FSJ Rebuild

Area to show off your Custom Build threads.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Hey everyone, I'm in the beginning stages of a frame off rebuild of a 78 Cherokee Chief W/T, this thing has 56K on it and virtually no rust except a little (You Know Where). I have bought almost everything for a complete frame off rebuild/restore, where I stopped is at the axles and drivetrain, it has a 4" lift and 17" wheels and 33.9" tires, 360 thats in perfect shape, TH400 and Quadra Trac with the 2 to 4 wheel conversion, they leak a bit. I'm looking to put in a 401, a transmission with OD and transfer case to fit, I have a Pro Flow 4 for the 360 and new rear gas tank with fuel pump also. I don't want to go LS conversion on this one, going to stick with the new 401, can anyone give me some advice on the 401, fuel system, trany, transfer case and gear ratios (true track in back and e locker in front? It has 3.54 gears and lock outs now). I'm doing this from overseas right now with the help of a friend back home and any input would be helpful!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

akguy09
Posts: 301
Joined: Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:11 am
Location: Ellicott, Colorado

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by akguy09 »

That looks really nice as is
1979 Jeep J-10 304/T-18
2017 Jeep JK 2DR
2021 PowerWagon
User avatar

devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by devildog80 »

Nice truck to start with.

Not much expert advice I can relay, but recently rescued a '84 Grand Wagoneer from the desert that sat for 18 years, and it has the 401, 727 auto, and Selectrac 229 TC.

If you can find a D300 TC, to mate up with your OD trans, that would be a better combination. Gets you the 4 wheel drive stick in the floor, but a much more reliable 4x4 system.

The existing carb setup on mine (was brought over from the 360 engine the 401 replaced) is the MC2150 w/altitude compensator, and probably will work ok, but CFM is only about half of what the 401 should have on it for best performance.
I have a 4 bbl OEM intake to put on some day, and considering quadrajet carb.

Have fun with your project, and keep updates coming.

If you are overseas related to a service enlistment, thanks for your service :)
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

akguy09 wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 9:05 am That looks really nice as is
Yea it's nice to start with and hard to find them in this shape, it was a New Mexico rig a guys mother had inside all the time.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

devildog80 wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 9:30 am Nice truck to start with.

Not much expert advice I can relay, but recently rescued a '84 Grand Wagoneer from the desert that sat for 18 years, and it has the 401, 727 auto, and Selectrac 229 TC.

If you can find a D300 TC, to mate up with your OD trans, that would be a better combination. Gets you the 4 wheel drive stick in the floor, but a much more reliable 4x4 system.

The existing carb setup on mine (was brought over from the 360 engine the 401 replaced) is the MC2150 w/altitude compensator, and probably will work ok, but CFM is only about half of what the 401 should have on it for best performance.
I have a 4 bbl OEM intake to put on some day, and considering quadrajet carb.

Have fun with your project, and keep updates coming.

If you are overseas related to a service enlistment, thanks for your service :)
I looked up what you where talking about and thats good Info, the D300 was made by Atlas from what I read and the the post said thee Atlas II is just as good if not better if you don't have a D300 core to work with, I can mate it to a 4L60E up to a 4L80E which is mate-able to the 401, everyone here was right about these rebuilds, figure out the cost then triple it but is sure is fun until the wife finds out what your doing! :shock: Thanks for the Info!!
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.
User avatar

devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by devildog80 »

Just thinking.....the D300 powers off the passenger side, and my '84 NP229 powers off the drivers side.

Might need to change the front axle to accommodate the D300 TC?

Remembered reading this somewhere!
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

devildog80 wrote: Tue Jun 14, 2022 10:27 am Just thinking.....the D300 powers off the passenger side, and my '84 NP229 powers off the drivers side.

Might need to change the front axle to accommodate the D300 TC?

Remembered reading this somewhere!
This one is driven from the passenger side so it should be ok, Thanks!
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.
User avatar

devildog80
Posts: 1069
Joined: Wed Apr 13, 2022 2:41 pm
Location: Apache Junction AZ

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by devildog80 »

Oh you are in the clear then.

Onward with the project :)
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

will e
Posts: 5096
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:21 am

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by will e »

What are your usage plans? Daily driver, mild trails, camping rig, rocks, mud, etc. This will help provide advice on the tranny/transfer case combo opinions.

Take a look at grimmjeeper's gear ratio calculator: http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html
It's the best around and actually owned by one of our own members.

Nice looking rig!
81 Waggy 'WILL E' Retired
82 Cherokee WT - SOA/SF/high steer/Alcan springs/agr box/Borgeson steering shaft/AMC 401/performer/holley TA/HEI/BeCool/727/ALTAS (2.0/2.72/5.44)/D60 Snofighter(Yukon Zip,hubs,stubs,4.56)/14 Bolt (FF,BF shave, Discs, ARB,Artec Truss)/MTR 37X12.5/Corbeau XRS Baja & 5 point retractable harness/Hella Aux lights/tuffy console/killer32 sliders/Evil Twin bumpers, rack and roll cage/WARN 8000/TT Fabworks steering brace/dual batts/custom TC skid plate/ARB fridge

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

It will be my take it out once in a while and go to town or take some trails, I'm not going for the extreme rock climbing or mudding. We get a lot of snow in the winter in Northern MN and there are not a lot of big hills to climb but if I'm in a spot with others I don't want it to be the weak link, In other words I'm not going to beat on it to hard. Nice Ride with a great 4 wheel drive that people say Wow, you don't see them like this anymore!
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

OH and thanks for the link, this is great info and good to have, putting this together with the knowledge of most of you who have been threw all this makes for a good plan in my eyes....
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Some Updates
47AC33A8-515D-4359-976D-7823EA68ED86_1_106_c.jpeg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by Jevman on Tue Jul 04, 2023 6:12 am, edited 1 time in total.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Slow but sureImage
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Image
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Image
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Transfer case is being gone threw, AMC 360 the same thing and putting on the Pro Flow 4, going to fit everything with the 360 then change it out later after the AMC 401, 400 HP is finished (several months out). Wife is working on the upholstery in her own time. Body Shop will be picking everything up in a few days to touch up the sand blasting and start the body and paint works
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

will e
Posts: 5096
Joined: Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:21 am

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by will e »

Looking good! I am not an expert but I believe the flexplate is on the wrong side of the engine. ;)

If you are keeping the headers you might consider getting some stage 8 locking fasteners. I've used them in my Mustang for the headers and they prevent the bolts from backing out. I even put a set on the valve covers because I have always had a problem with those backing out as well.
81 Waggy 'WILL E' Retired
82 Cherokee WT - SOA/SF/high steer/Alcan springs/agr box/Borgeson steering shaft/AMC 401/performer/holley TA/HEI/BeCool/727/ALTAS (2.0/2.72/5.44)/D60 Snofighter(Yukon Zip,hubs,stubs,4.56)/14 Bolt (FF,BF shave, Discs, ARB,Artec Truss)/MTR 37X12.5/Corbeau XRS Baja & 5 point retractable harness/Hella Aux lights/tuffy console/killer32 sliders/Evil Twin bumpers, rack and roll cage/WARN 8000/TT Fabworks steering brace/dual batts/custom TC skid plate/ARB fridge

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

The Flex plate on that side of the motor I though would balance it out more! 😀

I am going to buy the locking fasteners for the headers but i did't know they made them for the covers, I will have to look them up! The 360 is very sound with great compression so it's getting a bunch of goodies and a facelift, I'll use it to put everything together, drive it and tweek things util the 401 is finished up, gives me a good engine for my other Cherokee. Any recommendations on valve covers?
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.

sierrablue
Posts: 1208
Joined: Wed Nov 30, 2022 8:02 pm
Location: MN/CO

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by sierrablue »

Looking good!

What's with the antenna on the driver's side cowl? The would drive me crazy for one thing, and for another thing I've never seen any with it on the driver's side. And based on the firewall, it's always been left hand drive...weird.

BTW love the colors--we have an '84 2-door Chief that has the black and white livery :D
'71 Wagoneer (DD)
-B350 (HEI, iron 4-barrel, Edelbrock 1406), TH400, D20
-'74 D44 front (nonpower discs)
-custom headliner
-Front shoulder belts (rears eventually)

viewtopic.php?t=23070

There are 2 major differences between new Wranglers and FSJs. FSJs are meant to be both utilitarian and capable, not just capable. FSJs are also rarely initially recognized as Jeeps by the average American.

Topic author
Jevman
Posts: 113
Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:21 pm
Location: NW Minnesota

Re: FSJ Rebuild

Post by Jevman »

Must have been an option or the workers on the right side of the line in the factory went on strike that day because there was no mirror either on the right side. Antenna is going away, digital antenna is going in. Old stock wag mirror bases restored with new 87-91 Jaguar uppers (electric & heated) are going on it, Jag mirrors are the same as the jeep except the bases are different angle.
78 Cherokee Chief W/T, 4" lift, 35x12.5R17 BFG TA's KO2's, 401, 700r4, Atlas II 3.0:1, 4.56, Pro Flow 4, CVF Serpentine System, E-Locker front, True Trac rear, Dakota Digital, Hydroboost Power Steering and Brake System, rear wheel disc conversion, E-Stopp Elec Brake Systm.
Post Reply