[Guest]

I have a 71 commando with the dauntless v-6 and a 3 speed tranny. I don't know which tranny so help with that would be wonderful. I want to put my AMC 401 from a 77 cherokee in the commando. I have yet to pull either one. The 401 is mated to a TH400 from the cherokee. Is the bolt pattern the same on the 401 and the 225 v-6? If not can I get a bellhousing for a later model amc tranny to mate the 401 up? Or should I just get a later model tranny that fits the 401 and the dana 20 that is in the commando? Please help!

 

[1078]

The AMC and buick bolt patterns are different. And the t-14 3spd tranny you have was marginal, and probably wouldn't last long behind a 401. Maybe swapping engine and tranny in would be easier?

 

[Guest]

Pretty much any tranny from a cj in the 70's with the dana 20 will mate up to a amc401 right. I have a th400 mated to the 401 but the dana 20 behind that one need's pretty much all gears replaced. Does a dana 20 behind an auto have a different input gear than a manual?

 

[Guest]

With the 71 there are a lot more problems than just that. The AMC V-8 is longer than a Chevy. I am working on doing this with a 360. The 71 and older front clip is 6" shorter than a 72 or newer CJ front clip.

The problems I am encountering are such things as custom motor mounts, lengthening the front clip, different radiator, and a different grill. It is not a bolt in. I have used a Novak Conversion to mount a SM465/NP205 to the 360. I am also hearing I will have to shoehorn it in just right to have clearance for the NP205 between the frame rails. I haven't gotten this far yet.

There are some gear differences between the Jeepster D20 and the one in the Waggie, but you have enough wheel base to fit it in underneath if you choose to swap the whole driveline in.

If you get it done before I do please send pics. I am planning on adding 3" to the front fenders and putting two hoods together along with a late model CJ grill and radiator to get enough clearance. Every time I go to sit the motor in I find another problem that I have to fab something up to work for this custom application.

 

[1108]

you might also be interested in this month's Hot Rod mag - the revisit AMC V-8's in the form of a 390 with indy heads - while i am sure the full race heads would not be suited to Off Roading - there is a mid range set and the announced that Edelbrock is going to be releasing heads for the AMC some time in the spring - while i belive that keeping the compressoin lower [ there motor is 11.75 ] the build up tips should work for thye 360 to the 401 - i am not sure about how radical the cam would be for OR either - perhaps Toad or RRich can opin on that ....... the bottom line was 500+ HP with a 30 over bore i think

 

[Guest]

I have switched to using my AMC TH400 with the 401 and the dana 20 t-case. I think that if I modify the firewall and shorten the grill by 4-5 inches it will fit. The motor mounts from my cj-7 with the 401 should work with the commando since the frame rails are the same width. Just drill hole through the frame and bolt them in. I really didn't want to cut the hood and lengthen. I'm a good welder but the body work stuff I'm not so good at. I would rather cut the firewall and fab in a deeper hole for the motor. I'm going to use the radiator out of my cj-7. I just bought a new 4 core not too long ago and I don't want to waste it. I can't start this project for a couple of weeks due to my porch project that has to be done first. I do plan on taking before and after pics, so I'll post them when I get it underway. Keep me posted if you run into any problems. Thanks Joe Daniel

 

[1886]

What year is your CJ? If it is 1976-1986 why don't you just swap the entire front clip (grill, hood and fenders)of it to the Jeepster? This would give you the needed 6 inches for the V8, the proper mounting locations on the grill for the radiator and best of all, no other body mods! This would be a huge time saver!

I started with a 1972 Commando with a 304 V8. It now has a 360 V8, a 1969 Jeepster grill, 1993 YJ fenders and a custom lengthened hood. I love the 67'-71'Jeepster hood and grill and wanted to keep that look. It has cost me a lot of time and money to do so!

Carl

 

[Guest]

I had wanted to spare the old 81 cj-7 and give it to my daughter to play in. Will the fenders, food and grill swap from the 101 to the cj-7? Seems like it would. I might go that route. I've had the cj-7 for 12 years and I can't stomach butchering her and letting it rot. With yours, the 72 should have been long enough to accomodate......Oh I see you wanted the old look and not the bullnose.

I like the 71 and older as well. I do like the idea of swapping clips. The hood and fenders match up decently?

 

[1886]

The CJ hood is a dead match at the Jeepster cowl. The fenders need a little work at the lower section (rocker panel) if you want them to "tie into" the Jeepster rocker panel. The CJ fenders are about 4 inches shorter and require a filler panel between the rocker of the Jeepster tub and the bottom of the CJ fender.

Or you can do what I did and trim the fender so it comes to a point at the firewall of the Jeepster and not worry about the filler panel. I needed all the room I can make for those 38's!

The Jeepster clip will work on the CJ7 depending upon if you have enough room for the engine (again). The 258 six cyl. takes up just as much room as a V8 does.

Carl

 

[2493]

Or you can go to the DARK side and use a Postal Grill and or CJ hood with the stock Jeepster fenders, grill bolts onto the fenders perfectly but you do need to make new mounts up frt. the Jeepster uses a center mount and the DJ uses 2 mounts at the frame rails. It will give you about 4 more inches of clearance than a CJ grill shell for V-8 and radiator. Here is a pic of mine.

Aaron

 

[1967]

And to think at one time you were going to sell your postal jeepster and buy a Rubicon. From the Blue cammo to the yellow really made a difference. Have you still got the soft halfcab?

 

[2493]

Yes I still have it. was thinking about seling it,,, never use it now that I have the full soft top,,,, kids and all.

Aaron

 

[1591]

Aaron,

Is the soft half cab an original top or an aftermarket one. I may be interested if you do decide to sell the top.

Brad.

 

[1078]

Those postal grills are pretty scarce around these parts though

 

[uglyjeepoffroad]

Aaron made it from scratch.

 

[672]

Hey Aaron
Where did you find your postal grill? I would love to find one for my next project?

 

[2493]

A friend of mine gave me the postal, had a million miles on it and the frame had cracked in half, he weighs about 325 lbs. Originally I was going to use the rear axle and other small items, got to looking at the grill and thought "dang that looks really close". all of the bolt holes line up and the hood fit my hinges perfectly. Drilled new hood latch holes and its been there for about 11 years.


I made the top a few years ago, I was running a hard halftop that I welded up, much warmer, and I loved the looks. Plus it was easier to load stuff in it as a PU. Welded a 1" square tube across the tub and made a metal panel to close off the bottom, this really stiffened up the body ALOT. Made the door opening moldings with real weather strips and stitched up the top. It snaps on and is very quiet and warm. made adjustable bows for the rear so it is easy to remove and install, and plenty of head room.
I will see if I still have some pics. Aaron

 

[2493]

Here is a rear pic of it from the Jeepster Jam a few years ago. I lost a hard drive that had all of my "construction" shots of the top. Need to find someone that knows how to get files off of botched hard drive. Aaron

 

[1022]

i wouldn't waste my time putting a 401 in a 67-71 as its alot cheaper and easier to do a small block checvy as those dam amc engines are to heavy and dont oil well but its up to you .i'm gearing up to do a tpi 350 from a 89 iroc camaro in my 70 and its allready looking like its gonna be tight but it should fit as long as i do a old style short water pump and do a little grille trimming 101 .i'll let you guys know how its going as i just sold my cj5 so i had some money to do the conversion.

 

[1886]

I have a complete postal grill, if you are interested e-mail me at [email protected]eisp.net

Carl