Squatchy-1981 Waggy Build 5.3 Swap

Jerry Blair · Post by **Jerry Blair** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:08 am

I've been a member of the mothership since 2006 without an FSJ to show for it!

I tried to sell/trade a couple of built wranglers for a nice Wagoneer but never found the right deal. Finally, back in June I ran across a great deal on a 2001 5.3/4L60E combo and decided it was time to get serious. I searched the classified ads on IFSJA, Jeep Forum, Pirate, craigslist, etc. Many of the candidates looked good but the trip for a rust-free example usually involved a minimum of 500 miles round trip with most of the excellent examples over 2000 miles.

Eventually I heard about a 1981 Waggy at a local offroad shop that had been sitting since it arrived from California several years ago. I went to look at it, made an offer, received a counter and settled on the price. This was about 6 weeks ago. Excited to take it home and get started, disappointment crept in. TITLE PROBLEMS! Long story short, the Jeep finally came home with a clear title in my name yesterday.

Theridehome.jpg

Jerry Blair · Post by **Jerry Blair** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 5:20 am

The plan (in relative order) starts this weekend and includes:

Thorough clean up and inspection for hidden rust.
Paint chassis and frame
Install 5.3/drivetrain
Install lift (still struggling over how I will lift it)
Drive and work out bugs
Body paint/decals

I am building a driver. It will be used from mild to medium trail riding and pulling trailers for camping. I doubt it will be driven much in winter but it might. I'm definitely not doing a full-blown restoration. I want to USE this Jeep as much as possible. I've done several other engine swaps so I expect this one to go smoothly. I'm using JeepinPete's LS motor mounts.

My struggle with the lift is a ride-quality vs height issue. I already have a nice set of 33x12.5x15 BFG ATs to install so I know I need to go at least 5 inches. If I go SOA I need to decide what to do about the rear as I don't like the current kits that have the new mounts hanging below the frame. I've built enough wrangler suspensions to know I need to keep the jeep balanced as well. I keep leaning toward selling the 12.5 wide ATs and getting a 10.5 width. It would probably work out better for my needs.

01JerrysTJEngine.jpg

BigBlock91 · Post by **BigBlock91** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 7:46 am

Sweet looking forward to watch this transformation!

AwesomeJ10 · Post by **AwesomeJ10** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 8:24 am

5.3 swap makes sooo much sense.

Subscribed!

Post by **Stuka** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 10:22 am

While the shackle does hang down with a shackle flip, the rear of the waggy sits out quite a bit more, so the chances of hitting a spring are low unless you are playing in the rocks.

Looks like it will be a great project!

jaber · Post by **jaber** » Sat Oct 13, 2012 8:36 am

Glad you found one. I'll be watching to see how it goes....

Jerry Blair · Post by **Jerry Blair** » Wed Oct 17, 2012 6:40 pm

Just got my JeepinPete LS motor mounts about a week ago. Got around to working on the waggy today and realized my frame horns are different than the ones in Pete's original post.

I'm bummed that it isn't going to be a simple bolt-in. Not a huge deal, though. I just need to decide if I am going to weld a plate to the JeepinPete mount or if I'll drill the frame horn. Both are easy fixes.

j20owner · Post by **j20owner** » Wed Oct 17, 2012 7:04 pm

Did it have a 258 in it? That would be the difference.

Jerry Blair · Post by **Jerry Blair** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:07 am

Turns out that it did. I bought it without an engine, trans or transfer case. That is the definitely difference.

Does anyone know if the frame horns are in the same place as the V8? Also are the frame horns the same other than the plate and holes?

The PIG Smith · Post by **The PIG Smith** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:24 am

Jerry Blair wrote:Does anyone know if the frame horns are in the same place as the V8? Also are the frame horns the same other than the plate and holes?

No, the V8 frame horns are in a different location than the I6 frame horns.
The holes are on there on the frame for the V8 mounts.

I would seek out some V8 frame horns.
I see that you are in Ohio, so a quick phone call and 3.5 hour trip up I-75 to Z&M Jeeps and you can have a set of V8 Frame horns.
I know Zack has them...he has most everything FSJ related.

Zack Heisey
Z&M Jeeps
1298 Conant Street
Maumee, OH 43537
419.893.4JEEP (4533)
http://www.zmjeeps.com
zack@zmjeeps.com

Tell Zack, Bryan from Fort Wayne sent ya! :-B

CAPTSmith · Post by **CAPTSmith** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 7:38 am

Jerry,
How is your 5.3 engine swap going? I've got my engine (6.0 vortec) ready to go and looking for a 4L80e and NP241c. Hope to start my engine swap thread in maybe a couple of months.

lindel · Post by **lindel** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 9:37 am

Cap, where are you located? There's a decent recycle yard in OKC that deals in late model GM equipment. I bought an entire 5.3L drivetrain for $3500 (less than 50 miles on it) a few years ago.

CAPTSmith · Post by **CAPTSmith** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 10:27 am

Hi Lindel,
I live Altoona PA, right outside of Pittsburgh. Thanks!

lindel · Post by **lindel** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 12:45 pm

Probably puts OKC out of the picture then...

Jerry Blair · Post by **Jerry Blair** » Wed Oct 31, 2012 3:57 pm

I've got to swap out the frame horns. I have a 77 Chief in the woods with the right frame horns. Problem is it still has the 360, T400 and Quadratrac tcase in it. Trying to get motivated to drag it up to the barn and pull it so I can use the engine mount frame horns. Not a big deal, just extra work.

CAPTSmith · Post by **CAPTSmith** » Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:36 pm

Lindel,
Thanks anyway, as I found a local salvage yard with the 4L80e and will take to my local friend at tranny shop to rebuild. The 6.0 LQ4 Vortec is below and is coming along nicely:

Jerry Blair · Post by **Jerry Blair** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:20 am

Just a little update...

I haven't been able to work on Squatchy since November 2. I fell off a roof and work and spent the next 12 days in the hospital getting patched up for a broken pelvis (8 pieces). I'm 1 month in to my recovery and still have another 3-4 to go. I get stronger every day and even though I can't walk I should be able to get into the garage in a few weeks. We'll see what the Dr. has to say.

I did make a little progress. I found a set of BJ's 6 inch springs and they have been delivered. I picked a color for paint as well. I'm going to paint with single stage enamel. Rustoleum Almond. It will be a garage paint job.

I hope to get back on this asap!! Funny how 5 weeks of immobility really makes you ready to work!

j20owner · Post by **j20owner** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 4:14 pm

Wow, sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you turn out all right!

jaber · Post by **jaber** » Wed Dec 05, 2012 5:20 pm

Heres to a speedy recovery.

CAPTSmith · Post by **CAPTSmith** » Sat Dec 08, 2012 10:21 am

You're in our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Good news, maybe we can go through the build together as I have my 6.0 Vortec, 4l80e, and np241c ready to go. Best, Dennis

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Squatchy-1981 Waggy Build 5.3 Swap

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