Drive train questions/opinions

[scram-man]

I posted this up in the tech section, but thought I would put it here too.

Hello all! I am trying to plan out my Cherokee project and want some thoughts.
I want, as much as possible, a reliable, fuel efficent, truck with part time 4x4.
I have a '79 Cherokee with AMC 360, TH400, and QT.
I am thinking about going to a 700R4, keep the 360?, or go to a 5.3 Vortec? I can do the trans with adaptors, same with staying with the QT.
If I go Vortec, what TF case? A DANA 18 or 20 bolts up to the 700R4 and doesn't require a change in axles etc and gives me part-time 4x4.
What have ya'll done? or seen done?
I'm really leaning toward to Vortec/700R4, but am stumped on the T/C unless I keep the QT.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks. And I'll try to post some pics of my Chero this weekend.

[Casey]

IIRC the D20 will not bolt up to a 700R4. The 700 shares bolt patterns and spline count with the TH350, however, it has a different length output shaft.

700R4/NP241 would be a great combo and it's a drivers drop to match your front axle.