Most sensible way to go? Engine/tranny worn out....

[Escobarclan]

Hi guys. I'm facing some serious decisions on my 1980 CJ5 . It has an Iron Duke and the S4, Dana 300 transfer, etc.

The engine smokes like crazy and is shaking itself to death. Spark plugs are fouling from oil. the S4 tranny is jumping out of second and finding reverse or 1rst gear is a gamble at best. Shifter flops around like it wants to randomly beat both riders like a Talibanie beats his wives.

I understand that a sbc can bolt onto the bell housing, but will just murder what is left on my S4 tranny.

What is the most economical thing to do here? I love my CJ5 . I'm tight on budget though.

Would it benefit to rebuild the Duke and tranny? Or maybe put a sbc in and rebuild the S4?

What would be the cheapest? Maybe a total swap of eng, tranny, etc? Not a lot of jeep engines here at all.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Not an easy question to me. First and foremost I want to say keep your jeep, jeep. Stuffing a SBC is not always the quick and easy (or best) swap that it is perceived to be. The great thing about a 1980 CJ is that it came stock with a Dana 300 but the AMC 304 was also an option. I would start haunting Craig’s List to see what’s out there in the parted out CJ section.

 

[IOPort51]

I am afraid the "cheap" ship has left the building. It was something to do with the name stamped on the fender.

Least expensive option is to rebuild what you have.

Replacing major components with something that was not meant to be there, engine, Transmission etc. is a LOT of work.

Even if you replace with AMC drive train cheap does not enter the equation. Are you committing all your spare money and all your spare time to this project for what could turn into years?? If so, pm me, I have a drive train you may be interested in. And depending what part of Arkansas you are in, in driving distance.

 

[ThisGuyUKnow]

What about a drive train from a 4 banger yj? Will the newer 4cycl mount up like the 4.0 mounts to the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l mounts?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The rear axle will NOT live long with a SBC work'n it.
Look for a Jeep AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l /6. It's a bolt in swap.
LG

 

[Escobarclan]

Thanks guys. By tight budget I mean that the old lady is on my 6 with my projects. Gotta keep Momma happy. I do have some room but want to find the most economical means. I'm not looking to build a crawler or h.p. monster. Just a daily driver, maybe some hunts.

A AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l will bolt right up? Really?? A yj 4 banger too? Thatt means I could rebuild the S4 and be fine, I guess.