Front Clip Swap

I have done some searching but am coming up empty handed. I was wondering if the 75 and up front nose will bolt up on an early Cj6? I look the looks of the shorter nose better but I am wanting to put a 4.0 in my 6 and from what I can tell it is not possible with the shorter nose without some serious firewall modifications.

 

No, not without moving the front axle forward.

Why are you stuck on the 4.0L? A 4.3L Chevy V6 would be a much easier fit.

 

I was pretty set on it because I already have the 4.0 w/ trans that I had swapped into my Scout that and I am not having any luck finding a wrecked Blazer or S10. I may end up just tubing out the front end then which I did not want to do but this is a low buck wheeler and I am having a hard time finding a donor for a 4.3 or I was considering a 22re

 

you could do a 72-75 grille swap or even a postal grille to gain some cooling room.
Takes some work but it's doable.

 

Well it looks like I might have another option. I was talking to a friend of mine and his dad is wanting to trade his old rusted out Chevy that runs great for my old rusted out Bronco that runs like crap. Anyone have any good pics of a SBC installed, I have been searching but can't find any good pics.

 

Here is mine mocked up. I have good clearence against the firewall and room up front for a rad and a pusher fan between the rad and grill. I have to cut the grill a few inches, the engine has a 68 and back short water pump on it. There is no way you could make a long water pump work in my opinion.

 

Any good auto salvage yard should have some 4.3's, if not
they can locate one in a few minutes.

 

Trust me I know any swap can end up being expensive. I have a ton of parts and am pretty good at making stuff work that probably shouldn't. Keep sending the pics.

 

Everything later then CJ is the wrong side drop.

 

I have a set of XJ axles, Ford axles, Waggy axles, and Chevy axles so I can make about anything work. I just came up with a 302 to and I already had a c6 and np208 in the barn. I am new to these Jeeps but not 4x4's and I have accumulated a lot of parts over the years so now I am just down to deciding between a 302, 350, 4.0 (pretty well ruled out), and maybe a 22re. I am really leaning towards the V8 though just can't decide between 302 which I think will be easier engine wise but will require an axle swap. Or I can do the 350 and leave the stock axles for the summer and swap them this winter.

 

I'm not a Ford fan but the 302 is a good candidate. Problem is the C-6 and 208 is LONG. Better get your tape measure out. The Chev motor would be the path of least resistance if you use the short water pump and associated bracketry. You don't need to cut the firewall as some do. Glad to hear you're deciding against the 4.0. It's a great motor with plenty of torque and great longevity (I have 2 XJ's with 'em) but there is a reason Jeep stretched the nose in '72, to fit the I-6.

Also, which XJ axles do you have? If the Dana 35, I wouldn't waste the time to swap that in. If it's the hard to find '87 Dana 44 then that is a good candidate. The Chrysler 8.25 isn't bad in a lightweight Jeep either.

 

I have an 8.25 and a D30, but I am thinking if I go that route I will put a 8.8 out of an exploder. I am going to try to finish up the body work today and get the tub back on then it will be time to finally decide.

 

Well I have decided on a 302. I was worried about the length till I measured on my Fullsize Bronco which is only 4" more wheelbase and it has a rear driveshaft that is probably close to 30" long. So even if I get down to a stock CJ5 rear driveshaft length I shouldn't have any problems and I don't forsee it being that short. My goal is to have the motor, trans, and t-case in over the next two weeks. I will either keep updating this thread or start a build thread. So as of now plans are carbed 302 till winter then I will go FI, C6, np208, D30 front with 8.8 rear, full cage and 33's probably just a spring over lift gonna try stock springs with anti wrap bars and see how that does first.

 

You have a small block C-6? Those were kinda rare back in the day... sure it isn't a C-4? Just wondering......

 

You can't just go by wheel base alone. The full size Bronco has the engine bay pushed forward over the front axle much more than the CJ's 81" wheel base so the drivetrain is pushed farther forward in the full size Bronco.
You sure the Bronco has an 85" wheelbase? That's only about an inch longer than an Intermediate CJ-5.... I could maybe see a Bronco 2 being there...