Upgrade an old 4 banger

[Wreck]

O.K. here we go. I must be a out of my mind I am trying to upgrade my 1984 CJ7 . My ride is bone stock with the exception of a 2.5" suspention lift and 31x10.50's. I have Dana 20 rear & Dana 30 front 300 Transfer Case and 4.10 gears and the origenal GM 151 4 cylender engine. I came across a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l with a webber carb and GM alternater and a GM Distributer rebuilt 10,000 miles ago. I coulden't resist it when I the guy told me that it was attached to a T-5 tranny for $300.00. I was able to hear it run and it sounded GOOD. I jumped in and diden't look back. Now I have to figure out what to do next... starting with putting that thing in. I wount my Jeep to be street sound but off road wourthy. What should I do to keep it safe fr the road and still have fun with my famely on the trail.

 

[LongHorn]

That's are real hard question for someone else to answer.
Everybodies definition of what's streetable is different.
IMHO Surf others albums, read magazines, go on trail rides & check out other peoples rigs to get an idea of what you want.
Then make a plan & consult people that have tried the setups you like.
I hope this helps.

 

[Wreck]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will try to locate a one piece rear axel next do you think I should stay with the Dana 20 in a one piece or go to a 30 or 44?

 

[gert]

IMHO which you will get plenty of....start with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and T-5 with 1 peice axles shafts, life is short get it running and upgrade as you break it

 

[elwood blues]

Alright here's my 2¢, and remember you asked for it.

The GM 151 L4 was a gutless turd, I think you're in the right direction with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , the GM alternator and distributor aren't dealbreakers, they're also not serious upgrades either. The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l will give you enough power to wheel offroad, and still manage 15(ish) MPG on the road. I just filled up two days ago and was averaging 16.something MPG. I personally would ditch the Weber in lieu of a Motorcraft/Autolite 2100 carb. I have been hearing, and reading here on this board, of a lot of people having a lot of issues with thier Weber carbs. I would also look at upgrading your igintion to a MSD or similiar ignition system.

I think the T-5 tranny, 300 Transfer Case , Dana 30 front and AMC20 rear are perfectly suited for you're tire/lift combo that you're running. I also thing that 2.5" of suspension lift with 31's will still leave you decent handling on road and decent flex to clear obsticles offroad. I wouldn't mess with it.

But again, that's just my 2¢

 

[Wreck]

elwood blues thanks for the heads up. The motor did come with an electronic egnition but I'm not sure what it is. I am glad to hear that the MPG will be that good. I was hopeing to hear that. I am looking at a scout 80 frame that has a possy rear end under it. Will that rear fit under my Jeep CJ7 I have seen a lot of people saying that they have them but I don't know if they had to modify them to make them work. I am also looking at putting a locker in the frount to help me off road and in bad weather. what do you think?

 

[CJim7]

I answered on your other thread....but looking at your intentions for this jeep, I would stick with a 1pc kit for the rear 20. Posi units...particularly in a vehicle that old tend to wear out. Once they are gone, rebuilding is tricky. I had a 99 Mustang that in order to rebuild the posi, I had to send the rearend out. And I believe to get away from the posi you need to install a whole new carrier...

 

[gert]

I also agree with the others you have a good drivetrain combo put it together and enjoy it....a locker in the back is a great thing I had the Lock Right in my 20 it was awesome I am now looking at a Detroit True Traq now for my new combo

 

[Wreck]

Thanks for the help. It looks like I may be on the right track with this thing. I was told that if I were to put a locker in the rear that I stand a good chance at breaking it becouse of the two piece axel so I thought I would put it in the frount insted I thought I may be better off to replace the rear with a one piece but now I'm thinking that you are right. I'll replace it if it breaks now if I can finish putting the new engin in I will try to enjoy it for a wile. Between shift change, weakend work, overtime and a family I have the momey but lack the time. I guess it is better to have the money and not the time than the other way around. I will try to finish the engin swap and get back to driving insted of working on it. I will keep my eyes open and look around wile driving my beloved Jeep. thanks for the help and incouragement. keep the rubber side down. Wreck

 

[Wreck]

Son of a gun I needed a new throw out barring to finish this engin swap and ordered it last weak I went in for surgery on Friday hopping the part would Be there wating for me when I got home. A weak goes by and when I finaly got it it wount work! My T-5 fas the old school 3 finger set up and this thing is for the new style. So I wasted a weak of good weather and am now ordering a hole new clutch kit . I am learning but some lessons are hard ones hopefuly tomarrow I will have the new Kit and I can finish this little project.