CJ-6 + V6 + NV4500 + NP241 + D60 + D60 + 38s = bombproof?

So I have this problem...I kill vehicles. CJ-7, K5, Cummins Dodge...I'm tired of fixing and I have a buncha has-beens in the shop yard. Latest was the Dodge, Cummins block finally gave it up. Current theory is part it out, 434 hp cummins (head, crank, rods, turbo, injection pump, radiator, AC, intercooler, etc. etc.)


Then build a beefy frame and cage for the CJ-6 and run the V6 (supposed to have been recently rebuilt), NV4500 from the dodge, NP241 from the Dodge, front Dana 60 which is actually a '79 ford axle and a D60 or 14bolt rear, long Chevy leaf springs from the Dodge, and it's military 38s...hopefully the V6 will have enough grunt to move the beast and not enough to break it. Also run the Dodge inside the frame style steering box, it needs rebuilt but is a PSC and set up for a ram.

First Q is will the 4500 mate to the V6?

I have the K5 TBI350 I could use too which might have a better chance of mating to the Dodge 4500. The K5 also has a 4.56 14bolt and a D60, detroits. TH400 and NP205. Bombproof but I think the 400 is about done and they are geared WAY too high. Also prefer the high pinion ford 60. 241 is pretty beefy, light, and geared low. Probably put a SYE on it.

So...whatcha think? the 6 is beyond restore quality, BTW.

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?69484-71-CJ-6-225-V6-Build-Thread

 

you should ask this question on Pirate .......and get thier feedback .

 

Do it. With the Dodge trans you might be able to use a 1" flat adaptor plate to the buick bellhousing. Might have to make it yourself but that should be no problem.
You are really hard on 4x4's

 

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Hey, sdcj6, how's it goin'? Give me a call when you get a chance, my phone broke and I lost all my numbers.


I'm hard on stuff, granted, but I also live where you wheel, and there's not a lot else to do...so I wheel a lot more than most, just wears stuff out a lot faster. I was also younger back then and am gradually getting older and wiser...and poorer.

 

Here is my $0.02 about it.... I think its a great idead and I would definetly go for it since it sounds like you got everything you need to do it. The v6 should be fine pending your gearing choice. the nv4500 has a nice deep 1st gear which is approx 5:1 off the top of my head and is a very very stout tranny. Dana60's (or your 14 bolt in the rear, either way) are strong enough to take some good abuse with 38's especially from a v6. Your weak link out of everything you listed will be the 241 t-case. Now before people start jumping on me, let me explain. Yes, it was put behind a turned up cummins and held thus far....which means that chain inside there has had its fair share of stretch and wear. Its an aluminum case and chain driven.....which means it aint a good choice for something your building to be "bomb-proof". Id do some reserch on your t-case selections first. Im not saying it wont work and im not promising that it will gernade the first time you dump the clutch....there is a chance it will be just fine. Just saying that I wouldn't use it for somthing that I know i will be whoopin on really, really hard. My two cents...

 

Not really sure how you'll adapt the Dodge tranny to the GM bellhousing; I'm pretty sure the input shafts are completely different, and I don't know if they're interchangeable. Otherwise, bolting and NV4500 to a GM V6 is no problem; it'd be just the same as hooking it to any other Chevy engine. The V6 has the same pattern as a small block Chevy (or big block, for that matter, I believe).

There was an early version of the Chevy NV4500 that had a non-syncronized 6.34:1 first gear, but it may be difficult to find.

That drivetrain sounds pretty indestructible to me, but judging from the pictures, you're a lot harder on vehicles than I am! Good luck with the build!