[Amc-list] Jeep Cherokee Driveline in a mid to late 60's American?

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Mark Price (wrambler on here and the Yahoo Jeep Strokers forum) has a 4.0L w/T-5 in a 69 or so American, I have one in a 63 Classic w/the Jeep AW-4 auto. I used a Cherokee rear axle with ladder bars for a while, but it's too wide even for the Classic. I had 7" wheel with 3.75" back spacing and 205/70R15 tires -- they scrubbed every time I hit a big bump. You'd need 7" wheels with 5" back spacing to fit the Classic. You can get Weld DragLite wheels in that configuration, but only one or two other wheels with that much backset on a 7" wheel. An 8" wheel will likely be a bit wide.

A Ford Ranger rear axle, however, will work fine. The 4.0L Ranger used an 8.8" rear axle from 1990 up according to "The Ranger Station" (http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Axles.html). You would need a 90-92 8.8" Ranger axle for the American, the 93+ is 2" wider (would be good for a Classic) -- same as the Explorer axle. you can also use the 83-92 Ranger 7.5" axle. It should be more than strong enough for a 4.0L -- the Dana 35 is only a little stronger than a Ford 7.5". If you're building a cruiser or daily driver I'd consider using the 7.5", the lighter weight would help mileage a bit. 

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Date: Sun, 8 Feb 2009 07:28:48 -0800 (PST)
From: Mike S <amc_rebel_sst@xxxxxxxxx>

Just curious if anyone has put in an entire 2-wheel driveline, engine to rear end in a mid/late 60's American.  From what I've been reading, the 4.0 should drop in, you could probably use the tranny since it's a 2 wd cherokee and the rear end, from what I've been reading is 55 1/4 inches flange to flange and the Americans is 56 1/2 flange to flange.  
 
I understand for the rear you'd have to change the spring perches/mounts because the cherokee  uses coils and the americans use leaf.  
 
I think that this would be an interesting swap if the rears would fit.  
 

-- 
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
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