Thinking Automatic

Anyone running a TH350 behind the Dauntless? Thoughts? Pros/cons?

 

Length isn't an issue...this is actually what I'm thinking about for the Commando (the Commando section on here doesn't get much traffic so I posted it here). They did come stock with an optional TH400 (mine is a T14 3 speed) but that seems like overkill, and I've come across a good deal on a TH350 with a Texas adapter.

 

I think 350 would suffice. I'm sure it's the BOP pattern, right? The 400 is super stout and is what is behind the Buick 350 in this Wagoneer no one wants to buy. Have at it, says I.

I've flat fender jeeps with TH350s in them. More than once. Short driveshaft and sometimes with a CV joint off the transfer case. I'm probably going to do this to my '71 before I hand the keys to my daughter. She's no good with 3 pedals. I actually have a spare 400 with the Wagoneer but I might keep it for the '71. I'm told the difference between using a 350 vs the 400 is like 2".

 

Even fire 231 with th350 and D300 going in project flatty here. Sitting in there now. Driveshaft not hateful short. So you don't want that T18?...
Daryl? I think said he put Commando 400's in 5's several times. 350 slightly shorter ( about 2 3/4")

 

I'm not very good either. Leave gas in the cars with 3 pedals run the rest dry. When she realizes it always has fuel she's either gonna learn to siphon gas or get good with 3 pedals.

 

My 69 CJ6 has a T400, but I have the extra length, that helps. My dad had a 46 CJ2a with the Dauntless and a T350, wheeled it many years nary a problem.

 

T18 is in the CJ.
Automatic would be going I'm the Commando. Given the orthopedic health issues I've been fighting, I may need to do this sooner rather than later
I can barely drive the CJ.

 

Being the Commando are you opposed to another 5.0?

 

It's not out of the question, but it has a good running 225, I'd kinda like to do this as cheap as possible. I have a disc brake 30 for the front, the rear is already a flanged 44, and I have the pieces I need to put D18 gears in the D20.

 

yes to both . did the TH350 after the T 14 bit the dust for 4th time

this is only picture of that set up I have . the auto is huge as to fit with floors . I said if I were ever to do it again . I would move the engine forward 3 inches . front drive shaft didn't play well the transmission pan . had to notch it out and weld it back up
you have to be creative with linkage trans , easy . transfer case not so much . then you'll need a transmission cooler too
the one thing that annoyed me the most was you couldn't shift transfer case with engine running . it had to be in park or off
well one thing led to another . did a tub off . hence picture . got it running again . with the fresh green paint
and it just didn't feel like the jeep I had bought years ago . looked like it just didn't drive like it
and other then that . it seem to play well with the V6
I am happy with the last swap . back to stick shift

 

Commando auto had a 2 piece front shaft with a support bearing. I have a Commando 400/D20 combo I was hiding, my brother would really like it out of his garage...

 

Yeah thats 1 thing I was hoping to avoid with the th350, that weird 2 piece driveshaft.
But this may all be a moot point, cause the killer deal i found on the trans fell through

 

Sounds like Rich M. might deliver you one on the way to the Colorado Epic.

 

My 1.5 cents: The TH400 is native and no adapters needed. My friend Dene has that in his 67 Commando but that has a 4.3. Driveshaft notwithstanding, seems like a way quicker and more simple way to go.

 

Except for the factory adapter to the engine block, and the transfer case LOL!
One things for sure, a 400 should be 100% bulletproof with 160 hp and a 3500 lb vehicle.

 

I didn't know there was an adapter plate for the engine. I thought that B, O, P had their own auto transmission castings. Hmmmph. Learn something new every week.

Someone else was running their dads' Tux with an auto in it as I recall. Boyink? I can't remember for sure.

 

I have built close to 20 Flatfenders and fives with Buick v6, 400 turbo and a 20 with intermediate 30/ centered 44 over the last 40 years. Recipe for a great all around drivable Jeep.
Noone ever questions a sbc with a turbo 350 in a short Jeep. Well a Buick v6 400 turbo combo is actually shorter.