well with the viscous coupling in the np249 t case, a slipping 42re and a 4.0 i-6 that refuses to run correctly i have decided to swap it all out.

i recently came across a killer deal on a chevy 305, SM465 tranny, and a NP208 T-case. I figure kill all my jeeps demons with one try.

i know it can be done, but i can't find much info on it. Any on here done a SBC swap in the ZJ? my main things are what headers will fit in it, any issues you ran into when doing the swap, just stuff like that.


also trying to decide whether to keep the SM465 or to put in the semi-built 700R4 i have laying around. teh auto would be an easier swap, but i like wheeling a manual truck as well. i can go either way, still trying to decide

any input or help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

not totally sure, but the 465 may be too low to be a DD, and I'm getting ready to do an LS1 swap and will be sure to post a thread on it

well it is a trailer queen, not a DD. it is tagged, but only cause it is required at a few local wheelin spots enen though it will never see black top, so gearing is not a problem really.

Don't waste your time with a 305, they're boat anchors.

i realize that lol. but i figure as long as it runs, it will be better than what i have right not.

plans are to drop it in, and look for a 4 bolt 350. build a good solid motor for it, and then it will be just a bolt in swap for a 350. a 305 is all i got right now, but it has to be better than teh 4.0 that runs like crap that is in it.

Don't waste your time with a 305, they're boat anchors.

I ran a 305 in my flattie for years with no problems:flipoff2:.

I've heard some bad things about those 208 t-cases, if thats all you got, do what you gotta do. I would try to come up with something a little better. Just my .02.

You should swap in a Magnum 5.9L instead. Easier. Chevy 350 has been done before though.

aint the chevy a passenger side drop and the jeep a driver side!?!?!

You should swap in a Magnum 5.9L instead. Easier. Chevy 350 has been done before though.



no mopar for me. everyone i know has chevy part. yes the 5.9 would be easier but then i would be in teh same situation i am now, crappy mopar stuff. i know chevys in and out.

as for the 208, i have done some research. most people say internals are decent, but the case is weak, just to make sure the drive shafts don't bottom out on the case and it is well protected from rocks such. I won't be running alot of HP through it, i figure once i the 350 built for it, i will still only be pushing 300HP maybe, and have heard that the 208 will hold up to that pretty well.

aint the chevy a passenger side drop and the jeep a driver side!?!?!

yeah, it is. i plan on clockin the T case around and fabbing up a shift linkage.

simple enough

no mopar for me. everyone i know has chevy part. yes the 5.9 would be easier but then i would be in teh same situation i am now, crappy mopar stuff. i know chevys in and out.

as for the 208, i have done some research. most people say internals are decent, but the case is weak, just to make sure the drive shafts don't bottom out on the case and it is well protected from rocks such. I won't be running alot of HP through it, i figure once i the 350 built for it, i will still only be pushing 300HP maybe, and have heard that the 208 will hold up to that pretty well.


So basically you want to make your life hard so you can get cheap Chevy parts?

So basically you want to make your life hard so you can get cheap Chevy parts?

i really don't see what will be so hard about it.

motor mounts-just gonna buy some generic ones from jegs, teh weld in solid mount kind. bolt them to the motor, drop the motor in, get it all lined up and tack them in. pull the motor back out, burn them in good.

the harder part will be mounting the clutch pedal and master cylinder i think, and running the exhaust. the actual swap i don't see what will be so hard about it. Space should not be a problem as you could get the chrysler V8 factory.

i know it will not be just pull out and bolt in, but i really don't see any huge obstacle in doing the swap.

i really don't see what will be so hard about it.

motor mounts-just gonna buy some generic ones from jegs, teh weld in solid mount kind. bolt them to the motor, drop the motor in, get it all lined up and tack them in. pull the motor back out, burn them in good.

the harder part will be mounting the clutch pedal and master cylinder i think, and running the exhaust. the actual swap i don't see what will be so hard about it. Space should not be a problem as you could get the chrysler V8 factory.

i know it will not be just pull out and bolt in, but i really don't see any huge obstacle in doing the swap.

I think the biggest pain will be getting the gauges to work but I have no idea really. As far as the clutch pedal and master cylinder goes, 93 4.0 ZJs came with a manual transmission option, although they were very rare. You should still be able to find the parts either through a dealer or maybe some junkyard parts if you're extremely lucky. I've only seen one 93 manual transmission ZJ in a yard ever. I know of one guy over at Mallcrawlin (who also posts here) who goes by the name "Kraqa" who has a Chevy 350 in his ZJ buggy. You might PM him and pick his brains. I think his runs on propane. Make sure to do a writeup if you do it :smokin:

I'm pretty sure XJ pedals will work. Go on mallcrawlin, and look for the AX15 swap writeup.

I'm pretty sure XJ pedals will work. Go on mallcrawlin, and look for the AX15 swap writeup.

yeah, on jeepforum there is a link to a write up on the AX 15 swap.

as soon as it gets underway i will do a write up on it and how it goes.

the 208 is fine as long as you're not bashin rock real hard(aluminum case). it will hold up to 300hp easily AND it has 2.6? to 1 low range which is decent for stock. Not sure how easy it will be to clock it around. You might be better off to just pick up a chevy D44 and toss that under it. if you are gonna fab, i think welding some mounts on a 44 is right there in the "easy" book.

the 208 is fine as long as you're not bashin rock real hard(aluminum case). it will hold up to 300hp easily AND it has 2.6? to 1 low range which is decent for stock. Not sure how easy it will be to clock it around. You might be better off to just pick up a chevy D44 and toss that under it. if you are gonna fab, i think welding some mounts on a 44 is right there in the "easy" book.

well i have a set of F/R axles out of a FS wagoneer that were freebees. i believe they are 44's but not sure on teh drop on them

but it is 2.61:1 low range on the 208. i think clocking it should be simple once i configure a shifter for it. but since i am replacing axles maybe i could trade the drivers drop for a pass drop one.

Yeah, if they are both 44's then you have the right ones. should be passenger drop front and rear....toss that under it and don't worry about clocking

i am pretty sure they are 44's' stock axles out of an old wagoneer.

old waggy's also came with the amc 20......Someone correct me if i'm wrong.....but as far as i know, waggy's with 44's front and rear were passenger offset f/r. just an easy way to tell

Not all of the Waggy's were passenger drop... the 86 and newer (dont quote me on that) were driver's drop.