Submission Information
Confused? E-mail your questions about trucks, 4x4s, and off-roading tech using "Nuts, I'm confused" as the subject and include a picture (if it's applicable). Digital photos must measure no less than 1600 x 1200 pixels (or two megapixels) and be saved as a TIFF, an EPS, or a maximum-quality JPEG file. Also, I'll be checking the forums on our Web site (www.4wheeloffroad.com), and if I see a question that I think more of you might want to have answered, I'll print that as well. Otherwise drop it old-school style with the envelope addressed to the address below. Letters published in this magazine reflect the opinions of the writers, and we reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, or other purposes.
WRITE TO:
Nuts & Bolts
4-Wheel & Off-Road
6420 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515
fax 323.782.2704.
E-MAIL TO:
nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
AMC 700
Question: Do you know about adapting an AMC 401 to a 700R4 transmission? I want to run this combo in my "new" '88 Waggy. I've found lots of info on a 360 to 700R4, but not much on a 401. A buddy is selling a 401 and my 360 may be blown, so this is a no-brainer.
Phil F.
via nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Answer: Novak Adapter (877.602.1500, www.novak-adapt.com) has the adapter to go from AMC engines to GM TH350, TH400, TH700R4, and 4L60E automatics. Simply call them to discuss the options when adapting to a 401. However, the 700R4 was never offered behind any GM big-block and may be maxed out in your Wagoneer depending on how fresh the 401 is, how heavy the truck is built, and how big a tire you are running. I would rather see you go with a TH400 or 4L80E with an aftermarket controller like the Compushift from HGM Electronics (877.744.3887, www.compushift.com).
Low-Buck Locker
Question: I have a '94 Ford F-250 that I've been wrenching and wheeling on for about two years. I installed a 4-inch lift and 35s. It has a 460 big-block with a manual five-speed and 4.10 gears, so it gets around OK on regular trails but still leaves me hanging on the serious rocks and mud. I read your tech articles, including the tests on suspension travel versus lockers, but I'm still not sure if a locker is right for me. It's a daily driver, not to mention my pride and joy, and I don't want serious axle wear during on-road use. I also lack serious flex because of my stiff front and back leaf springs. What would you recommend? I'm on a 17-year-old's budget.
Michael S.
via nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Answer:Get a Detroit Locker for your rear Sterling 10.5-inch axle. It will probably cost around $600 depending on where you get it, and you'll need someone to install it, so figure an additional $300 to $500 depending on shop fees. However, the Detroit Locker is tough as nails, less expensive than a selectable locker, and won't seriously add to axle wear. It's not the cheapest locker available, but it will survive just about any tire-and-engine combo you throw at it, and it will keep your tires turning when you start lacking traction from your stiff suspension. Just remember to keep your rear tires aired up to the same pressure to defer any odd on-road characteristics.
On The Right Track
Question: I have an '89 F-150 pickup. I removed the junk TTB in favor of a Dana 60 that I am putting in place with a radius-arm kit from Cage Off-Road. With the coil springs, I was wondering if I need a traction bar or will the antisway bar keep the axle located side to side without any problems?
Craig
via nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Answer:You don't need a "traction" bar, but you do need a "track" bar. A traction bar is very similar to a radius arm and is usually found on a rear axle in order to control axlewrap, whereas a track bar (also known as a Panhard bar) is mounted from the frame to the axle along the same angle as your steering draglink. Your sway bar will not work as a track bar because it has flexible links at each end that will not control the massive forces trying to move your axle side to side.
Bow Tie Cummins
Question: I have a '71 Chevy 3/4-ton with plans to put in a 5.9 Cummins with an SM465 transmission. Does a company make an adapter to mate the motor to this tranny? I'm also looking for a 30-percent overdrive splitter box. Do you have any suggestions?
Adam T.
via nuts@4wheeloffroad.com
Answer:Actually there is a Cummins factory adapter that allows you to bolt up a GM transmission. Your best bet is to look in old box-style delivery trucks. Many of them came with six- or four-cylinder Cummins diesels and they both use the same rear adapter, and some even had manual transmissions behind them. I found one years ago that had been in an old Frito Lay potato chip delivery truck. However, one problem is that the factory Cummins adapter leans the transmission over between 15 and 20 degrees. For an aftermarket adapter contact Destroked (303.945.7570, www.destroked.com), as they specialize in adapting Cummins engines to a variety of transmissions and they offer an adapter without the angled mount.
A Ranger gear-splitter overdrive box from Advance Adapters (800.350.2223, www.advanceadapters.com) to go with your SM465 could help reduce the engine revs of the Cummins at highway speeds, but it is only rated to 420 lb-ft of torque, which isn't quite enough for the Cummins. A better option might be ditching the SM465 and getting an NV4500 five-speed manual with overdrive. Plus they can easily be bolted to the back of the Cummins.