The latest addition to the cruiser family is an fj40 with a 302 in it, which is fine, I guess. It does sound pretty tough right now with no mufflers and dual exhaust. Since I'm relatively new to the cruiser world (4x4 world for that matter), I'm only really familiar with the 55's. My 55 has the bellhousing and motor mount, while the 40 has the motor mount and a rear crossmember to the transfer, no mounts to the bell housing. One of the first major things, besides getting it going, is to get rid of that damn 3spd in there. Wouldn't be a big deal if I knew anything about the conversion made to put the 3spd and 302 together. The 3spd is best suited as a boat anchor.
The conversion is what is probably a stock ford bellhousing and a spacer/adapter plate between the bellhousing and tranny. Since the 3spd fits, should I be able to put an sm420 in there? What other options do I have that are actually cruiser worthy?

I don't know jack about fords if you can tell, I've always kept my affairs only with chevy's and toyota's. Sorry no pics, I'll get some up whenever I can get home from work when there is still daylight.

Jegs has conversion bell housings for SM420/302.

Actually considered it for a while for my GPW..


But the Auto was cheap and...

other option for the 302 would be:
t18
t19
sm435
t5
nv4500

Please excuse my ignorance, but what are the t18, 19, and 5? NV4500 is out of the price range, but I'd love to have one. The reason I thought an sm420 may be adaptable is because of the adapter for the stock 3spd tranny, since the old F bellhousing works for the mighty gm granny tranny.

George, it is not a SM435, but rather a NP435. That is the Ford equivalent to the 465 for the Chevy. It has a super low 1st, but is only a 4 speed. Also look into the C4, or a small block C6 auto setup. I prtefer the auto, but that is my opinion only. Ypu can run a 435 with a 205 behind that.

Dima

because you have a 3 speed i assume you also have a 3 speed case. if you do your options for a manual trany are a little limited. Advanced only makes an adaptor for the NP435, which is a great trany (much like the SM tranys). It has a 6.68:1 low and 1:1 4th gear (no OD). As far as i know no one makes an adaptor from the t18 or t19 to the 3 speed case but if you want to swap to a 4 speed case advanced does make an adaptor.

You will need an AA rear t-case mount which are fairly easy to find used.

As far as automatics I have no idea.

There are tons of adapters for T18s to jeep x-fer cases. I'm running a 302/t18/dana 18. Though I think I broke a gear in the dana 18 this weekend, haven't opened it up yet to see the carnage.