Re: Re:Gary's two wheel drive Grand; WAS/ 727 to 518 swap...

["Gary Walker" <NashFlash@xxxxxxxxxx>]

  I intended to add that the gas mileage improved about 15 % when I removed 
the transfer case.
  As for the stance, I think something pretty close to the original ride 
height should be maintained for all around use as you would do with a pickup 
that had to have some trailer weight on it at times.   Also, I use an 
equalizer hitch that uses spring bars to spread the tongue weight toward the 
front wheels of the tow vehicle.  That certainly helps with a two or four 
wheel drive vehicle, but requires a decent amount of suspension movement.
  The thing about the overdrive and what I know now from a considerable 
amount of experience with towing with an overdrive is another story and I 
will delve into it and explain why I want the gear ratios that I want if 
anyone is interested.   What I plan to do would also be a joy in other types 
of vehicles as well as my Wagoneer tow truck.
     Your AMC Friend,
      Gary Walker,  Owner of some old AMC stuff, not junk as she says


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Mark Price" <mprice@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 1:06 PM
Subject: Re:Gary's two wheel drive Grand; WAS/ 727 to 518 swap...


> That sounds absolutely Friggin awesome!
> Slammed I hope?
> Mark Price
> mpriceATwestco.net
> Morgantown, WV
> 69 AMC rambler, 4.0L, EFI, 5 speed
> 65 Ambassador Conv, 327 AUTO, Basketcase
> 01 S-10 CREWCRAP 4X4
>
>
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
> From: "Gary Walker" <NashFlash@xxxxxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: mail-From-mprice-westco.net@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date:  Tue, 19 Jul 2005 12:11:00 -0500
>
> >   I've already enjoyed the '86 Grand Wagoneer with 2wd .   I replaced the
> > transmission and transfer case many years ago with a rebuilt 727 from an
> > Ambassador.   The difference would put a smile on anyone's face.  It is 
> > much
> > quieter and seems more car-like in ways that are hard to define.   I do 
> > not
> > believe there is much need of 4wd with the relatively light towing that I
> > intend to do, and if I ever get stuck, I'll pay for a pull.  No biggie.  I
> > should not have been there in the first place.
> >   The next step was to be a solid front axle to replace the front
> > differential
> > and I ready researched,  found, and purchased an early Chevy axle which 
> > will
> > bolt in.  I also found the disk brake adapters to put big discs on the 
> > Chevy
> > axle.  However, I am now interested in installing a Pacer independent 
> > front
> > suspension ( IFS ).  I will be looking into that further in the future.
> > This swap is not a new idea.  It is being done in half ton trucks.
> >   Other items I already built or purchased for the Wagoneer are;
> > 1.   360 V8  completely rebuilt w/ towing in mind.  4.45 lift cam R4b 
> > intake
> >      and Blackjack 1 3/4 inch headers.  Plumbed extra cam chain oiler,
> >      brass freeze plugs, etc.
> >      ( engine is installed )
> > 2.   A new special 4 core radiator made for the Grand Wagoneer.
> > 3.   New Holley fuel injection system.
> > 4.   New MSD  Digital Six programmable ignition controller.
> > 5.   New Jordan Research Ultima digital trailer breaking system.