360 to 258 swap

[matt0481]

My sister needs a vehicle to drive and I have a '75 w 258/3spd/D20. The body is rotted beyond repair. I have a '79 WT that the 360 spun a couple of main bearings. I want to swap the 258 into the '79 along with the manual tranny. Can I swap the clutch linkage and pedals without too much trouble to get something going. This is not what I wanted to do but, you do what you've got to do to help family. Any suggestions that will save me from swearing at it. I forgot to mention that I don't have much money to do this. Cash is the constraint here, or the lack of it.

Thanks
Matt

[porkchop]

Why not just swap the eng and keep the TH400? Or what about switching out the body?

[CowKiller]

79 with a 400 will mean u have the qt transfer case. it wont work with a manual tranny i belive. u would have to swap all the engine, tranny, and transfer case. then u would need longer rear d sahft and a shorter front one. i am not sure the qt and the dana 20 cases are both passengersaid drop.

[1980chief]

hey porkchop....thought you were sellin the rhino??

[matt0481]

I plan to use the entire drivetrain from the 258 donor. The '79 WT body is in good shape, just the engine/tranny is no good.

[sloop]

you're sure the TH400 with the 360 is bad? seems like just swapping the engines would be simplest. you'd need to get the flexplate for 258-TH400. I have one here, I see you're not too far away

[porkchop]

I am selling it. I am looking for a M715.

Matt0481, if you need help I am about 30 minutes down the road from you, just let me know. Next weekend is good but the one after that I have duty. Email me.

[jeepguzzi]

Originally posted by cow catcher:
79 with a 400 will mean u have the qt transfer case. it wont work with a manual tranny i belive. u would have to swap all the engine, tranny, and transfer case. then u would need longer rear d sahft and a shorter front one. i am not sure the qt and the dana 20 cases are both passengersaid drop.Are you sure he will need the driveshafts? I know there is a difference between the Quadra trac and the D20. But , there is also a 4" (to the rear) difference between the 258 and the 360.
If he swaps the engine tranny and t/case, he might be O.K. on the driveshaft. If the drivetrain is coming out of a Wagoneer or a Cherokee, he can simply use those driveshafts. I don't think there will be an issue with the clutch linkage.Just might have to drill a couple of holes.

The frame mounted motor mounts need to be swapped, and the fuel lines enter the engine compartment on different sides. The holes are already there for the motor mounts.