The better Cherokee Drivetrain

[holley68]

I have been looking for a 79 and earlier Cherokee(with no rust :rolleyes: )! Two reasons, I like the grill on the earlier Cherokees. I had a thought that the older drivetrains would be easier to work on and more reliable:confused: . Any thoughts?

[TPICherokee]

Grilles are easy to swap..

If I were you, I would try to get a 1976-79 as they have the same suspension as the later ones (and easy to get parts for) and disc brakes became standard in 1976. The engine really remained the same, they just kept bolting stuff on it so it would pass emissions in that aspect it would be easier to work on.

[PlasticBoob]

If we're talking autos, it's my opinion that the TH400 alone makes the drivetrain superior. If the QTrac was a well maintained unit, is perfectly reliable too. Most of the issues I see with it here are fairly minor.

[holley68]

I was thinking the same PlasticBoob about the TH400. But what is the downside of the 727. I would think a d44 would be cheaper on parts then the amc rear too.

[PlasticBoob]

I hope people don't think I'm bashing the 727 - I don't think there is a particular downside to it. I'm just posting my subjective feelings about the TH400 from all the things I've read over the years about it.

[incommando]

About the only legitimate 727 complaint I have read is clearance issues on the front driveshaft?????? I have not experienced it personally, but I have read posts on it.

In most other repsects, an objective person would rate the two auto's as equals. So personal preference is a legitimate reason to like one over the other.

[Kali]

From what Ive read both the th400 and tf727 will take more punishment than most of us are going to dish out, so you are set either way.

As far as drivetrain longevity, the ONLY reason I would tip my hat to the 80s setup is the fact that the new process t-cases were used. Not because they are better than the borg warner q-tracs, but because you can actually find parts for them. If you want to convert your q-trac to part time, then I think that levels the playing field.

[gte901m]

It really depends on what you want to use it for. Do you want full time 4 wheel drive or the ability to shift it? Yes, you can convert the quadratrac to part time, but that cost extra $. I say, try to find one with the least amount of rust and go from there. Just my .02

[Lindel]

The biggest downside for the 727 (which may actually speak well for it, it is a heavy duty tranny, like the TH400) is the rebuild price.

If you concentrate on 76 - 78, then you might snag a 401 or 4 bbl 360.

[holley68]

Well I am looking for a cherokee close. But also I am looking for a cherokee without a lot of rust!!! I plan on using it as a dd. But I need to say again as little rust as possible(and reasonably priced).

[Dmntxn77]

Find yourself one with a T18/D20 combo..

[fulsizjeep]

Find yourself one with a T18/D20 combo..
meh, MY 401 drives thru a 208. ;) 727 is in the shop now for a rebuild. I have had bad luck with the 727 compared to the T400 though. The first build on that thing was $1200 in and out the door. The last build I got was about $180 through a friend's cousin and I stabbed it myself. Well, it held up like a POS not to mention it is the 4th build on that tranny in 240K miles. This build is through a local pro with a name for his work for $500 and I stab it. This 727 w/lockup should tell a new story. :cool:

[Dmntxn77]

:eek: Thats a lot of money on 1 tranny!! Hopfully it holds up well for ya this time!!

[holley68]

Well maybe I need to think about the body more then the drivetrain? But still the cherokee I'am looking at has some rust around the fenderwell in the rear, and some holes behind the wheelwells.