The new update starts in the post before this one...
Where do we go from here:
Next on the list is to finish the drivers cab corner replacement, and then get the body lifted and onto the dolly. Once thats done I am going to tear apart the running gear and strip the frame. Im currently looking at the rancho 2.5"lift with rockys front shackle reversal for a total of 4.5 inches. That should put me right about where is sits currently.
At the moment there are literally 4 different spring packs under the truck so someone made an effort to fix the eneveness before my time. i figure best to start with new springs at this point...It needs new shocks and the brake lines are getting replaced as well. Im also putting new bushings and probably replacing the steering shaft as it appears mine is slightly bent...
Im not sure which product to go with but I think Im going to follow Stode82's lead and do the positrac locks in the diffs
My dad used to work for Central Florida Gas and he called in a favor for me in reguards to the frame being stripped. Since the pipeline repair and maintainence crews run sand blasters on there trucks my old boss (yes my dad used to make me work as a back hoe spotter during the summers in florida) is going to come to the shop and blast the frame for me when i am ready. They have some pretty heavy duty rigs with diesel air comp trailers and big boy sand blasters beacuse of striping the giant meter stations, so it will be a fairly boring job for him, but worth a mint to myself.
The powertrain plan is currently as follows but I have a few snag/variable factors that keep me awake at night.
If anyone has any feedback on this line up please chime in. Just remember Im trying to stay simple, manual everything, no computer, and as minimal electronics as possible.
Blueprint Engines - 383 Stroker - roller cam/roller rocker - 420HP / 410Trq
Muncie - Sm465 - 4 speed - 6.55:1 - 3.58:1 - 1.70:1 - 1:1 essintially a 3 speed with granny 1st gear
New Process - NP208 - 2.68:1 low range ratio -
Dana 44 front/AMC 20 rear axles - 3.31 gearing
The Engine is overkill, but I dont care. Everytime I say the words "383 Stroker" I get a Great Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley MoogleyGreat Googley Moogley eating grin...and like it or not there is value to that. :3gears:
The tranny and transfer combo need an adapter, but they are everywhere down here, and cheap! The over all length is very close to to current. Without the fifth gear housing the SM465 and adapter fit the void left over nicely. This combo also keeps my clutch linkage mechanical. I realize that hydraulic is considered better but since the jeep is currently mechanical linkage, having to change out and fit a different pedal assembly, run lines, and add the cylinder assembly just scares me...
With the combined Low range ratios the Jeeps "crawl" ratio hits right at 60:1 with my current gearing. I have no intention to trying to scale walls but i do want to be able to feel confident on the trails when im using it for off road fun. I reallize 60:1 isnt the most ideal but its tuff, and a good blend for my usage of mixed road and off road. If im honest... this thing will get putted around town, Ill light it up every now and then on a backroad, and it will get trailerd to the mountains a couple/three times a year for trail riding events. I would like to one day run it across alaska as well but we wont get into that dream yet...
So drive shaft work could be needed but I have a very good friend that runs a drive shaft business 3 minutes from the shop so thats nice. :thumbup:
A couple other combos floatin around in my head are
383 sbc - NV4500 - ? T-case - (every way I run this I get a better/smoother trans, but would need a different drop front axle to pair wih the available t-cases (pre 79 J-trucks axle is only fit availible), hydraulic change over, and body floor cutting and modifiying to fit it. All for 5th gear that Im probably never going to use)(Im sure someone will point out that the NV and NP units bolt up...so why not keep the NP208??? the only spline count that works is the one out of a gasoline(no diesel) 2500 dodge truck from the late 90's...Good luck finding that combo and bring your checkbook when you do)(cost of switching the shafts is ridiculous and out of budget)
383 sbc - NV435 - NP205 -this ones tempting...drill and tap two holes on the trans tabs and, all though a ford trans, it bolts right up to the SBC bell housing. The NP205 is driver drop so the axles stay the same but its got a whimpy low gear at around 1.92:1...it is a cast iron housing but im never gonna slam this thing in the rocks so that kinda washes...hydraulic switchover is needed
but no adapters and basicly the same length as the current set up.
SO thats what i got for now... Im fighting daily with whether or not to go with blue exterior and the nutmeg interior or keep the vintage metallic red with the nutmeg...another day for that decesion... Im thinking the vintage red at this point...with the same scallop design as it had before but with a color relating to the nutmeg...
Any advice or insight into the above listed powertrain rambling would be appreciated.
:thumbup:
JP
If you wanna see what the "Doghouse" has been doing latly to keep me from the Jeep this link should fill you in....
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/show ... p?t=200204