5.3 Swap progresses

[YellowJeep]

Been on vacation for the last two days. Degreased a ton of parts and mocked the 5.3 into the cherokee. Unfortunatly, the mounts I bought from Advance are too short so I'll be waiting on parts again for the next couple of days. Trans is installed and sitting on orginal mount in original location. I really can't wait to get this thing out on the road!!

[The PIG Smith]

Looking great!
I am about to start a swap myself and you've inspired me to push forward with my plans.

Tell me about your engine issues.
How were they too short?
Did you use the stock GM mounts on the 5.3 and AA mounts on the frame?

[YellowJeep]

Using AA part #713088. Stock motor mounts have been completely removed from frame. The AA parts are too short to reach the frame rails. (see pic) They have longer frame brackets that should resolve the problem (AA part#713037). I just called them and they are sending them to me for free! They should be here on Wednesday so I'll let you know how they work.

For those of you considering this swap, I recommend the AA mounts. If you'll notice in the picture, one of the factory bolts for the original motor mount will actually line up with a pre drilled hole in the AA mount. This will make it really easy to get the mounts in the same place on both sides and will allow for easier welding since it shouldn't move once bolted up. This is not the first thing I have bought from AA and all of their stuff is top notch quality!

[The PIG Smith]

The instructions from Novak Mounts talk about offsetting the engine 1.5" the drivers side.
I assume this for front drive shaft clearance for a passenger drop front axle.
Also, maybe to share the limited engine bay with the heater box.

Does the AA mounts require this 1.5" offset?
Is your 5.3 offset or centered in the engine bay?

[YellowJeep]

I read that same thing on Novak's site. I don't plan on doing it though...only because I can find no reason to do it. With everything centered, there is clearance for everything. If you were to move 1.5 to either side, you'd have some serious trouble with the exhaust. As it is, I will have to run f-body manifolds to clear the frame rails.

[Lindel]

Chad, what tranny/transfer case do you plan to use?

[YellowJeep]

Originally Posted by Lindel

Chad, what tranny/transfer case do you plan to use?

Turbo 400 guts swapped into a GM case. Quadratrac that was in the vehicle when I bought it...it has low range and part time conversion with the 16% overdrive setup.

I wanted to do a 4l80e but they are expensive and I didn't have one. Also saw someone on here strugle getting it to work in their truck. Then I thought about using the 700R4/208 that I have but they are unknown "suposedly good" condition and would require $500 worth of new driveshafts and should really be gone through. And 700R4s aren't known for their strength. In the end, I decided to use what I have because the 400 is a great trans and I'll kinda have overdrive with the quadratrac and I can use stock mounts, and stock driveshafts.

This will be my primary daily driver when it's done (no off-road use) and I think I'll be happy with the drivetrain choices.

[AlsChopShop]

Originally Posted by YellowJeep

And 700R4s aren't known for their strength.

only the early years (mid 80's) had issues, and that gave it a bad rap. my 700r4 in my 91 lasted 250,000 miles. and now its built way stronger than a th400.

Al

[Stuka]

Originally Posted by AlsChopShop

only the early years (mid 80's) had issues, and that gave it a bad rap. my 700r4 in my 91 lasted 250,000 miles. and now its built way stronger than a th400.

Al

How do you build a TH350 based transmission to be stronger than a TH400? Stronger than stock sure, but all the parts in a TH400 are physically larger by quite a bit.

[DieselSJ]

It looks like the frame-side of your mounts are upside-down. My AA documentation shows them with the flat area mounted up.

As for the 700R4...Carr rates mine for 750ft/lbs of torque. They can be made to live a long and healthy life.

[DieselSJ]

Originally Posted by The PIG Smith

The instructions from Novak Mounts talk about offsetting the engine 1.5" the drivers side.
I assume this for front drive shaft clearance for a passenger drop front axle.
Also, maybe to share the limited engine bay with the heater box.

Does the AA mounts require this 1.5" offset?
Is your 5.3 offset or centered in the engine bay?

My stock engine was centered. My CJ was offset. When I swapped the diesel into the Waggy, I centered it. When I did the 350 swap on the CJ, I offset it. IIRC, all full-sized rigs are centered.

[AlsChopShop]

Originally Posted by Stuka

How do you build a TH350 based transmission to be stronger than a TH400? Stronger than stock sure, but all the parts in a TH400 are physically larger by quite a bit.

the 700 was not based of the 350 at all, it was just it's replacement. and just because a part is larger, does not mean it is stronger.

Al