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Discussion in 'Jeepster Commando and Commando Tech' started by 72kansascommando, Mar 8, 2006.

  1. 72kansascommando

    72kansascommando New Member

    I am new to the boards and I have a 72 light blue Bullnose.
    I am in the first stages of restoring the commando.

    So far I have rewired the dash, lights.
    new gas tank and fuel sending unit.
    new radiator with custom reinforced radiator bracket.
    New in dash Cd player.

    I would like to get a chevy 350 with tranfer case and transmission out of an
    88-91 suburban or silverado.

    Has anyone done this yet.
     
    72kansascommando, Mar 8, 2006
    #1
  2. eddyt

    eddyt Member

    Hey , welcome from VA
     
    eddyt, Mar 8, 2006
    #2
  3. mb82

    mb82 I feel great!

    Welcome from central Va. Nope I personally have not done this swap but I bet a few people here know what all is involved on a Commando.
     
    mb82, Mar 8, 2006
    #3
  4. Jeepsterman

    Jeepsterman I had a beer with Panzer.

    Welcome from SE Michigan. Haven't done the swap, but I am thinking there will be a little fab work to do. Transmission crossmember is the first thing that comes to mind. Motor mounts can probably be had from Advanced Adapters or the like. Would be an interesting swap. What motor do you have now? Might look into an AMC V-8 as you could get those from the factory.
     
    Jeepsterman, Mar 8, 2006
    #4
  5. bullnose72

    bullnose72 New Member

    Welcome from south of boston, sorry no strong tech support from me, I tend to just suck it all in. whats the original package? engine tranny combo.
     
    bullnose72, Mar 8, 2006
    #5
  6. Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Welcome, from the Cape
     
    Chuck, Mar 8, 2006
    #6
  7. 72kansascommando

    72kansascommando New Member

    I have a AMC 304 v8, th400 transmission
    original transfercase.

    I think I would love to do this because my friend had done it in several of his vehicles (not jeeps). and I think a late 80's fuel injected 350 is a super reliable engine that is easy to find parts for.
     
    72kansascommando, Mar 9, 2006
    #7
  8. speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Welcome aboard! Any pics of your rig?
     
    speedbuggy, Mar 9, 2006
    #8
  9. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Welcome from Boston!

    Can't argue that the parts for a Chevy are cheap and available. There's nothing wrong with the AMC V8 though, and you can add TBI using the MegaSquirt or a kit from several suppliers. That'll be cheaper initially. Not sure that it's worth it for all the niggling things you have to change. Stock tends to be more reliable than custom, at least for some significant shakedown period. Plus you have the 304, and it's in the car ...

    Generally the pickup truck transfer cases are too wide and long, esp. in a CJ. Length might be ok in a Commando, but I think the TC won't fit between the center and the frame rail - too narrow. You can use the TH400 if you change the case to a Chevy pattern. Put the tailshaft from your AMC pattern TH400 in a Chevy TH400, or put the guts from your AMC TH400 in a Chevy case and use a Chevy convertor - walla, a very neat conversion with no changes from the bell back. The SBC will sit in the same location, you'll need to fab the motormounts, radiator outlets, etc.
     
    timgr, Mar 9, 2006
    #9