The rotation for the front axle is the same as for the rear. The transfer case is chain driven over to the side, so the front driveshaft rotates the same as the crankshaft. You can't put the engine in the middle facing back and run an angled drivesahft to the front. But nice try! A Corvair transaxle (uses SBC pattern) or some front drive transaxle (Premier ZF auto?) might work, but would require an adapter. The offset for a Jeep front axle is about 8", but I can't say for sure. If you figured out how to run the trans on the front of the engine you could always use rear axle alxes (hmmm... doesn't sound right, but you know what I mean!) and center the diff in the front. Or leave it offset and run through a transfer case. There are some front drive car haulers made from 4x4 trucks and car trailers. The truck frame is cut off just behind the cab and a low trailer frame welded to the back. The front axle does all the pulling, the rear output is sealed in some manner. I haven't had a close enough look to see how it's sealed -- just sticking a yoke in won't work, something has to keep it there! -- Frank Swygert Publisher, "American Motors Cars" Magazine (AMC) For all AMC enthusiasts http://farna.home.att.net/AIM.html (free download available!) ------original message--------------- Date: Saturday, September 30, 2006 10:15 PM From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx> So I've been thinking and drawing over the last year or so ideas for a rambler hot rod. Six cylinder, sort of "old style" rod, track-roadster-ish. Two seats. Open wheels (motorcycle-type fenders), no doors, no roof. I really want a mid-engine car, but Hallibrand transaxles are out of my range, but I think I've come up with a scheme for a rear engine, front drive car, using a jeep or eagle front axle. I do have this Navarro-built turbo six... but it's not a requirement, and might not be appropriate to run in the street. The big chunks lay out OK for a 104" plus or minus wheelbase. The main problem is engine/front axle rotation and offset. I have only a Haynes manual for Jeep, though I've seen 'em. I'm only at the planning stage (and it may never get past that). Does anyone know: * Rotation direction for the jeep or eagle front axle? * How much offset, front driveshaft to centerline of the car? Looks like 6 - 8" from my crappy drawings. _______________________________________________ AMC-List mailing list AMC-List@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.amc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/amc-list or go to http://www.amc-list.com