Question: I have a '42 Jeep flatfender with a Chevy 350 and i am looking to upgrade to a stronger transmission and transfer case. i am on a budget and wondering what would be a good "junkyard swap"?
Jeremy
Oregon
Answer: Many flatfenders with Chevy V-8s have been built with the older gM SM420 four-speeds because of its very small size and low 7:1 First gear. however, i think another combo for your Jeep would be advance adapters' (800.350.2223, www. advanceadapters.com) new short adapter kit for the SM465 to the Dana 18. The SM465 has a 6.5:1 First gear and is a little bit bigger and stronger than the SM420, plus it is often easier to find one used as they were used from 1968 up until 1991 in gM trucks, and the Dana 18 is the transfer case that you have already. The Dana 18 can survive behind the SM465 stock, but it will be happier with a few upgrades such as a tapered roller intermediate shaft kit and the 3.15:1 low-range kit. you can also use the Saturn overdrive from advance adapters to drop your highway engine rpm. another option is the SM420, SM465, or T-18 adapted to the later Dana 300 transfer case. however, this transfer case would work best with a rear axle that has a center pinion as opposed to the offset versions found stock in most flatfenders.
Question: I have a '56 Chevy pickup body on a '73 Blazer chassis with a '68 four-bolt main block driving an SM465 four-speed coupled to a 205 transfer case. it has a front Dana 44 with ARB air Locker and a rear GM 10-bolt and more than 325,000 miles on it. i found a 1.2-inch-long by 1.4-inch-tall piece of piston skirt in the oil pan. So i started looking around for a different engine and found an '03 camaro with 23,000 miles on it that will start and run and the engine computer and wiring are intact. Will this engine bolt up to my bellhousing/clutch setup? i've been told the bolt patterns will not work together at the bellhousing area and the motor mounts are way different.
Tim b.
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Time for a new engine, eh? The first issue i see is that they stopped making camaros in 2002, but even if it is a 2002 engine you still want it. That engine, if it's a V-8, is an all-aluminum-block LS1 and from what i've seen it's where the industry is headed for aftermarket V-8 swaps. i spoke to the crew at Turn key Engine Supply (760.941.2741, www.turnkeyenginesupply.com), where they specialize in the newer LS engines and rounded up all the answer for you. First the motor mounts for your '68 V-8 will not work, but Turn key has adapter motor mounts that will allow you to bolt in the LS1. The bellhousing will bolt up to the LS1 but instead of the current seven bolts you have now, only six will be used because one of the holes won't match up, though this is considered Ok. also your exhaust will most likely need to be modified to work with the newer engine. The factory computer is usable but will likely require modification for your application. however, Turn key can supply a stand-alone aftermarket computer perfect for this type of swap as well as a different flywheel. This may seem like a bit of work, but the power gains should be noticeable as these engines are around 320 hp stock and with Turn key's computer they can easily get up to 400. compared to your 325,000-mile engine, i bet you'll be smiling. however, with that much power you may be looking to upgrade that rear 10-bolt before long.
Question: I broke the front output on my chevy 205 transfer case while getting stupid with my Blazer on 42-inch tires. is there an upgrade available?
Wayne S.
via 4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Most chevy np205 transfer cases come with a 10- or a 30-spline front output shaft in the 205. Look for one from a Dodge or Ford np205 as they have a 32-spline front output shaft and yoke. use a rear seal in the front to seal around the bigger yoke and shaft.