shortnose CJ5 with V8

X2 on all of this if you are only going to run around 33's. The Ford 44 is driver's side diff but you will need something with passenger side diff. I tend to get a little carried away in the axle dept because I am used to people building their rigs to run tires around 44". If you can find some wide track axles out of a later CJ, that would be your best bet for 33's. Or, like it was said, out of a Scout or something wider than a CJ but not as wide as a full size. It all depends on what you are able to round up.

 

If you want D44s, Wagoneer axles will probably be the cheapest, and aren't absurdly wide like the Chevy truck axles.

 

That is the main reason I was going to get the axles out of the one I was looking at. I don't know how it ended up going to D60/14 bolt on 42" tsl's. I guess the best advice is to be careful, PROJECTS CAN SOME TIMES GET OUT OF HAND.

 

yeah i wasn't thinking about D60. that would be way overkill for what i'm planning.

mmhhh......i was just offered a wagoneer D44 for free the other day.

so it seems that most of you agree on/favor:

Engine: chevy 4.3L

Axles: D30/D44 or wagoneer D44's


so what would most of you agree on for a tranny and t-case behind a 4.3???

 

SM420 seems to be the hot ticket right now with a D300 tcase.

 

I would definately go with a D300 if you could find one. The SM420 should work for ya. Personally, I can't really say because if I am building a manual, I am usually gonna be building it stock. Most of the trail rigs I have built or helped build we have put gone with a 350/D300 (have to had to have an adapter) or just a 350/205. Or if you can get the....... almost went overboard again.

 

IIRC the SM420 is longer than the SM465 combo; looks like the length is limited by the bulge in the side of the SM420, requiring the long adapter and spud shaft so that the TC/driveshaft won't interfere with the bulge. A T18 (shorter) or NP435 would be suitable too - mating the Ford 4-speeds with GM bells isn't hard http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/ford_to_gm.htm
<edit> Correction - looking at the SM420 to D300 kit, it is a replacement mainshaft kit and the D300 must not interfere with the case bulge. The D18 and D20 use a spud shaft kit.

The D20 is cheaper and more available than the D300, though it has less reduction in low range.

 

OK,
I took a 63CJ stock and put in the following:
350SBC, Twin 18 transfer case, SM465, Electric fuel pump, 600 edelbrock, aluminum intake, heavy duty alternator, hooker headers, Dana 27 front and Dana 44 rear with 4:27 gears. Running BFG 33" all around. Glass body, dual electric fans, 4 core radiator, and original frame. Some of the problems
I ran into include the following:
Shorten rear drive shaft and lengthen front shaft-SM465 is longer tranny.
Adapter for tranny including new output shaft.
Remount engine mounts including transfer case mounts.
Relocated fuel tank to rear of vehicle (used to be under seat).
Relocated oil filter adapter-steering linkage in way.
All in all, year project with a lot of labor involved. I would do it all over again but change the steering and convert the brakes, that is next step.
Dana

 

that is sweet. doesn't look like your rear driveshaft suffered to much. how long is it???

did you move the axles forward/backward at all???

about how many inches is there between the pulley and the electric fans, and the back of the engine and firewall???

i also won't be running the drum e-brake on the driveshaft. i hate drums. i've recently done the disc swap on my wifes TJ, and am hunting parts to do it to my XJ. my CJ will also be sporting discs when i get done with it.

i'll also be removing the gas tank in exchange for a small 10gallon fuel cell.

i've been playing with the idea of removing the radiator from the front, just to gain that little extra room.