The project that will probably kill me.

Okay, I've had this thing for ten years and I started it, then we moved, it got packed up in boxes, later unpacked, ignored, played with, ignored again, cussed at, ignored again, and finally it's time to mess with it some more. This is what I'm starting with, again.......

And I removed this.......

And I'm replacing with this.....




That's a 4.3, SM465, and a set of dodge axles that I'm going to have cut down a little. I've read the 4.3 info on here and I can see that many of you are very sharp with this swap so I'm sure that I'm in good hands here. That's a Willys Overland replitub with all of the willys stamps and the windshield frame, fenders and all are in the barn. I can't look at this thing any longer, I have to get it on the road. I normally wheel a YJ (for at least the last couple of years) so I want to have something else fun to play with. I will be ordering Novak's transmission to transfer case adapter the end of this week. So that's where I'm at. Thanks in advance for all of my questions.

Randy
SlpDeprivd@aol.com

 

sounds and looks good... good luck

 

What is the purpose of clocking the T-case and what do you gain?

 

Another question, for those of you that have done this swap. How far back does the 4.3 and 465 move the T-case? And secondly, how short is my rear Driveshaft going to get? I'm asking so that I know what I can do as far as tire size.

Thanks,
Randy

 

I had a T15 D18 (?) and went to 465 D300 and gained 5.5 inches. My drive shaft is short enough that I had to go to a CV. With the SOA my rear shaft is 16.5" IIRC.

 

Only reason I was asking, was I still have not decided on what I can get away with for tire size and suspension details. Basically, I think I'm going to install the drivetrain and then begin measuring and use my 5 dollar Home Depot angle finder and figure out how low I can go with the driveshaft being as short as it is. Advance Driveline says much more than 22 degrees and you've got a loaded bombshell when the rear springs unload. And that's with a CV shaft. I just thought I'd throw that question out there. I would hate to guess on something when I know that most of you have already figured this stuff out.

Thanks again,
Randy

 

Well, SM465 to Spicer 18 adapter comes in tomorrow with all the extras. That will make for a good project Saturday. Tomorrow I'm ordering the motor mounts. If all goes well, I'll have a rolling drivetrain!!

 

Allright, got a new obstacle. The new mainshaft and adapter plate is in place, but I have a couple of mounts that came with this kit and I'm not sure how and where they go.





Do I keep the stock transfer case doughnut mount or do I relocate that, and do the two circular doughnut mounts that bolt to the adapter go through the center of the crossmember or on the back of it? The other mount with the aluminum spacer, what is that for?

Thanks for the help!
Randy

 

I see that adapter isn't from Novak.

On the Novak adapter the mount bolts to the bottom of the adapter plate. Is there holes there for the mount?

Here is what I did for my mount.

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Yes, there are holes in the bottom of the adapter and supplied screws for them.

 

I see yours worked out well, however, the holes in the bottom of my adapter are about 8 inches apart. I was kind of thinking about mounting the adapter using the round mounts and mounting it to the center of the crossmember and then fabricating something to support the doughnut on the t-case. The T-case support would be about two inches behind the mounting location on the case. I would also have to move my crossmember back a little on the frame to get it to line up. I don't mind doing all of this but I just would like some input to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

Thanks again,
Randy

 

Well, we spent the July 4th weekend camping at Sebastian Inlet but I did get the motor mounts in this week and had a little progress. This weekend will be spent making an attempt at lining everthing up and making it all fit. The biggest obstacle is that I have a body, a frame, and a engine/transmission and figuring out where it all needs to go. I don't want to cut more body than I need to for the transmission/t-case handles, but I want to have enough to shift. One thing's for sure, there's gonna be alot of head scratchin' here this weekend!


Randy

 

Well, I'd like to start off by saying 'Thank you' to all who have taken the time to answer my questions. I know I've had many and I also know that it's not over with, but regardless, Thank you. I found out after I made my last post that I had to have the headers bolted on before I could get anything lined up. Here's an updated pic from yesterday. Motor mounts are now welded in, tranny mount is complete, and on to the wiring of the 4.3.


Randy

 

That tub is so clean! Stock or repop? Looks good!

 

Repli-tub from Willys Overland in Toledo. I would love to tell you that I have the patience to restore a rusted out original tub, but I'd be lying. I track the odometer right now by feet, not miles. I've had it for 2 1/2 years and I think it has about 150 feet on it. It's moved from the shop to the carport. I painted it with Massey Ferguson red with a HVLP gun. It's not perfect, but it doesn't look too bad. Thanks for the compliment!

Randy