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Commando drivetrain?

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by Andy4802, Oct 10, 2007.

  1. Nov 17, 2007
    jd7

    jd7 Sponsor

    Nacogdoches,Texas
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2004
    Messages:
    1,745
    ...I was going to make this very suggestion. I knew a fella from Houston that had a 4x4 shop that perfomed this swap on a regular basis several years back. Was buying rusted out Commandos from up north and using the drivetrain and othe parts that they could. Did it on everything from MB's to CJ6 as best as I can remember. Some rear driveshafts were as short as 12" but no one seemed to have many problems if they did a double cardigan went in. Now this was down around Houston so mud running was what they saw most usage not much rocks or mountains down there. I'd say get it if you can and use it if you can make it work for your situation.of course ymmv,hth......
     
    Last edited: Nov 17, 2007
  2. Nov 19, 2007
    jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Owosso, MI
    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2006
    Messages:
    690
    If you go SBC keep in mind you are likely going to be running some multi-core custom radiator. I did an SBC swap in my YJ and cooling it has always been an issue, and I am using a YJ SBC conversion radiator with a Taurus fan. Underhood temps are ridiculous as well, I have to changes hoses and stuff much more often. With the V8 you are not going to have a lot of room for a fan and the radiator, your already going to have to hack the firewall for the distributor.

    I hope you are considering ALL of this.
     
  3. Nov 19, 2007
    Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    Hudson, Qc, Canada
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2006
    Messages:
    410
    yup. got it covered. I'm not the first do cram a SBC into a flattie so there are plenty of write ups out there on it. The rest is engineering and planning. I'm not one of those guys that has to get it all done in one weekend. i would rather take my time and do it properly.
    Decided recently that the priority will be on my waggy D44's swap and my saginaw steering conversion and i'll get to the V8 next year or the year after that... or sooner if the L-head explodes.
     
  4. Nov 19, 2007
    jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Owosso, MI
    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2006
    Messages:
    690
    Just making sure you are considering all of it, I thought I had it covered on my YJ as well, and even then I have been working kinks and bugs out for years, and I was using a larger package to put it into.

    I hope you have read the threads on Pirate of the guys that have stuffed the V6 and V8 motors into flatties with the stock frames, it has not turned out well for many. Most are making all new custom frames only a couple years later, part of the reason I swapped out my flatties good straight frame for the early 5 frame.
     
  5. Nov 19, 2007
    Andy4802

    Andy4802 Canadian Jeep junkie

    Hudson, Qc, Canada
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2006
    Messages:
    410
    I'm surprised about the YJ... there is a lot more room under the hood of one of those than there is in a flattie. it worked well with the AMC V8's in CJ's and AFAIK they arent much tougher to keep cool than SBC's are. I've seen a lot of V8 swaps into YJ's work very well.

    and yes i have read and am continuing to read write-ups on the swap. I won't need to build a new frame but i'm not afraid of modifying mine where needed. Cooling is not my main concern... it will be addressed though. Again, I'll be taking the time to plan it out, design it, and do it right the first time. :beer:
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2007
  6. Nov 19, 2007
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    Hmm - in doing the swap for over 30 years, never had to swap a Flattie frame yet...
     
  7. Nov 19, 2007
    jeepfreak81

    jeepfreak81 When in Doubt, Pedal out!

    Owosso, MI
    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2006
    Messages:
    690
    Running full width axles (waggy is close much wider then stock), V8/6 torque, and 36" tires through heavy wheeling?

    I can see not having to do it using V6 torque, and under 33" tires and smaller axles.
     
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