2wd drag Cherokee build thread

[Tigger4X]

The stock truck 12 bolt is getting the boot and the Wagoneer is going to donate it's rear axle to the build. It's a 35 spline Ford 8.8 with a steel spool, 4.10s, and disc brakes. The width is perfect for the Cherokee with the wheel and tire combo I want to run. I've got the old Dana 44 with 4.10s and a truetrac to put back in the Wagoneer. It's a bit of swapping around but it'll work out pretty well because I wasn't digging that spool for the Wagoneer.

As far as the AMC power, you don't even need to worry about that!




I haven't run the Indy yet but I have run the Edelbrock air gap for quite a while with a carburetor. It's really cold blooded but once it's up to temp it's all good. I expect the Indy would be similarly cold blooded with a carb. The Indy is obviously a single plane vs the dual plane Edelbrock. The Indy has a lot bigger runners. Also, the Indy doesn't have things like an oil fill tube, PCV, throttle bracket mounts, etc.

The allure of the Indy (to me) is for multi-port fuel injection. For MPI you've got to have a single plane so it's either the Indy or the Torker. Or buy the Edelbrock kit for big $$. I've played with the Edelbrock kit before and it's an AWESOME setup (very impressed with it) but I wanted to try a Megasquirt ECU this time because of how customizable it is. I've got some 80 lb/hr injectors, an 80mm throttle body & elbow, fuel rails, etc on the way to finish it up.

[Elliott]

I can't tell how it warms my heart to see a chevy get butched for 401 transplant to kick butt on other chevys

[Ghinmi]

I can't tell how it warms my heart to see a chevy get butched for 401 transplant to kick butt on other chevys

The other cool part is that the chevy body ended up on a Dodge chassis and drivetrain.

[billyj7175]

This has to be the first GM frame swap, but still-retaining-the-AMC-powerplant that I've ever seen...gotta love that.

Good looking work! Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

[Ghinmi]

Some pictures of the intake with throttle body. I've still got to drill the injector bosses and make fuel rails but it just looked too cool not to post.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/513/809/38780404111_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/513/809/38780404112_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/513/809/38780404114_large.jpg

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/513/809/38780404113_large.jpg

[Ghinmi]

The custom oil pan

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/4/513/809/38780404115_large.jpg

[ottocycle]

That intake set-up looks pretty tall. I know the Indy intake is a lot taller than stock, and it looks like the elbow would be taller that a stock air cleaner assembly. I guess you get a little relief from having a horizontal TB instead of a carb-like vertical one. Are you going with a custom hood or installing a cowl scoop?

I love your concept, but I come from a Mopar background and have been conditioned to shun excessive sheet metal or frame modification.

[Ghinmi]

That intake set-up looks pretty tall. I know the Indy intake is a lot taller than stock, and it looks like the elbow would be taller that a stock air cleaner assembly. I guess you get a little relief from having a horizontal TB instead of a carb-like vertical one. Are you going with a custom hood or installing a cowl scoop?

I love your concept, but I come from a Mopar background and have been conditioned to shun excessive sheet metal or frame modification.

Yeah, the intake is way taller than I had envisioned it. Should have no problem fitting it under the hood, the engine sits a lot lower in the C10 frame since it doesn't have to clear the front drivetrain. I've got a steel cowl hood and plenty of good stock hoods. I'll see what one works better and pull a fiberglass copy off of it.

I hear you on the sheet metal and frame mods, that's why I'm building this on instead of cutting up the Wagoneer.

[ottocycle]

Right on. Didn't even consider the extra space UNDER the engine you get without that big honkin' Dana in the way.

[Gambler68]

Well..what transmission are you using? A 2wd AMC one? I haven't started looking yet, but am interested in what the best 2wd one will bolt to a 401.

[Ghinmi]

Well..what transmission are you using? A 2wd AMC one? I haven't started looking yet, but am interested in what the best 2wd one will bolt to a 401.

Here's a few options off the top of my head.

1. Get a 2wd trans from an AMC car. I think the 4.0L in Jeeps uses the same bolt pattern as an AMC so maybe a 2wd XJ trans would work too?

2. Buy a 2wd trans from a Chevy and use an ultrabell or adapter plates. They make an ultrabell for Powerglide, TH350 and TH400. I'm sure they also make adapter plates to run a 700R4.

3. Convert a Jeep TH400 to 2wd. You'll need to swap output shafts and tail housings and machine the case for a speedometer output. Not sure of the years but some early (1974ish) AMC/Jeep TH400s are already machined for the speedometer.

I've done option 3 for my Wagoneer and have no complaints. The Cherokee will be getting an ultrabell and a 2wd chevy trans for safety's sake.

[Tigger4X]

Theres goes another keyboard! I keep forgetting my drool rag. Some most excellent goodies under that hood. I'd love to hear it scream when you light it up!

[The PIG Smith]

Here's a few options off the top of my head.

1. Get a 2wd trans from an AMC car. I think the 4.0L in Jeeps uses the same bolt pattern as an AMC so maybe a 2wd XJ trans would work too?

2. Buy a 2wd trans from a Chevy and use an ultrabell or adapter plates. They make an ultrabell for Powerglide, TH350 and TH400. I'm sure they also make adapter plates to run a 700R4.

3. Convert a Jeep TH400 to 2wd. You'll need to swap output shafts and tail housings and machine the case for a speedometer output. Not sure of the years but some early (1974ish) AMC/Jeep TH400s are already machined for the speedometer.

I've done option 3 for my Wagoneer and have no complaints. The Cherokee will be getting an ultrabell and a 2wd chevy trans for safety's sake.

You also could use a Chrysler 2WD style 727 and convert an AMC 727 that came from a later model FSJ.
Same deal as the TH400, swap output shaft and tailhousing.

[Eugene 1]

You also could use a Chrysler 2WD style 727 and convert an AMC 727 that came from a later model FSJ.
Same deal as the TH400, swap output shaft and tailhousing.

and just as easy to find!

[Gambler68]

What about a 998/999? Or are they 4WD trans..

I know the 401 Gremlin X's were offered with an auto option..just can't find the exact trans yet.

Just brain building something..