Revive an old project

Hello All!

I have been away from this forum as well as my jeep project for most of the past 2 years. Lucky for me, I have finally finished most of my home remodel, passed several of my state licensing tests and became a partner with my company. Too say the least, I have not had much free time. Additionally, the forum is better than ever and filled with more info since the last time I visited.

HOWEVER, last night, I cleared off all of the boxes and stored items atop, around and underneath my rolling chassis. I evaluated my rebuild situatuation and spent several hours searching the forum for many of the questions and unknowns associated with my project. Essentially, I got the 'jeep bug' and I want to get my project going again. Please keep in mind I am a novice and have never done a rebuild project before. My auto mechanics knowledge is limited to oil changes, minor engine tinkering, etc. Also I spent alot of time searching last night and could not find exactly the answers I was looking for. I apologize in advance if this has already been gone over. If so, can you link me to the thread?

Here is where I stand: I bought a 58 CJ5 three years ago. The original hurricane was toasted so I decided for total rebuild upon searching this site and several other internet resources for info, etc. I have a rebuilt late model 231+SM420+D18+overdrive all mated together. I have a rolling resto'ed frame with rear 44 and front 30 with a 2.5 inch BDS lift. I have Mcruff's saginaw swap plates and Novak Motor mounts. I need to mount the drivetrain and complete the saginaw swap so I can get the tub on again and make it look something like a Jeep.

Question 1: Should I purchase stock 231 manifolds to accomodate the steering/engine swap? Or is there an aftermarket set of headers I can purchase for increased engine performance. I do not want side/rocker panel/outside the frame dumps. The reason I am asking this, I am assuming I will need to have the manifold on and the saginaw box/swap in before I am able to mount the drivetrain.

Question 2: I remember reading about having to put some drop spacers in on the transfercase cross member when installing a drivetrain like mine. Is this correct? I realize it will have to be moved rearward.

Question 3: Is there a forum member in the Sacramento/Roseville area that is willing to give me advice on how to best mount my drivetrain properly? I have a fridge filled with beer or soda.

I appreciate all the info I get. Thanks, Paul

 

The steering plates for the saginaw mount are the ones I designed years ago, you can look at my photobucket account in the saginaw files for pictures. The leading edge of the mount needs to be about 5" from the front edge of the frame and roughly flush with the top edge of the frame. The transmission crossmember will need to be lowered about 1" from the frame rails. The stock rear facing 231 exhaust manifolds will work with saginaw, not ross steering though. The saginaw mount can be welded to the frame 1st, then put the motor mounts in and locate them, and yes have the manifolds on the motor when you're locating the mounts. I think firefighter mike still has a stock set of v6 mounts for a cj5 frame that are in good shape. I would use stock if you can as they are easier to locate, you might pm him and find out.

Oh and welcome back!!!!!!!!!!

 

Welcome back to the land of the living Paul!

 

I agree with Mike
the stock V6 frame mounts make the job a lot easier.
what I used on my Jeep

 

clarification:
although they make mounting the engine easier, they can pose a challenge for the routing of the lower steering shaft to the box. Sometimes, the mount (drivers) needs to be modified for steering shaft clearance. This can be done in several ways, depending on the clearance issue(s).
Did not want to mislead anyone.

 

Hi

Don't have a lot of experience with fabraction but may be able to help on other areas.
Still rebuilding my jeep from a 6 year lay off. Installing all new brake lines this weekend.
Hope to see you on the trail soon.

 

I have a 231 and sm 465 in my 71'. I live in San Jose and am heading up to go wheeling in mid August. I have some pics that may help.