Transfer case Help!

[Chris W.]

The biggest problem we are having is that we don't know anything about 4-wheel drives, tranfer cases, or Jeeps. We're into cars here. To make a long story short, we have a recently rebuilt an '85 Eagle Limited that was just wrecked. The motor, trans, etc.. probly doesn't have more than 2000 miles on them. We don't think it the car can be fixed. I have located a '78 Jeep Cherokee with the original 258 and three speed transmission. The motor has about had it and there is the usual rust, but its not that bad. I'm assuming it has the original D-20 Tranfer case. I haven't had a chance to verify that yet. The VIN # is J8F16NC049619.
The motor is a direct swap. But, we would like to use the automatic out of our Eagle. It's an A998. Getting the transmission mounted in there isn't a problem. Any modifications we can take care of. The part that we need ALOT of information and help on is the transfer cases.
First off, strength isn't a concern. We don't do any off-roading. The reason we would like to find another 4x4 is because of the snow and ice we get up here.
From the information I've read on this site, the D-20 case is a passenger side drop and won't bolt-up to our transmission. Makes sense, since the shifter was on the passenger side of the tunnel. Also, the NP-129 case out of the Eagle is a driver's side drop, so that won't work. I'm also not sure how to make the "shift-on-the-fly" 4-wheel work with locking hubs either.
I know Adv. Adapters has an adapter to bolt the D-20 up to a TF-727. But, I don't know if the transmissions have the same bolt patterns. Also, it's about $800. We don't want to spend that much.
Does anyone know what tranfer case will bolt-up to our transmission? If we have to make drivshaft modifications that OK. If it were just me and my Dad driving it, we would probly just keep the 3-speed. But, the Eagle was my Mom's car. She'll want to drive the Cherokee, but she can't drive anything with a manual transmission.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Dive 30]

Chris,

First off, welcome to the board and good luck on your fsj purchase.

I think you might want to hold off and see if you can't find either a TH400 (auto trany for that year of Cherokee) to convert or find a different fsj with an auto in it. I know you are trying to save your freshly rebuilt engine/tranny, it just sounds like a lot of work for not a lot of gain.

You might e-mail -Joe I think he has a lot of experience with AMC Eagle. Or you might try CrazyJeepman he is an invaluable source for parts and information.

good luck!
Phil

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Welcome Chris. Like Phil mentioned. It would be a lot simpler and cheaper to swap in a TH400 And Q-Track T-case, or if you can find a TH400/D20 setup. However the TH400 and D20 is a lot harder to find so would opt for the Q-trac setup. I would have the TH400 Trany for the Q-TRAC but no T-cases left. I know someone that might have the running gear you need I will check with him. Good luck. ;)

[Chris W.]

Thank you Dive 30 and Crazy_Jeepman. Thanks for all your advice. Right now we are just looking for something to replace the Eagle without spending to much money (for now). We are in the middle of building a "SUPER GAS/PRO" car and would rather spend the money on it now. Not to mention we have five more project cars waiting and two others in progress (two AMC's, four Ford's, and one Merc.) Now back to our problem.
I think it's kind of weird that there isn't a transfer case that would bolt up to our A998 (A904).
What about A NP-229 Transfer case. From some info I came across, I think they might have been used in 1980-91 FSJ. Like I mentioned before, we don't do any offroading, so the strength of the running gear isn't a primary concern. Is this case a pass side drop? Is there any differences in '78 Cherokee's to the ones in the '80's that used this case. Would there be any other modifications to make this swap? Hubs, Front Axle, Driveshaft, etc..?
Also, what is the value of a D-20 case? Would it be easier to sell or trade by itself, or with the matching transmission? Does anyone even look for these anymore (or ever)?
Crazy_Jeepman, how much are you asking for your 400. What condition is it in? Any idea on shipping from where you are? If we decide to go this route, what modifications would we have to make for the Q-Trac setup?
Thanks for being patient with me. I look forward to hearing back from all of you.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

The Q-Trac is a full time 4 wheel drive case and the D20 is a Part time case. Both of these are Passenger Drops as is your 78 Cherokee is a Passenger drop. The Problem with swaping in a NP229 is the front and rear axles would need to be changed. The front because the drop is wrong and rear because the Diff offset is wrong for the NP229. The only cases that were available in 78 was the Q-trac and Dana 20. I have just gotten a complete TH400 and Q-Trac setup in. would need to check it out yet, I have a lot going on right now so it would be awhile. I will email someone to see if they can help you out faster he also has a Q-trac setup. It would be a simple swap all bolt in. Run vacumn lines to the case and swap driveshafts. I would recomend this swap. The other is the TH400/Dana 20 but that requires hard to find adapter plate T-case to TH400. Any other setup from 80 to 91 would require a lot of mods and work. I would recomend the Q-Trac quick and easy swap. :D

[Chris W.]

Well, after all this I think your right. As I see it, we have two choices. One, we just drop in our motor and run it the way it is. Or, swap in a TH-400 and Q-Trac.
If we don't switch now, you've talked me into it as a future modification. It seems to me that the Q-Trac is the only way to go.
Also, I didn't mention that we haven't bought it yet. I was wondering what the price range is for a vehicle like this.
Here's a brief description of it:
The body is straight. The exceptions are the rust through on the wheel well fender lips and two areas on the floor. Nothing major though. It could also use a paint job. It needs new seat covers, carpet, and headliner. It's all there, it's just well worn. Just needs a good cleaning. It also will need new tires. Except for the motor, it is in mechanically good condition and is still driveable.
I know it is hard to tell by just a plain description like this, but what do you think? Hopefully, if it dosn't snow, will be able to get it in a couple of weeks. Maybe sooner if my Dad doesn't get discouraged by this situation. I don't think he likes the idea of getting another manual equipped (for now anyways) vehicle that my mother can't drive. Especially since it will be replacing her Eagle.
Thanks for all your advice and keep me informed on yor Q-trac setup.

[Bob N]

How about swapping in a Dana 300 transfer case? Check the 999 and see if it has the round 6-bolt adapter where the transfer case bolts in. Next, does the output shaft of the tranny have 23 splines? if so, a Dana 300 should fit. If the spline count is only 21 you might be able to find a NP231 to put in. Either way, figure on driveshaft length issues.

[Chris W.]

Bob N, thank you so much! You've made my day. That will make my Dad much happier. Getting a different tranfer case will be much easier and cheaper. I'm "almost" positive that the output shaft is a 23 spline. But,I have to check about the adapter.
Buy the way, what are the differences of the D-300 and the NP-231. Other then the spline count, is it just a strength issue. If it is it doesn't really matter for us, I was just wondering?
What can we expect to pay for the D-300 case? Which jeeps are the best places to look for one? Years? Do you or anyone you know have one for sale? If we don't have the adapter or the correct one, do you or anybody you know have one for sale? Thanks.

[Bob N]

The Dana 300 is an all-gear aluminum case with a passenger's side derop found on 80-86 Jeep CJs and some Scout IIs. I'm not really sure on prices, but you might look for a CJ with terminal rust or damage and get the whole thing ( I paid $50 for the last one I got ). The NP231 is found in XJ Cherokees (not sure which years) and Wranglers 87-present. It is a chain-drive aluminum case with a drivers side drop. Some of them came with 21 spline inputs and some with 23. If you swapped in the front axle from a newer Waggie you could use this case, or even aNP208. My choice would probably be the 300. Hope this helps, and if I have flubbed the facts I hope the great minds of the board correct me.

[Chris W.]

Thanks! I'll guess I'll start looking for one while I can. The weather up here is crazy. All the snow melted and now it's 60 degrees. Who knows, next week we could get a foot of snow again.

[64Trvlr]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bob N:
The Dana 300 is an all-gear aluminum case with a passenger's side derop found on 80-86 Jeep CJs and some Scout IIs.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The Dana is a gear drive, all CAST IRON case with an Aluminum output cover. The only Scout they came in was 1980 and it has a different bolt pattern. Expect to pay between 100-450 depending on condition and who has it.
:cool:

[Bob N]

My bad, 64! :( I guess I should of looked a little closer under my CJ. No wonder the darn thing was so heavy when I bench-presed it in after I rebuilt the tranny! :eek:

[scotty]

sorry, i got in late on this one,sounds like youve allready figured it out. smile.gif

the good news is that the d300 will bolt right up to a 998(a 904 variant with a lockup convertor).the transmission is skinny,so youll have plenty of room for the front driveshaft at stock ride height.

pretty much the only mods will be a hole in the floor for the shifter,and new driveshafts. your stock eagle front shaft will be pretty close to the right length. the rear from the chero may be close,not too sure bout that one.

the only bad thing,really,is that the d300 is a part time xfer,so your mom willhave to lear n to shift into and out of 4wd as road conditions demand.

the good thing is that if she decides to take a shortcut home thru the creek,and over some large rocks,it aint gonna break.the d300 is a storng case. also,if she ever decided that the stock 2.61 low rangeisnt enuff ;) she has alot of options for upgrading-from twin stick shifters to a 4 to 1 low range smile.gif

another option of course would be to find an 80 or newer jeep,as these years will have the driver side diff to match the driver side output of your NP 128(i think) full time xfer,so then you could simply swap the whoe drivetrain. this also leaves open the door for a variety fo new process case that would be good for snow/ice driving,and will bolt righ up to your 23 spline output circle pattern 998. not the lest of which would be: the stock 119/128 single speed cases,the np 219,the 229,or even the nvg 242.

good luck with your project. i ran a d300 in my GW for over a year,and i wheeled an amc eagle for over 2 years,feel free to let me know if youve any othe questions...

[64Trvlr]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bob N:
No wonder the darn thing was so heavy when I bench-presed it in after I rebuilt the tranny! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROTFLMAO
Now that you're all warmed up, come on by and bench press my 205.
:cool:

[Panther]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Now that you're all warmed up, come on by and bench press my 205. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Exactly! I'll pull a 300 anyday but I won't help my buddy anymore with that 205, I swear that weights more than his NP435! No tranny jacks on nothin, just heeevve hoooo

no thx :P

[64Trvlr]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bob N:
No wonder the darn thing was so heavy when I bench-presed it in after I rebuilt the tranny! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROTFLMAO
Now that you're all warmed up, come on by and bench press my 205.
:cool:

[Marvin Gates]

Hey Chris, welcome to the forum from another eastsider, I'm just north of Spokane.
Your Mom will thank you for getting her a FSJ to drive in the snow, they are fantastic in the snow, the deeper the snow the better they work.
I don't think there is anything you can't find out about FSJ's on this site, some great people here. M.G.

[Tubro]

When I was working on my Scout, I got the T18/D20 Combo on my chest and lifted it into play with a heave ho. I cut the heads of some old 225 slant six head bolts, and used them a threaded guides to slip in onto when I got it up there. I know a guy who has put in ALOT of Chevy Autos like this, he just lifts em up in there. Then I come to find out when working on my 63 scout that you can pull the tranny from the top! The WHOLE TRANNY TUNNEL comes out! I lifted the T90/D18 right out through the floor, doh!

[porkchop]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tubro:
The WHOLE TRANNY TUNNEL comes out! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

The whole tranny tunnel comes out on FSJ's also.

I lifted my TH400 back in by myself. It was a bit of a challenge. Used ropes to tie off after lifting a little. Then I would lift alittle more and then tie off and so on until it was in.

[Tubro]

On the scout it comes out from firewall to the back of the cab under and behind the seats. You can lift the tranny out from the top, thru the carb and out the door. My FSJs just have a plate about 18' or so square. I have never seen one like a Scout.

[Bob N]

Hey 64, no thanks! tongue.gif My back hasn't been the same since then and that was last winter :eek: