Engine Troubles with my 86 CJ7 258 bottom end with a 4.0 top

[Jeepjkgrrl]

I picked up a 86 CJ7 over 8 years ago. The top end was swapped out with a 4.0l from a 96 Cherokee. When I got it ran find but it needed a new clutch and the Transmission plus Transfer Case got an overhaul. The Transfer Case had JB weld and if you can believe it… expanding foam. Besides the crows nest of wires that went nowhere, the radio w/ amp had a switch but the wiring was so wrong . So after that and other wiring issues and ignition and radiator problems. Oh and there was a draw on the battery coming I think from the steering column…I had to halt the build. Now I want to start my spring list of what needs to be done to get it running. I do everything myself but most drivetrain stuff as I do everything in my driveway. Was thinking of just finding a drop-in swap and be done with it. Also money doesn’t grow on trees.
ADVICE??!

 

[CJ]

Why do you think you need a drivetrain swap? By your above post I was under the impression that was complete and it's down to wiring.

 

[Jeepjkgrrl]

Well the Transfer Case still is held together with JB weld and foam… it’s obvious that the person before me who did the top end swap and obvious other “mechanical” stuff that it might be better to start fresh or just find the electrical problem the issue with the steering column or the radiator…

 

[CJ]

I misinterpreted your post, I thought you had replaced the TCase. A used Dana 300 is a pretty easy swap. Do have the capability of doing that in your drive?
What steering column and radiator issue? Your CJ has a GM column so there are parts everywhere.

 

[hole]

Some pics of the Transfer Case and its "repairs" would be helpful. JB weld on a low/no stress point might be fine for years, but I am having a hard time imagining what expanding foam is doing. Personally, I would run what you have and just fix what is needed, unless this is some kind of restoration.

 

[Jeepjkgrrl]

I said I replaced the clutch but the Transmission and Transfer Case got an overhaul. See pic of it. The steering column is a mess as you can see from the pics the shafts moves about an inch or so.

 

[CJ]

1st - That is a Jeep / GM non tilt steering column with a Pontiac horn button. Do you want to rebuild it or replace it? It is already partially apart but some of the bearings can be a PITA to change without the proper tools. There are many column rebuild company's. Either buy one or send yours in..
2nd - Your Dana 300 if OK as stated HERE as long as the JB weld is in a no stress area. Vague pictures do not help with evaluations or recommendations. Pleas give us as much information as possible.

 

[Jeepjkgrrl]

I would like to rebuild it to keep everything as original as possible.

 

[CJ]

I would like to rebuild it to keep everything as original as possible.

Understood, you can rebuild it yourself or send it out and have it rebuilt and returned.
Either way it needs to be pulled from the Jeep.