New DriveTrain

[71_blue]

This weekend we start pulling the engine, trans and tcase for a major replacement. We're currently running a worn out 302 with a top loader 4 speed and Dana 20. The wife wants to drive it but she doesn't do manual transmissions so we're going to an automatic. We have a 325hp turn key 302 coming from the Engine Factory which will be backed with a 700R4 and the Dana 20. Adapters are ordered, floor shifter with radiator coolers are coming.

Just looking for any of those bits of information and watch outs that could drive me crazy doing this swap. We're running shorty headers with duals and Flowmasters, one inch body lift with twin sticks on the tcase. The drive shafts were modified for the four speed and should equal the extra length of the 700R4. We'll take photos during the swap and post.

Bob

 

[sprdv1]

Here's a start Bob..

http://classicbroncos.com/tech/700r4-4-speed-automatic-transmission-guide

 

[sprdv1]

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131274&highlight=700R4+swap

http://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=83534&highlight=700R4+swap

 

[71_blue]

Dropped the engine and trans in yesterday. Drivers side shorty header went on with no problem. Other side points right at the trans case. I cut the collector just after the point where the 4 tubes come together and added 2 1/2 inch pipe to move it down the side of the pan. Now the flange points straight back just beyond the pan. It's always fun to swap things around.

Only issue so far is the lack of clear instructions from the AA paperwork for the adapters. I knew going in this would be a problem but it just takes a little brain work to figure it out. Also, the bolts supplied are either the wrong size, too many or not enough. Lots of trips to the hardware store.

Still haven't decided on the location for the auxilliary cooler. Either on top the right fenderwell or under the rig below the passenger seat.

 

[sprdv1]

Still haven't decided on the location for the auxilliary cooler. Either on top the right fenderwell.

A few folks on here have that set up on the fenderwell, that is where mine will most likely go.

 

[71_blue]

I'm using the Landcruiser crossmember from AA that is listed on the 700R4 in a Ford web page. Last night I found the frame brackets didn't come close to lining up properly with the frame rails. I checked Kincade's web page photo's and found that AA has changed the casting that bolts to the end of the trans. In Kincade's photo, the trans mount bolts to the adapter at a point which lines up with the pan gasket line of the auto trans. The new piece places the mount about 2 1/2" lower. After setting the Tcase onto the adapter and lining up the front drive shaft, I think you can leave out the aluminum spacer that goes under the mount and flip the crossmember around so it is upside down with the left side even with the mount and rising up on the right, it should work.

I hope this helps anyone thinking about doing this conversion in the future as I searched the forums first before starting.

Bob

 

[71_blue]

Spent a couple of hours last night finishing up the cross member install. By adjusting things around as mentioned in my last post, I was able to reuse three of the original crossmember bolt holes in the frame. I drilled out the threaded inserts and used grade 8 bolts through the frame. It came out to be a nice, tight install with very little hanging down to get caught on something while off road. Now I need to play with the exhaust!

By the way. Had to drop the aux tank down in the front to drill the holes for the bolts. It was full of fuel of course.

 

[71_blue]

Had problems with the B&M shifter cable and the transfer case. Too many sharp bends made shifting harsh. Put in a 8 foot cable and it shifts better. The replacement cables are thicker and better quality. Mounted one cooler in front of the radiator but since the radiator has no provisions for the trans fluid, I mounted an auxilliary cooler with fan under the truck below the passenger seat. Got it all installed with the cooler lines and the fan doesn't work. Didn't even get to wire in the thermostat switch. New one on the way though. Will be fabbing up a stone shield to protect it.

This weekend is exhaust time. I purchased a Flowmaster big block muffler with two 2 1/4 inlets and one 3 inch outlet for a super single system. I'll weld up the front half and have a shop put on the tail pipe.

It's getting close to being on the road again.

 

[spreadmonkey]

I can't believe I'm the first one to say this, but...got any pics? ;D

 

[71_blue]

not allowed to post pics