1979 TH400 to 1981 NP208 in 1981 Cherokee

[81_BigChief]

I have an 81 Cherokee presently with a 258ci/727/np208(?). I am in the process of rebuilding a 360ci to put in to it with a TH400. I would like to put the 208 on the 400 and get rid of the B-W. Is this a direct bolt? Or will there be an adapter needed? Everything I read on this so far says an adapter is needed because of output location. The 79 output is on right side and the 81 output is on left side. I am assuming that it should be good to go, but there is question about the splines also. If no adapter is needed, will these mate correctly without modification? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys. I am new to the FSJ World.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Nothing is impossible, but you are close:
Your NP208 will not bolt the your TH400. For 3 reasons #1 it is clocked wrong for the GM TH400 to NP208 adaptor, #2 Your 208 is a 23 spline input and a TH400 output is 32 spline #3 Your Jeep TH400 with the Q-Trac uses a specific output for the Q-trac, there is no T-Case that will bolt up behind it, without swapping out the output shaft.
Why not just use your TF727/208 behind the 360? Outside of needing the TF727 flex plate for your 360 it would be a bolt up deal.
Good Luck and Welcome!

[Crazy_Jeepman]

By the way...........Where in Wisconson are you? LOL gettin enough snow tonight?

[shimniok]

I gather it is not a 70's FSJ TH400 or it would have the long 10-spline output... I vote for the TF727 / NP208 combo... that's what I run... for what it's worth...

[Crazy_Jeepman]

Originally posted by shimniok:
I gather it is not a 70's FSJ TH400 or it would have the long 10-spline output... I vote for the TF727 / NP208 combo... that's what I run... for what it's worth...

Yea I am sure it is the Q-Trac output on it as he says he wants to get rid of the B-W

[81_BigChief]

I am in Southern WI...we got about 7 inches I think...lol. Will that 208 be strong enough for mild to moderate off-roading? I just want to make sure it will hold up to what I give it. I know the th400 is a strong trany thus the reason for wanting to swap it in in place of the 727. With the two set ups I have, what would be my best bet for a strong budget set-up?

[710 Burner]

Well the TH400 is strong, but give the 727 its due. I joke around calling it the Dork-flight, but in all honesty, mine would hardly pull the waggie around when I bought the truck. I put in a valve body kit, and flushed it out, a tweak here, a shaft seal there and it has been a great tranny for me. 179,000 mi on original build.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

The TF727 is a strong Tranny, the TH400 is my personal choice, but for what you are doing it would not be logical to go with the TH400

[jeepguzzi]

81 Bigchief. I hope you did a bit of research on swapping the 360 for the 258. I also hope you still have access to the 360 donor if you didn't do any research.