73' CJ5 with 4BT, D44F, D44R Project

Howdy! Well I had a 73' CJ5 w/o engine delivered. I came home from a dog show to find it in my driveway. This project will take a while to complete but I will try and post a lot of pictures if you don't mind? I will need a lot of help from this Forum to achieve this task at hand so please chime in with your thoughts.

Here are some pictures of the CJ5 the way it was delivered and I have not done anything to it.
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I am very familiar with the 4bt, I am in the process of installing one in my TJ. I am using TH475/205 drivetrain, D60 front, Sterling 10.25 rear axles. I also know a guy who put one into his TJ and kept the stock D44/D35 axles, AX15/231 drivetrain, so far so good. Mine is a very slow project as I am working out of a storage unit and winter can be brutal. The engine weighs about 750# (the same as a big block. It makes as much torque as one too). They tend to run cool with little load on them so a 6cyl radiator will work fine. The stock cj fuel system will work fine. Make certain the engine you get is for road use not from a stationary application. The cost to convert one to a road use injection pump can be pricey. Also if you want a manual trans get an engine from a manual trans application. Adapters and flywheels can be pricey. Same holds true if you want an automatic.
Hope this helps.

 

Ggg, Thanks for the information! I need all the help I can get. As stated winter is upon us soon, I need to get that stall cleaned out enough to get the CJ in there before the heavy or even light snow comes. This will also be a slow project but a fun one. Is there a better choice for diesel engine then the 4BT? I am looking for the 4x4 ability and the mpg to town and back. I also would like it to handle the test of time/miles too.

 

Jastech,

Don't get frustrated with this project. This would be a good winter project though. Dual D44's will be able to handle this motor. Unless you are going to put huge tires and you like to beat the snot out of your rig. Although large more stronger can be better. :twisted: This 4BT is a very common swap for Flatfenders, CJ's, TJ's , and many other rigs. A nissan diesel might fit but they are harder to find. Heck if you can take the noise put a screaming detroit in her. 3-53 or 3-71 would fit with not too much finagling. Plus it should fit almost any tranny GM put in their rigs because these were GM/Allison motors. You can find these motors completely redone for fairly cheap if you look. Just another thought.

 

just look at this vid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fS43WnFGWs
Sounds cool. :twisted:

 

I have seen a video of a CJ that has a Detroit 3-53 in it. I really love the old 2 stroke Detroit's, I have a 4-53 in a old GMC 7000 series. The Detroit's are heavier than a 4bt, the import diesels are the lightest. You might consider a VW diesel. My TJ will be running 38" or larger tires that is the reason I went to the big axles and drive train.
found a link;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXoZRe9cuZA

 

There is a lot of good information on the 4BT site about conversions, several done on Jeeps.

 

What is the average MPG with the 4BT in a CJ 5spd and not being heavy footed?

Thanks for all the input, it is greatly appreciated and looking forward to many more. Thanks, JASTECH

 

From what I have read it varies widely from 30mpg- 15mpg.

 

It looks like I will stick with the 4BT and D44 F&R. What would be the best TC, D300? I will use a 5-speed manual tranny. Here is s closer view of dash and a little under it to boot.

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The D300 will be fine, but they can get pricey trying to adapt them to some trannies. So first what trans are you going to use? What transfer case is it offered with from the factory? Also what application is you engine from? Some engine applications will not adapt with some trannies due to exhaust routing, starter location, front drive shaft side, etc. So plan it all out on paper before you start buying parts. Read about other CJ to 4bt swaps so you can learn from other people's mistakes.

 

Ggg, You are correct. I shall do some more reading to find out what course I want to take. I have my 2Ton pulley overhead in one of the other bays but it will be easy to move. I will do a Google of CJ w/4BT. Gear ratio is something to consider too I would think and as you stated trans/TC to know what will hook up to the 4BT I locate. Does this 4BT have to be from street and not one used as a irrigation pump on a farm?

 

The basic block is the same from stationary to road applications. The injection pump governor is very different and you will need an injection pump and governor for a road application. It can get rather pricey converting, so you are best off to just start with a road application engine. If you want to use a Ford manual then get an engine that was already mated to a Ford trans. Same if you want a GM auto, etc. This way you will get the proper adapters, flywheel/flex plate, starter, etc. IMO I would use a GM trans since your CJ has a passenger side front drive shaft. Most Fords are Drivers side. Axle gear ratio should wait till you decide what trans and tire size. For road driving you want highway speeds to come at about 1800 rpm.

 

Ggg, Thanks! Looks like time to make a list and please do +/- to the list so that this project is worked out before I get started. Also, my cousin informed me he has a Willy's if I want to trade something for it and 1ton4x4 drive train.

1) Diesel Engine = 4BT "road application".....My cousin may have that too

2) Standard Transmission = What's the best/strongest GM stick tranny I can use for this?

3) Transfer Case = Dana 300

4) Front = Dana 44 w/disc brakes

5)Rear = Dana 44 w/disc brakes

6) Brakes = Hydroboost w/diverter valve

7) Charging System = Linc Arc or WeldRight 144 amp

 

What exactly are your intentions for using this Jeep? Daily driver, rock crawling, mud, etc. Do you want OD or a 4 spd? The sm420 will bolt up easily and is short. The sm465 is also very strong but it has an odd indexing hole size. I would keep an open mind on the tc. A D300 isn't the only option you have. ANy Willys frame will be severely taxed to hold teh weight and torque of a 4bt.

 

The sm465,T18/19, th400 were all behind a 4bt. A nv4500 is pretty using 6bt parts though. I would find a T18 since it is pretty much the same a a T98 which was a option for the willys, if you do not want a OD trans. Plus with the T18 you can use a jeep adpater on it to save cost with a few tapped holes.

I also have a mandrel bent ealry 5 frame from throttle down customs for sale (PM me if interested)

Also let me know what width 44's you are shooting for as I have done all the math

 

WOW! This site is very nice indeed.

Ggg, I would like to drive it on the oil roads and HWY's. I would like to take it to JEEP events with the family and go on trails. I don't plan on rock crawling but might get into the red mud in Texas when we move and get some land out there. So my wife will drive it too as a daily. It may pull friends out of the mud or? I need good mpg and reliable so I can leave it to my wife and son (he's 2) to enjoy when I pass away. For better MPG an OD would be nice. My Scout II has a TH400 w/stg2 and the millage sucks!

Jeepfreak, you are needed to figure this mess out I want the Jeep to be able to take a tight turn w/o rolling over so I will have to go with wider tires then stock and 33's or 35's.

Update: I talked to my cousin today and he does not have a 4BT laying around. But, he has 2 Willy's trucks laying around and a 3rd one he needs to pick up. I just need to make him a offer for all 3 maybe.

 

I just found this, what do you guys/gals think?

"The 3. 0-litre CRD diesel powerplant pops up all over the Chrysler, Jeep and Mercedes-Benz ranges and with good reason. Its one of the most impressive diesel engines money can buy. Its 218bhp output is capable of making a Mercedes C-Class feel indecently quick but when tasked with hauling the rather weightier Commander body about, it instead relies on its 510Nm of torque. This is more than even the Commanders range-topping V8 Hemi engine can manage. On the road it equates to a sprint to 60mph in 8.7 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. Economy is very respectable at 30.9mpg and emissions are rated at 284g/km. When it comes to serious off-roading, this is probably the engine to plump for. "

 

Souds good. But stick with the 4BT. Will be cheaper. but.......if you put one of those 3.0 CRD's in your Jeep it would be cool. R) I like the SM420 and the SM465. Both are great trannies. Keep us posted.