Jeep noobie needs some general info

[gos2slo]

Howdy guys, I typically inhabit mustang boards, but seeing as how I kinda inherited a 78 J-10 I need some info to get started.

I was told its a Dodge 360 v-8, I take it its actually an AMC (and therefore kinda tricky to find hop up parts, right?)

Its stock as a rock for now, but I'd like to add some better exhaust and a lift (3-5 inch) for now.

Can you guys fill me in on some basics?

AMC 360 Rated HP/TQ?
What transfer case is in it?
What diffs does it use?
How hard is it to lift it? Brands?
Where are engine and body parts available from?
Can I buy a new intake and carb for this critter?
Do CJ bumpers swap on?
What common shortcomings do they have that need to be addressed right away?
And finally, when parts shopping, is there a model its "similar to" for upgrades and mods? I've already learned they're not that common.

Thanks for any input, I really appreciate it. Maybe I'll meet you one day as you pull my sorry butt out of some mud! smile.gif

Chris

[Kimbrough]

Welcome to the best place to learn about full-size Jeeps!
I'm gonna do one of those "give a man a fish..." kinda things, hang on...

O.k., first off, go here:
http://www.ifsja.org/tech/index.shtml

Next, go to the top of this webpage and do a SEARCH for your other questions.

AMC motors are relatively easy to get parts for.

Good luck!

[gos2slo]

Mmmm fish! COOL!

I ***** at noobs for not using search too... ;)

At least I didnt ask who likes "insert playstation game here" in tech. hehe

I'll check out all the mods and upgrades in the tech section, will it tell me the basic gear that comes on these and what parts to watch out for?

Thanks again, fast reply!

[James 007]

Welcome to IFSJA Chris,

Unless the PO did some swapping...it's an AMC 360. Hi-Po parts are not that hard to find... key w/ anything- know where to look. www.performanceamstyle.com (http://www.performanceamstyle.com) & www.amracing.com (http://www.amracing.com) & www.oldcarparts.com/ (http://www.oldcarparts.com/) are just a few places to checkout. 2 manufacturers, one in Downey, CA & another in Whittier, CA makes blowers for the AMC V8's. Edlebrock & Thorley's makes headers... & the list goes on. :D

For HP/TQ info... go to www.froadin.com (http://www.froadin.com) Great tech sections & forum. :D

P.S. Napa, huh... used to drive thru there many a times to St. Helena. Beautiful scenary...no nite-life, LOL! :D

[ July 24, 2002, 05:39 PM: Message edited by: James 007 ]

[jode]

Originally posted by gos2slo:
And finally, when parts shopping, is there a model its "similar to" for upgrades and mods? I've already learned they're not that common.
The cool thing is that most parts are interchangeable between the trucks and the Wagoneers/cherokees! So you jsut went from rare to everywhere. any wag/chero after 73 will have essentially the same gear (with the exception of the tcase changes to the later models (after 80 or so)

Lifts...man that is a huge can o worms, but DONT GO WITH SUPERLIFT...other than that...search around and you'll find that people here either prefer a springover and rear shackle conversion or a rusty's (cheap) or Skyjacker (more expensive) or an Alcan (the most expensive) but that NOBODY prefers Superlift...
Superlift is the pimply little band nerd in the corner at the school dance :eek:

[ColeTrickle]

Hey. You definitely come to the right place, so welcome. I'll try to help with some of your questions. The ?'s I don't answer, someone else will be here shortly to answer those as well.
That's the kind of place this is.
Great folks.
Engine is AMC 360, not Dodge. Two different animals. And yes, performance parts are hard to find and very expensive. I recommend a 4" lift to fit 33's and a 2.5" aluminized exhaust tubing. I have heard people runnin' 3" exhaust but haven't heard of any performance gains.
Your '78 may have a four barrel carb. So your HP and torque could vary.
Here's mine:

Man you guys can find those parts pretty fast, I guess I need to look around a bit more ;) .
But I am right as far as expense :rolleyes: .

[ July 24, 2002, 05:28 PM: Message edited by: ColeTrickle ]

[James 007]

I beg to differ on the Hi-Po parts. Aluminum AMC heads are not overly priced more than for any other engines. Only a few parts, inherent only to the 401 are pricey.

Another place to help you on your engine build-up is http://pub8.ezboard.com/famcforummodifications Great AMC forum & group of guys. smile.gif

[ColeTrickle]

Hmmm, never been there! I guess I'm here to often :D .
I don't know what I was pricing awhile back, it just seemed to be more expensive, mighta' been an intake manifold.
Thanks for the sites 007.
Sorry gos2slow, listen to 007 for engine advise ;) .

[PhilSine]

Also, what do you plan to use this truck for? You mentioned a better exhaust. To be honest, if you want to maintain the low end torque that these things are known for then you'll stick with the stock set-up. To change it (i.e. headers and a bigger pipe) would move your max torque output to a higher RPM that may seldom be reached except at hard acceleration off the line or at hiiigher highway speeds. Just a little info for you to base your decision on. Personally, I like the low RPM torque. Better for off-roading and towing.

[Bob Barry]

The engine will either be putting out 175hp in 2bbl form or 195hp in 4bbl form.

If it's an auto tranny, it will have the GM TH400 tranny and Borg-Warner 1339 Quadratrac transfer case.

If it's a manual tranny, it will be the Borg-Warner T-18 4spd and the Dana 20 transfer-case.

Differentials will be Dana 44's with 8.5" ring gears; probably with 3.54 gears, but might be 3.07's as well.

Edelbrock makes a power-package for this motor (intake, carb, cam); that's probably your best bet.

CJ bumpers don't just bolt on; they're too narrow. There are a few FSJ-specific bumper manufacturers; you'll have to search the archives for names and numbers.

[Tad]

FSJ - FAQ's (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jjacobs149917/fsj_faq.htm)

[mechanic58]

Mustang boards huh? (lol) I went to a race once that was ALL fords....and nobody won.

[gos2slo]

WOW! Thanks for all the replies! Even 35K member mustang boards arent this fast or thorough (guess I just shot myself in the foot eh? ;) )

Anyway, read all the tech articles, thats a great resource! I am planning on building the truck for mudding primarily, so was thinking I'd probly have it screaming more or less...

If anybody wants to learn about nitrous oxide or has any questions about it, thats my specialty. Here's a link to my website, http://www.raceworx.com
Click on the Nitrous Info button (I guess any of you hillclimbers out there will know what it's for!)

Thanks again for all the info guys, I'll be lurking for a while while I get up to speed.

[James 007]

gos2slo-

If your gonna be turnin' HIGH RPM's ... go to www.froadin.com (http://www.froadin.com) & search thru the tech archives.

[gos2slo]

Anybody know what pistons were factory in an AMC 360? FOrged, cast or (i dont think they had hypers back then did they?)

Thanks!

[James 007]

AMC 360's- cast

AMC 390's & 401's are forged.

No hypers.. but there is a source for hypers for 390 & 401 engines. I spoke w/ manufacturer & they said... there just isn't enuff demand for hypers on 360's.

Perhaps everyone should start bugging manufacturers- calls/e-mails/etc. so they'll know there is interest in parts! :D ;) :D

[ July 25, 2002, 11:47 AM: Message edited by: James 007 ]