At a crossroads, what would you do?

[derf]

So the SM465 and Atlas are gone since the bellhousing wasn't going to work.

I'm left with a frame that has the 401 in place. I need a new Transmission and Transfer Case . Cost is something I want to contain but it's not a huge obstacle. Buying another Atlas or Stak Transfer Case is an option, as is a remanufactured Transmission and all the adapters I need.

On the other hand, I have sitting in the garage a complete 5.3 from a 2003 Tahoe. It has everything, including the factory wiring harness. Sitting next to it is the stock 4L60E. I have motor mounts to put it in the CJ. I can fabricate another Transmission mount if I need to. All I need is the Transfer Case .

The way I see it, I have two basic options.

1. Go with the 401. Get the Transmission and Transfer Case that I need and build it up from where I am right now. I'd probably sell the 5.3/4L60 in part to finance the build but also because I wouldn't have a use for it.

2. Pull the 401 and go with the 5.3 in the CJ. Once the 401 is out, I would prep it to swap into the J10 along with a TBI fuel injection of some kind. I'd be left with a 360 that I could probably unload reasonably easily.

I'm torn. The thought of having a 401 in the CJ sounds good but putting that 401 in the truck would be cool too. All I would really need is the flexplate and it would bolt right in to that truck. Either way, I'll be using the 401 for myself.

So what say all of you? One of the above options? Anyone have any other good options?

 

[Cheepjeep85]

5.3 in the cj sounds like the cheapest way out, plus with the 401 in the j truck you'll have yourself a stout tow rig for the cj when you need it.

 

[Busted Knuckles]

Id do the 5.3L, in a second, the last 401 I came across, I sold before I even got it home (was in a CJ5 of the all jeeps!). Me the AMC 8s are long past history. If they didnt "oil" so poorly, and use so much fuel..... they do make good power with the right cam/induction/exhaust.

The LS series of engines, Im in love with.... I had a 99 silverado I put 125k on, event free, less a fuel pump, and Im driving a 05 3/4 ton 4x4 Sub, with a 6.0L, with 75k on it, also problem free. Also had an 03 Sierra 4x4 with a 5.3L.

You just cant match the drive-ability, the torque and reliability of the LS family.

My Cj is motor-less at the moment, and I'm on a similar fence, not sure what to dump into it. I have a 6.0L sitting on the shop floor, but not sure if I really need that kind of power... I just want to drive it, not pound on it.

Good luck with whatever you pick!

 

[Old Dog]

Sorry I know you really want the 401, but I'd stick it in the truck.

 

[derf]

Sorry I know you really want the 401, but I'd stick it in the truck.

Either way I have a vehicle with a 401 in it. How can I lose?

 

[Old Dog]

Buying a Stak Transfer Case is an option,

Are you thinking 3 speed :drool:

 

[Petescj]

In 95 % of these type of polls Im going all AMC. Just wanted to be in the 5 % didnt you? With what you already have and what your going to do with your 401 I have to say the 5.3 wont dissapoint you in the Cj.

 

[derf]

Are you thinking 3 speed :drool:

YouTube - It Will Be Mine

 

[derf]

After a little research, the Stak will require a $500+ adapter that involves putting a new tail shaft in a Transmission with under 100 miles on it.

On the other hand, for less money I can do a full build of a Dana 300 with 4:1 lo max gears, 32 spline outputs, etc. The adapter replaces the input shaft of the Dana 300 so I don't have to take apart the Transmission . At 4:1 it's right between the two low ranges of the Stak. Not as flexible but probably not a bad way to go.

Anyone got a Dana 300 laying around?

 

[mylittlecj5]

I got one, sent you a PM on it.

 

[derf]

I got one, sent you a PM on it.