VIN/engine ID verification help

Just to double check things for me- my VIN is J3F835TA
That gives me a '73 with a 3 spd and a 258, right?

Engine cast number is 3218616
that is a '70-'72 258, right?

The starter teeth went blamo! Yeah, fly wheel teeth are a little chewed also. And I think it was the incorrect stater, so I'm trying to verify stuff.

Just checked three sources and starters seem to be same PN. Maybe current starter is a reman?

 

On a related note..is it possible to remove lower half of flywheel cover? Seems like on my CJ7 I could do that...I want to be able to get a better look at flywheel teeth other than through starter hole.

 

The engine build date is stamped into the passenger side of the block. Should be something like "6 01 A 21" for 1973, January, 258 1V and 21st day. Should match your yellow sticker build date within a month or so.

 

Ok. 804A16
1975 April 16 258

Unless the first number is a 6? Hard to read those suckers.
It would almost have to be a 6. Otherwise the block number would not match.

 

Replacement engine?

16 Apr 1973 is in the range, as long as it's no later than your chassis build date. I'd take a scotchbrite and magnifying glass to the numbers.

If you can find the casting number on the cylinder head, that may giec you a clue. Those are posted online. http://www.purpleized.com/AMX/head.shtml You may have to look under the valve cover to find the casting number - I dn't know offhand where it is on an AMC head. ... This says above the #4 exhaust port, on the driver's side http://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=241

 

Manual flywheel cover (edit: on my '74 appears) non-removable.
YMMV, thanks for clarifying stericlan

 

the dust sheild is split, 4 bolts two on the bottom two through the clutch piviot

 

Yup thanks. it helped after I got some of the gunk off.