Re: 727 to 518 swap...

[farna@xxxxxxx]

Check out a 2WD XJ front axle. It might need lengthening and the arm mounts cut off, but otherwise should bolt right in. The Pacer front end isn't a good idea unless you want the thing in the weeds. I've seen tow installations on 50s trucks up close -- like in the shop being done. One guy used rubber bushings between the frame and suspension, one welded directly to the frame. Both were LOW! You might be better off with a late model Diplomat/New Yorker (rear drive) torsion bar front end, or Chevy truck front suspension. I doubt you want it in the weeds if you plan on much towing -- unless you air bag the rear. Another problem with the Pacer is front end parts are getting harder to find -- especially unique items like the engine mounts. 

All in all sounds like you have quite a rig! I'd like to see some pics and get a quick story on it for AIM. E-mail me if interested. 


On July 19, 2005 Gary Walker wrote:

> 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.
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <farna@xxxxxxx>
> To: <mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2005 8:08 AM
> Subject: Re: 727 to 518 swap...
> 
> 
> >I figured as much -- probably some oil passages inside the case that can't
> >easily be duplicated or hard lined in the old case.
> >
> > You can always remote mount an old BW OD from a Rambler... or anything
> > else. That's if you have the length to do it, and I don't think you do in
> > a Wagoneer, not unless you ditch the transfer case and go 2WD only. That's
> > easier than it sounds -- do what Jeep did with the XJ! Remove the ends
> > from a front axle tube and weld them onto a long tube without a diff --
> > bolts right in place of the front axle with no mods to suspension or
> > steering. Then a 700R4 or remote OD is feasible. But would loss of 4WD be
> > tolerable to get a better towing/driving rig?
> >
> > On July 18, 2005 Gary Walker wrote:
> >
> >> I wish it would work.  I will need a heavy duty over drive for towing
> >> with
> >> my Wagoneer.   My friend who was a long time AMC racer and is a newly
> >> retired Chrysler mechanic told me there was no practical way.   However,
> >> someone may yet make it so.   I like the gear spread of the 700 R.
> >> That
> >> 3.07 low is nice, and the wider spacing of the gears is NO problem.    I
> >> have had experience with that.  I just wish it was stronger for highway
> >> towing.
> >>                 Your AMC Friend,
> >>          Gary Walker,  Owner of some old AMC stuff  (not junk as she
> >> says)
> >>
> >>
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >> From: <farna@xxxxxxx>
> >> To: <mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> >> Sent: Monday, July 18, 2005 12:27 PM
> >> Subject: 727 to 518 swap...
> >>
> >>
> >> > Looking at the website I posted, there is a photo of a 727 and 518 side
> >> > by
> >> > side. They look identical up to the point where the tailshaft housing
> >> > bolts on. The OD for the 518 is totally in the tailshaft housing. By
> >> > looks
> >> > alone it appears that one could possibly take an AMC 727 case and use
> >> > the
> >> > 518 output shaft, OD unit, and tailshaft housing to make an AMC OD
> >> > trans.
> >> > The 518 is 3.5" longer and would require modifying the rear crossmember
> >> > (detailed on the site), but I wonder if this is possible? Or is
> >> > adapting
> >> > to the more plentiful GM 700R4 cheaper as well as easier??
> >> >
> >> > =============================================================
> >> > Posted by wixList Archiver -- http://www.amxfiles.com/wixlist
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >
> >
> > =============================================================
> > Posted by wixList Archiver -- http://www.amxfiles.com/wixlist
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >


=============================================================
Posted by wixList Archiver -- http://www.amxfiles.com/wixlist