M38A1 versus Chevy 4.3

So I finally got back to working (or at least trying to) on my A1 today and as always, it's fighting me all the way. This Jeep just doesn't want to have Herm's Saginaw kit and a Chevy engine at the same time. I suspect it doesn't want either one.

As she sits, the steering box is sitting right where the pump should. Herm suggested "slotting" the pump mount so it could be moved higher but it's not possible due to the design of the mount. As the engine sits, the pump would need to be moved up at least 3-4". I am right back to thinking the engine/tranny/etc. has to be moved to accomodate Herm's steering setup. Considering how much effort went into getting the engine exactly where I wanted it, it's going to be painful to do so. I may have no choice though.

It would be much nicer to buy a pump mount which will put it higher on the engine but I've had no luck finding one. I talked to March Performance a few minutes ago and no luck with them...

Anyone know of a mount I could use to get this pump where I want it? I don't want to attempt to fabricate a mount....

I figgered this was the last shot before the Jeep gets torn down (again).

TIA!
mruta

 

Chevy used this one piece wrap around mount on their small blocks and v-6 in 88 and 89. In 90 they changed it to a more substantial aluminum mount, one for each side. Better mount but it still mounts the pump low. You may want to consider looking at an older style small block mount. The Chevy heads have 3 mounting holes. The mount you have mounts to those holes. The older mounts mount in the same holes. I think they had high and low steering pump location mounts. This would require getting the alternator mount from the same donor and probably going to a v-belt rather than the serpentine although with some adjustments you may be able to keep the serpentine. The pumps should mount the same but you may need to space the mount to line up the belt.

 

Build your own brackets and put it wherever you want. It'll be a lot easier to do that than move the engine.....

 

What about something off an older SBC?

 

Wonder it that bracket would be usable if you mounted in front of the crossmember? I sure wouldn't want to move the motor if I had it right.

 

Mortten, I think you've saved my day! After reading what you wrote, I double checked the bracket I took off a '91 engine. I swear I tested it out before but I must not have. The aluminum bracket off of the newer engine is the one to use. I'm a little embarrassed that I had part of the solution right in front of me all this time.

Even with the new bracket, it appears that the engine still needs to be moved back. I guess I can't be too suprised since I did all I could to move the engine as far forward as possible in order to keep the rear driveshaft as long as I could.

Another added benefit of moving it back is that I should have more clearance for a steering shaft universal joint at the box. I might even be able to use the rag joint that came with the box. The mounts are only tacked in place right now so it shouldn't become too big of a project I hope...

As for the earlier mount, they also appear to mount the box pretty low and it would require changing the mounts/pulleys for all of the engine driven accessories.

 

It can only be mounted behind the crossmember. This is the reason I wanted to use it. I want to keep the area in front of the grille "clean" other than adding a winch later on. The A1 has a hinged grille which would most likely become non-functional with the "traditional" style Saggy swap. It's a small detail, but it's an important one to me.

During the engine placement, I marked the frame in one inch increments near the engine mounts. This should make it fairly simple to relocate now that I'm about 98% sure where it needs to go.

 

If you find that you can't use the aluminum bracket here is a company to try. They make all different configurations of bracketry.
http://hotrodlane.cc/

 

If all else fails:
http://www.performancechrome.com/en-us/dept_496.html