Jeepster drivetrain opinions wanted

[TheTonka]

OK so I am working on a deal for a Jeepster. Its got a SBC 350 in it with the stock T400 and Model 20 t-case. I don't know much about this combo. I know the T400 is a tough trans but I also hear that its innefficient. From my reading I have gathered that the model 20 is a pretty tough case and the few weak points have upgrades available. I like how easy it appears to twin stick it.

I will be swapping some of the drivetrain from my pickup into the Jeepster. Specifically the Vortec 350, Al radiator, D44 front with PartsMike knuckles and high steer arms, and the D60 rear. The part I am not sure on is which is going to be a better setup, the T400+model 20 or the T350+NP203 thats in the pickup. I know the NP203 is a tough case but its fawking huge and I would really like to lose some weight.

Either way in the long term I will probably be looking at putting in a Stak 3-speed, I have a deadline to get this running, wheelable, and painted before the end of the year on a budget.

So any opinions?

On a side note how much room is there in the rear of a Jeepster? I have a 21 gallon Summit fuel cell that I would really like to keep. Its rather tall. I don't have a problem cuttin the floor to make room but I need to keep it fairly low since there will be a bench seat back there. Anyone with the measurements of a stock tank could help me a lot. :D

Thanks :D

[JeepinPete]

T400 is simply a stronger trans than a T350. Both the D20 and the NP203 have lousy low range (~2:1). The ears on the adapter between the D20 and T400 tend to break. I think I would use all of your pickup's drivetrain just to save the hassle.

There is quite a bit of room between the rear axle and the back of the frame, but not a lot of height, maybe 8" or so? But the bench seat shouldn't be a problem, since it sits pretty much on top of the rear axle...

[TheTonka]

T400 is simply a stronger trans than a T350. Both the D20 and the NP203 have lousy low range (~2:1). The ears on the adapter between the D20 and T400 tend to break. I think I would use all of your pickup's drivetrain just to save the hassle.

There is quite a bit of room between the rear axle and the back of the frame, but not a lot of height, maybe 8" or so? But the bench seat shouldn't be a problem, since it sits pretty much on top of the rear axle...


Cool thanks. I know the model 20 has a pretty high low range. I had planned on a 203 doubler with a 205 in the pickup but I am seriously looking at saving up and getting a Stak in a year or two. I would really like to put in a built 700R4 or 4L60E at that time. The TH350 and NP203 have been really good to me for over 10 years. If it ain't broke I guess I shouldn't fix it right?
:D

[TheTonka]

There is quite a bit of room between the rear axle and the back of the frame, but not a lot of height, maybe 8" or so? But the bench seat shouldn't be a problem, since it sits pretty much on top of the rear axle...


If anyone with a Jeepster wouldn't mind taking some measurements for me the fuel cell I have now is 24L X 20W X 10H. Like I said I don't mind cutting a little on the floor. I am sure a little cuttin will be needed as the filler, vents, and sending unit are on the top.

Thanks in advance.