Re: 727 to 518 swap...

["Jim Blair" <carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A: There is an easier way. Remove the innards of your current axle (gears, 
shafts, carrier) and put a spline plug in the outer end. DJs (of the big van 
variety) use a D44 housing with bare tube that is as wide as a narrowtrack 
(which all Grand Wagoneers are) I'm sure if you posted that you wanted a 
swap on the Postal Jeep list, you'd have a LOT of takers!


From: "Gary Walker" <NashFlash@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "AMCList" <mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: 727 to 518 swap...
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.