SBC driveline Swap

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dkerr79
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Joined: Tue Feb 19, 2019 4:34 pm

SBC driveline Swap

Post by dkerr79 »

Has anyone done a SBC 350 swap? I have an ‘81 Cherokee that a previous owner changed out the inline 6 for a Chevy 350. It was adapted to a TF 727 and the original 219 transfer case. I have a 700r4 on the way and a 231c to go in it. Most of the dimensions I’ve found look like it will be a mostly straight forward swap, but I’m curious about any other adaptations that may be coming my way. I feel like the rear drive shaft may need to be shortened a few inches.
Any insights are appreciated.
:fsj:
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Stuka
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Re: SBC driveline Swap

Post by Stuka »

Well, the 231C uses a slip yoke rear drive shaft, which no FSJ had. So that alone means your rear shaft will at least need a new slip end, and it might need to be longer as a 231 is shorter than a 219. But then the 700r4 is longer than a 727, so maybe it will work out where the main shaft is usable.

The cross member has two sets of holes to move it forward or aft, you may have to move it. trans mount will need to be changed of course, but thats easy.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ

Eldog22
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Re: SBC driveline Swap

Post by Eldog22 »

I did a sbc swap on my 73. It was pretty straightforward. Easier than we thought it would be actually.
I went with the 350, 4l60e, and Dana 44s.
New motor mounts, slight mods to crossmember and a new driveshaft and it was in.

HandofGod
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Re: SBC driveline Swap

Post by HandofGod »

I have a 350 with 700r4 and 241c hooked up to D44s in mine, but... done by the previous owner. Everything works but I couldn’t tell you about exact measurements. I could take some pictures if you want. The PO also did a 3” body lift - I assume for some clearance for the swap.
White ‘91 GW with 350 swap. 700r4 transmission. NP 241c T-case. Rusty’s 3” body lift. Currently on 31x10.5x15 Milestar Patagonia M/T tires. Holley sniper EFI and complete Novak cooling system.
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dkerr79
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Re: SBC driveline Swap

Post by dkerr79 »

HandofGod, you have the same set up I’m doing. 700, 241 with a 3 inch spring lift. The seller of the t-case sent me a 241c instead of a 231c (oh well). The PO installed crane axles with double cardan driveshafts.
The last shop I went to said they could do it, and after hacking my exhaust and dropping the driveshafts said they couldn’t make it work. The guys at Tarheel 4WD said they can adapt the driveshafts and build a new crossmember to get the swap done. After meeting them and seeing some of the rigs they’re working on I’m super impressed.
I should get my truck back in a week or so.
Check them out at www.tarheel4wdcenter.com
I’d still like to see your pics. Truck and driveline. The more the merrier!
Thanks for the replies!
:fsj:
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