Drive-train alignment?

cj7zrcool · 07-22-2007, 11:01 AM

I realize that this probably does not qualify as "hard core", but it is already in the "non-hard core" section, and it's a little slow over there. So...

I'm swapping an AMC 360 & Ford T18A in place of the 258/T5, in an 85 CJ7. I installed the V8 frame horns and have the engine & tranny installed. I'm pretty sure that the drive-train should be pointing straight back, in a perfect line, to the rear of the Jeep, unless there is an offset somewhere between the crankshaft and the output shaft of the tranny. It is pointing straight now, but the motor mounts and frame horns are not in the exact same position on both sides. The passenger side is twisted a little to the rear. Should I concern myself with this misalignment, or just be happy everything else is correct and torque the engine mounting points down, including mounting the tranny to the skid plate?

BROKE_ASS_YJ · 07-22-2007, 07:55 PM

You should be good to go.

bspencer · 07-22-2007, 08:08 PM

tighten it down

waynehartwig · 07-23-2007, 11:36 AM

Some manufactures (Dodge and Ford) offset their engine to the bay, so that the driveline is not straight. GM raises the tail shaft. They do this to work the u joint and keep it from drying it up (or wearing out) in one spot and then burning up. That's what it sounds like to me that you have going on here? If so, no worries...

07-22-2007, 11:01 AM	#1
cj7zrcool Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Member # 47850 Location: Cleburne, TX Posts: 179	Drive-train alignment? I realize that this probably does not qualify as "hard core", but it is already in the "non-hard core" section, and it's a little slow over there. So... I'm swapping an AMC 360 & Ford T18A in place of the 258/T5, in an 85 CJ7. I installed the V8 frame horns and have the engine & tranny installed. I'm pretty sure that the drive-train should be pointing straight back, in a perfect line, to the rear of the Jeep, unless there is an offset somewhere between the crankshaft and the output shaft of the tranny. It is pointing straight now, but the motor mounts and frame horns are not in the exact same position on both sides. The passenger side is twisted a little to the rear. Should I concern myself with this misalignment, or just be happy everything else is correct and torque the engine mounting points down, including mounting the tranny to the skid plate? __________________ 85 CJ7, 38" TSLs, SOA, locked D44NT w/chromos, spooled 9" w/chromos, D300, T18A, 360, BTF high-steer Last edited by cj7zrcool; 07-22-2007 at 11:02 AM.

07-22-2007, 07:55 PM	#2
BROKE_ASS_YJ Rock God Join Date: Feb 2007 Member # 86828 Location: HILLBILLY HELL! Posts: 1,133	You should be good to go. __________________ 1995 YJ - The usual 1-ton Wrangler 2001 XJ- The unsual 3/4 ton Cherokee 2006 Cummins - Tow rig 1998 TJ Sahara Weekend warrior/DD http://www.americanfourwheeler.com

07-22-2007, 08:08 PM	#3
bspencer Rock God Join Date: Apr 2003 Member # 18675 Location: Summersville WV Posts: 1,405	tighten it down __________________ Mountaineer Off Road myspace Facebook All you got to do is use your instincts. How do you think a lion knows to tackle a gazelle? It's written, it's a code written in his DNA, says, "tackle the gazelle." And believe it or not, in every man there's a code written that says, "tackle drunk bitches."

07-23-2007, 11:36 AM	#4
waynehartwig Zeus of the Sluice Join Date: Sep 2004 Member # 35700 Location: Mead, WA Posts: 2,793	Some manufactures (Dodge and Ford) offset their engine to the bay, so that the driveline is not straight. GM raises the tail shaft. They do this to work the u joint and keep it from drying it up (or wearing out) in one spot and then burning up. That's what it sounds like to me that you have going on here? If so, no worries... __________________ Good Seller/Buyer List! www.AllJeep.com www.DiffsOnly.com www.Jeeperman.com

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