Nor Cal Newb

[motogod77]

Hey all . . . . . . . . Thank you for all the information and opinions, tech tips, etc. Forums like this are a great source and hopefully I can contribute my share.

While not new to offroad, jeep, or anything of the like, the FSJ is new to me. I actually picked up two for my build! The 1st one most won't believe, but I have a 1981 Zeitgeist Diesel Wide Track Cherokee, and also a late 70's Cherokee for parts, etc. The plan is for a complete restoration, making one good one out of the two I have sourced.

So, the initial plans . . . . . . . .

Mopar Big Block 383, 400+ HP
727 Mated to the stock manual tcase in the 81', driver drop
Tad's SOA conversion with high steer and 44044's springs all around
Paint and Interior
OBS Ford front Warn winch bumper
Hand built rear with tire carrier
gears lockers depending on the tire size the 44044's will clear (still researching this)

Any suggestions, opinions, etc are welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks, Travis

[motogod77]

Here she is in all her glory . . . . . Its a bit of a rough start, but I think the end result is going to be amazing . . . . time to start spending!

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Ahhhhh! Keep the diesel!
If the 727 that is in the Jeep is original then it won't bolt up to a Mopar engine anyway.
That Cherokee is nice! Same color as mine it looks.

[motogod77]

The diesel has already been pulled and it has a junk yard 401 in it now. The plan is, I have an amc 727 and a mopar 727 so hopefully my tranny guy can make one out of the two work and tie the 383 to the stock tcase so I don't have to mess with drivelines and crossmember.

The diesel truck has the 4 speed (and now oil burning 401) and in and out floor shift tcase and the originL gas truck has the 360/727/qtrack.

[motogod77]

If anyone has a link or info on a soa conversion on Rancho 44044 springs I would really appreciate info on this. How well it works? Will it clear 37's without trimmimg or rubbing? I bought 35's but I think they're going to be way too small, since these fsj's clear 33's easily without any lift.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

The diesel has already been pulled and it has a junk yard 401 in it now. The plan is, I have an amc 727 and a mopar 727 so hopefully my tranny guy can make one out of the two work.

Ah, very well. Carry on.

So what are your plans for the 401? I'd be interested if the price was right.

[motogod77]

It actually runs OK, new starter, fuel pump, and starter solenoid and away I went. No knock, or top end noise etc, just blow by. I'm sure a fresh set of rings and bearings and you would be on your way.

Its still a ways out of being pulled, but you can have 1st dibs on it and make an offer than makes sense to you . . . . The other one I have has a 360 with unknown health and all the accessories / smog and will be selling eventually as well.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

How soon are you pulling? I'm actually moving to Lemoore next week and will be passing through your neck of the woods on my way down.

[motogod77]

How soon are you pulling? I'm actually moving to Lemoore next week and will be passing through your neck of the woods on my way down.

Its a ways out still with this weather, work, schedule etc. Your welcome to check it out if it works for you while traveling.

[rang-a-stang]

Yeah, pretty sweet truck! I like the louver looking deal on the hood. Do you have pics of the other rig? How come MOPAR engine? Is that your go-to maker? Only reason I ask is because the bottom end of that 401 is really stout from the factory. With the money you will spend on building a 383, I think you could get more power and still be reliable. The 401 is a pretty legit motor.

My personal opinion is if you are going to do an engine swap in the state of California, you should swap to a modern EFI motor with a 4 or more speed trans. I don't think the 383 buys you anything you can't get from the 401 (unless you have a 383 laying around).

My grandpa lived in Clearlake Oaks for decades and we went through lakeport often. I bet its gorgeous/super Green up there right now!

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Its a ways out still with this weather, work, schedule etc. Your welcome to check it out if it works for you while traveling.

MattMopar440 and I could pull it for you when we get there if that works.

[motogod77]

I grabbed the 383 and a motorhome 727 for next to nothing and the 383 is a 400hp engine......the 401 isn't much over 200! I scored the setup for 500!!!!

I'm not a mopar guy at all but a friend who has a shop is, thats where i scored the engine, and he is going to help with the install - He had it in a late 60's powerwagon and it would burn 38's off at will.

The initial plan was to do an LS swap, but too nice and smooth for what I want as an end result, I want "raspy" old school, hot rod style power. I was originally hooked on a built SBC, 383 stroker, but I think this Mopar Big Block is going to have the power and torque i'm looking for, and for the cost what the hell. Plus its unique, I haven't seen one with a 383, gobs of power, looks like it will fit well, and will be quite a suprise when someone pops the hood.

I'm going to keep the 401 in until the swap is under way, much easier to load on the trailer when it can be moved with a winch lol.

I have pics of my other one, its actually nicer lol. We call this one "Rootbeer Float" for now until it his the body shop.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

I'm going to keep the 401 in until the swap is under way, much easier to load on the trailer when it can be moved with a winch lol.

Would be much lighter to move around without an engine in it

[motogod77]

Would be much lighter to move around without an engine in it

But harder to start lol

[motogod77]

What a great weekend playing with these two, but not as good as today! Its official, the dark brown one is registered as a diesel so here we go.