I love having lots of room to work under the
hood).

I put a 225 Buick V6 in a 1949 CJ2A I used to have. Didn't really like
it, but I also didn't change anything else (trans, xfer, axles) and
ended up blowing the T-19, and still had low top-speed (same gears).

Any opinions greatly appreciated!

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

Ooops, T400R should have read "700R4" for the trans. I'm thinking of
using. You probably figured that out from the 4L60-E model, which is
correct.

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

Ooops, T400R should have read "700R4" for the trans. I'm thinking of
using. You probably figured that out from the 4L60-E model, which is
correct.

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

Ooops, T400R should have read "700R4" for the trans. I'm thinking of
using. You probably figured that out from the 4L60-E model, which is
correct.

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

That's a Borg Warner T-90 you have. Which pretty strong providing
you use your head and don't try to bounce it up in a wheelie for second
gear.
The Turbo Hydro 400 is just a little too long for your 80"
wheelbase.
Stick with your Dana 25 front as it has an 7.75" ring gear as
opposed to the 7.125" in a Dana 30
Might keep you off set rear end as the Dana 18 is as strong as the
20 and 300 and can use the Warn overdrive.
YOur stock radiator is three inches thick, but you still need to
change the outlets, might as well put in the stock Corvette four core
cross flow fits like it was made for it.
Your Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine may be a great choice, and
probably easier to find than a 350" or Buick.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/


eselk@surfbest.net wrote:
>
> 1948 CJ2A, drive-train is mostly original. 134 L-head engine, T-19
> trans, Dana 18 xfer, Dana 25 front/rear (or whatever the original,
> weakest, kind were). I had the engine rebuilt about 2 years ago. I'm
> having the trans and xfer case rebuilt now (I rebuilt them 2 years ago,
> with the engine, but did an awful job). I spent a ton of money on new
> springs and shocks, 11" brakes, brake master cyl, tie-rods, steering
> gear box and shaft, so would like to keep them.
>
> In about two years (or next major problem) I'm going to upgrade the
> drive-train, but want to start getting parts now. Mostly I want to be
> able to go 60 on the highway, but also it is getting harder to find
> parts. I also need a bit more power, because my jeep doesn't do well
> going up the mountains, with 4 people, and a small trailer packed with
> camping gear.
>
> I wish I could keep the T-19 trans and the Dana 18 xfer, especially
> since I'm having them rebuilt right now (by a guy who really knows what
> he is doing). However, I don't think they'll hold up well, especially
> in the hills, where I want to go (I live at 2,000, and need to get up
> to 9,000 feet to get away from the heat on the weekends).
>
> Here is the combination I'm thinking about, after research on this
> newsgroup and other places. The main thing I'm worried about is all of
> the electronics required. I've got an elec. ignition on my L-head, but
> that was cheap enough to buy a spare if I'm ever wondering if it goes
> bad (instead of having to take it to someone who can test it).
>
> Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine
> T400R Auto trans (actually I think the newer 4L60-E is what most
> recommend)
> Dana 300 xfer case, straight through model
> Dana 30 rear end, standard (not offset)
> Dana 30 front
> 3.73 gears in front and rear
>
> I was first looking at the older models, with the carbed engine and the
> non-electric auto trans. However, I think I'd run into the same
> problems with them, not being able to find parts, and I've heard that
> those were poor designs. Does anyone make a good V6 carbed engine, or
> has recently? How about an auto trans. without a computer? I guess I
> could go with manual, but I'd rather have an auto, and it seems nice
> not to mess with clutch linkages. I like the fact that this auto is an
> OD version also, since I want to cruise on the highway. I don't want
> to go over 60 though, I'm not crazy!
>
> I know I can get a carbed 350, V8, and find parts for it. However,
> that seems like more work because I have to change the radiator, and it
> doesn't fit as well (I love having lots of room to work under the
> hood).
>
> I put a 225 Buick V6 in a 1949 CJ2A I used to have. Didn't really like
> it, but I also didn't change anything else (trans, xfer, axles) and
> ended up blowing the T-19, and still had low top-speed (same gears).
>
> Any opinions greatly appreciated!

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

That's a Borg Warner T-90 you have. Which pretty strong providing
you use your head and don't try to bounce it up in a wheelie for second
gear.
The Turbo Hydro 400 is just a little too long for your 80"
wheelbase.
Stick with your Dana 25 front as it has an 7.75" ring gear as
opposed to the 7.125" in a Dana 30
Might keep you off set rear end as the Dana 18 is as strong as the
20 and 300 and can use the Warn overdrive.
YOur stock radiator is three inches thick, but you still need to
change the outlets, might as well put in the stock Corvette four core
cross flow fits like it was made for it.
Your Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine may be a great choice, and
probably easier to find than a 350" or Buick.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/


eselk@surfbest.net wrote:
>
> 1948 CJ2A, drive-train is mostly original. 134 L-head engine, T-19
> trans, Dana 18 xfer, Dana 25 front/rear (or whatever the original,
> weakest, kind were). I had the engine rebuilt about 2 years ago. I'm
> having the trans and xfer case rebuilt now (I rebuilt them 2 years ago,
> with the engine, but did an awful job). I spent a ton of money on new
> springs and shocks, 11" brakes, brake master cyl, tie-rods, steering
> gear box and shaft, so would like to keep them.
>
> In about two years (or next major problem) I'm going to upgrade the
> drive-train, but want to start getting parts now. Mostly I want to be
> able to go 60 on the highway, but also it is getting harder to find
> parts. I also need a bit more power, because my jeep doesn't do well
> going up the mountains, with 4 people, and a small trailer packed with
> camping gear.
>
> I wish I could keep the T-19 trans and the Dana 18 xfer, especially
> since I'm having them rebuilt right now (by a guy who really knows what
> he is doing). However, I don't think they'll hold up well, especially
> in the hills, where I want to go (I live at 2,000, and need to get up
> to 9,000 feet to get away from the heat on the weekends).
>
> Here is the combination I'm thinking about, after research on this
> newsgroup and other places. The main thing I'm worried about is all of
> the electronics required. I've got an elec. ignition on my L-head, but
> that was cheap enough to buy a spare if I'm ever wondering if it goes
> bad (instead of having to take it to someone who can test it).
>
> Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine
> T400R Auto trans (actually I think the newer 4L60-E is what most
> recommend)
> Dana 300 xfer case, straight through model
> Dana 30 rear end, standard (not offset)
> Dana 30 front
> 3.73 gears in front and rear
>
> I was first looking at the older models, with the carbed engine and the
> non-electric auto trans. However, I think I'd run into the same
> problems with them, not being able to find parts, and I've heard that
> those were poor designs. Does anyone make a good V6 carbed engine, or
> has recently? How about an auto trans. without a computer? I guess I
> could go with manual, but I'd rather have an auto, and it seems nice
> not to mess with clutch linkages. I like the fact that this auto is an
> OD version also, since I want to cruise on the highway. I don't want
> to go over 60 though, I'm not crazy!
>
> I know I can get a carbed 350, V8, and find parts for it. However,
> that seems like more work because I have to change the radiator, and it
> doesn't fit as well (I love having lots of room to work under the
> hood).
>
> I put a 225 Buick V6 in a 1949 CJ2A I used to have. Didn't really like
> it, but I also didn't change anything else (trans, xfer, axles) and
> ended up blowing the T-19, and still had low top-speed (same gears).
>
> Any opinions greatly appreciated!

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

That's a Borg Warner T-90 you have. Which pretty strong providing
you use your head and don't try to bounce it up in a wheelie for second
gear.
The Turbo Hydro 400 is just a little too long for your 80"
wheelbase.
Stick with your Dana 25 front as it has an 7.75" ring gear as
opposed to the 7.125" in a Dana 30
Might keep you off set rear end as the Dana 18 is as strong as the
20 and 300 and can use the Warn overdrive.
YOur stock radiator is three inches thick, but you still need to
change the outlets, might as well put in the stock Corvette four core
cross flow fits like it was made for it.
Your Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine may be a great choice, and
probably easier to find than a 350" or Buick.
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/


eselk@surfbest.net wrote:
>
> 1948 CJ2A, drive-train is mostly original. 134 L-head engine, T-19
> trans, Dana 18 xfer, Dana 25 front/rear (or whatever the original,
> weakest, kind were). I had the engine rebuilt about 2 years ago. I'm
> having the trans and xfer case rebuilt now (I rebuilt them 2 years ago,
> with the engine, but did an awful job). I spent a ton of money on new
> springs and shocks, 11" brakes, brake master cyl, tie-rods, steering
> gear box and shaft, so would like to keep them.
>
> In about two years (or next major problem) I'm going to upgrade the
> drive-train, but want to start getting parts now. Mostly I want to be
> able to go 60 on the highway, but also it is getting harder to find
> parts. I also need a bit more power, because my jeep doesn't do well
> going up the mountains, with 4 people, and a small trailer packed with
> camping gear.
>
> I wish I could keep the T-19 trans and the Dana 18 xfer, especially
> since I'm having them rebuilt right now (by a guy who really knows what
> he is doing). However, I don't think they'll hold up well, especially
> in the hills, where I want to go (I live at 2,000, and need to get up
> to 9,000 feet to get away from the heat on the weekends).
>
> Here is the combination I'm thinking about, after research on this
> newsgroup and other places. The main thing I'm worried about is all of
> the electronics required. I've got an elec. ignition on my L-head, but
> that was cheap enough to buy a spare if I'm ever wondering if it goes
> bad (instead of having to take it to someone who can test it).
>
> Chevy 4.3L V6 Vortec Engine
> T400R Auto trans (actually I think the newer 4L60-E is what most
> recommend)
> Dana 300 xfer case, straight through model
> Dana 30 rear end, standard (not offset)
> Dana 30 front
> 3.73 gears in front and rear
>
> I was first looking at the older models, with the carbed engine and the
> non-electric auto trans. However, I think I'd run into the same
> problems with them, not being able to find parts, and I've heard that
> those were poor designs. Does anyone make a good V6 carbed engine, or
> has recently? How about an auto trans. without a computer? I guess I
> could go with manual, but I'd rather have an auto, and it seems nice
> not to mess with clutch linkages. I like the fact that this auto is an
> OD version also, since I want to cruise on the highway. I don't want
> to go over 60 though, I'm not crazy!
>
> I know I can get a carbed 350, V8, and find parts for it. However,
> that seems like more work because I have to change the radiator, and it
> doesn't fit as well (I love having lots of room to work under the
> hood).
>
> I put a 225 Buick V6 in a 1949 CJ2A I used to have. Didn't really like
> it, but I also didn't change anything else (trans, xfer, axles) and
> ended up blowing the T-19, and still had low top-speed (same gears).
>
> Any opinions greatly appreciated!

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

The 700R is a nice overdrive, used in all the rear wheel drive
taxis. And might be already bolted to the engine you want to use. But
you're going to have to move your axles out to what uses an automatic
like a CJ-7's 94".
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

eselk@surfbest.net wrote:
>
> Ooops, T400R should have read "700R4" for the trans. I'm thinking of
> using. You probably figured that out from the 4L60-E model, which is
> correct.

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

The 700R is a nice overdrive, used in all the rear wheel drive
taxis. And might be already bolted to the engine you want to use. But
you're going to have to move your axles out to what uses an automatic
like a CJ-7's 94".
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

eselk@surfbest.net wrote:
>
> Ooops, T400R should have read "700R4" for the trans. I'm thinking of
> using. You probably figured that out from the 4L60-E model, which is
> correct.

Re: Opinions please, engine swap (long)
 

The 700R is a nice overdrive, used in all the rear wheel drive
taxis. And might be already bolted to the engine you want to use. But
you're going to have to move your axles out to what uses an automatic
like a CJ-7's 94".
God Bless America, Bill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/

eselk@surfbest.net wrote:
>
> Ooops, T400R should have read "700R4" for the trans. I'm thinking of
> using. You probably figured that out from the 4L60-E model, which is
> correct.