Using 83 wag as parts for a 79?

[Prophet159]

I have a '79 Wagoneer that I am restoring. The body and frame are in perfect rust free condition, but the engine, tranny and transfer case was not in the Wagoneer when I bought it (previous owner lost interest). The Wagoneer is missing a good amount of the electrical harness, transmission cross-member, bumper and a few other things. The engine is also missing several of the accessory drive brackets and what not. I have a chance to pick up a nearly cosmetically identical '83 for somewhat cheap that runs and drives just fine. I know the tranny/t-case and axles will be different on the '83, but I would just like to pluck the engine out along with all of the other parts in it and transplant them into mine.

Does anyone see any issues with putting an '83 360 that's mated to a different transmission than the TH400 my jeep has? Besides the transmission, any other issues I might run into?

[Stuka]

As you note, the trans and t-case will not work, neither will the axles.

But the engine will, as will lots of other stuff. Be sure to use the flex plate and such from the '79.

[REDONE]

As you note, the trans and t-case will not work, neither will the axles.

But the engine will, as will lots of other stuff. Be sure to use the flex plate and such from the '79.

May be an issue with the bushing in the crank flange, too. I've never run into that problem, but I've seen it mentioned from time to time regarding TH400 vs TF727 compatibility.

[Stuka]

As you note, the trans and t-case will not work, neither will the axles.

But the engine will, as will lots of other stuff. Be sure to use the flex plate and such from the '79.

May be an issue with the bushing in the crank flange, too. I've never run into that problem, but I've seen it mentioned from time to time regarding TH400 vs TF727 compatibility.

Ahh yes, that is different as well.

[fulsizjeep]

The T400 pilot bushing or sleeve is hard to find today. I ran some down in Florida several years ago but I can't find that source now. Looks like Novak has them here:
https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/pil ... s/j5352374

Another thing that is different from the 79 on the 83 360; The left side exhaust manifold.

[Prophet159]

Thanks for the info guys! I've been considering transplanting the entire drive train as well, but in my heart I'd like to keep the '79 a '79. Meaning keep the quadratrac and both offset axles, but a part time 4x4 setup and a more conventional axle speaks to me a little more.

I want to go look at the '83 today, maybe I end up jumping ship and restoring that one instead? My '79 is just such an excellent candidate though.

You guys are great!

[fulsizjeep]

If you lean towards running the 83 or 83 drive train, it probably has the NP229 and vacuum disconnect on the front axle. The floor hump over the tcase is also different on 73-79 vs 80-91.

[Prophet159]

I just dropped an 83 cherokee 360 into my 79 wide track cherokee. Smooth install. I did use the 79 intake and exhaust manifolds. But all other brackets and such was a direct swap. I also, as mentioned earlier in this post, used the 79 flex plate. Keep us posted on the progress.

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Sounds like it should go just fine then. I've been meaning to start a build thread on mine. It's my first vehicle restore and it's going to take a couple years to finish it as budget allows.

[Prophet159]

Well, the '83 sold this morning, bummer!