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mystery drivetrain

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by nyejos11, Nov 21, 2004.

  1. Nov 22, 2004
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    would be 1966-1971 Commandos
     
  2. Nov 23, 2004
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    The Commando's with V-6 and TH-400 did come with a two piece drive shaft with a carrier just like JPFlat2a's diagram shows. However, the carrier bearing was actually supported by a bracket that came off the shift linkage, not off of the frame. If yours had one off the frame then it was one someone made up for clearance. I had one like that on the Race Jeep for awhile for clearance of the scattershield. Lots of the guys and gals I race with is set up like that as it allows the motor and trans to sit lower in the frame. Works good. Just more maintenance and more stuff in the way is all. Nickmil.
     
  3. Nov 23, 2004
    nyejos11

    nyejos11 Member

    Emmaus, PA
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    Dec 17, 2003
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    That being the case, what would you do assuming there is no front shaft? The cheapest simplest way always appeals to me.
    Josh
     
  4. Nov 23, 2004
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Most people do away with the two piece system and go with a single piece skinny drive shaft. Do you have room to run a smaller diameter shaft or is it already very small? I'd be careful about grinding the pan rail away If you can avoid it. If you go too far, junk tranny case. Can you post some pics? might be helpful if we can see what you're working with. This is exactly the reason why it's very difficult to put a 700r4 overdrive tranny in a Jeep with right hand front output. Nickmil.
     
  5. Nov 23, 2004
    nyejos11

    nyejos11 Member

    Emmaus, PA
    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2003
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    Sorry don't have a camera, spent all that money on Jeep parts.
    It already is fairly small, probably just over an inch where it come close to the trans. I think I am going to try to go with the two piece system for a couple of reasons. For one this is what the setup originally had, it had to work(Commando, V6, auto trans). Also, I cant see any way of getting around the trans. Many other cars and trucks use a double or even triple linked driveshafts and they work. Heck, I've seen 18 wheelers with 3-4 driveshafts linked together. I think making it work is in the angles and maintenance (ie) greasing often. Any other ideas?

    Josh
     
  6. Nov 24, 2004
    mnbubba

    mnbubba New Member

    Duluth, MN
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    May 10, 2004
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    47
    I have the drive train out of a commando in my 71 CJ-5. V-6, TH-400 and D-20. I will take a few pictures of my front drive shaft tonight when I get home. I have no clearance problems at all. I bought the Jeep this way so I have no idea what they did to correct the clearance issues.
     
  7. Nov 24, 2004
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    This may seem wierd, but can't you just move the tail end of the TH400 toward the driver's side a bit? That would make more room between the TH400 and front driveshaft. Cars don't neccessarily have to have the engine centered in the chassis - a shift left or right 2 or 3 inches doesn't seem to matter.

    Also, somehow the Intermediate TH400 Commandos had a one-piece driveshaft (according to Jim's post). There's not that much difference in the chassis - how was that done?
     
  8. Nov 24, 2004
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    By shifting the rear over you only gain at the rear of the pan rail. It may be enough, may not, but worth investigating. The intermediates were shifted towards the driver's side to accomodate the drive shaft- engine and all as compared to the early's. Many of the early's could be switched over but some couldn't due to clearance issues. Depended on suspension lift and other factors. Nickmil.
     
  9. Nov 24, 2004
    nyejos11

    nyejos11 Member

    Emmaus, PA
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    Dec 17, 2003
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    384
    If you shift the rear of the trans to the driver's side 2-3 inches the rear driveshaft would not match up. I don't think the ujoints could handle that much of an angle considering the rear driveshaft is only like a foot long. I'll try moving it around some more and see what I come up with.
    Josh
     
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