Re: [AMC-list] Towing with an Eagle

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Good points Jesse, but I think going to a 727 is rather extreme. A towing shift kit in the 998 with an external cooler. You would get the low range, but that's probably not necessary. But then again, with the Eagle's high axle ratio. Standard for 83 was a 2.73 or 2.35, towing option a 3.08. You should be okay if not going too far (under 100 miles) with the 2.35, 2.73 would be better, 3.08 or 3.31 better still. 3.31 was common for earlier models (high altitude/towing option for 81 models). Four cylinder models used a 3.54, but that would be a bit much for cruising without towing. XJ Cherokee axles should be the same width, would have to swap gears in the front and change the shock mounts for the rear (just one side, I thin). But you coud swap the rear axle, pull the used gears from the front, and have them put in the Eagle ($150-$200 for a shop to set the ring and pinion up for you if you take them the axle only, not the whole car). If you do anything on the expensive side, ge
tting gears for the front and back would be the thing to do. $150 a set for new gears, $300-$400 to get them set up (again, if you pull the axles out and take them to the shop) -- up to $700 in all, but worth it for the added towing power. 3.08 or 3.31 would be great. If you're mainly towing I'd use the 3.31, 3.08 would be a good compromise though. XJ Cherokees with five speeds used 3.08 gears, and those gears (D35 rear, D30 front) fit the Eagle AMC 15 rear/D30 front.

Run trans fluid through the radiator cooler, put the external in the return line between radiator cooler and trans.

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Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2011 12:28:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jesse<j2sax@xxxxxxxxx>

OK, so, there are a lot of advantages to the 998 trans, especially for performance/weight/mileage, however, if I was going to do consistent towing, I would upgrade a few things. ?

727 trans from an 80 up Wagoneer. ?Have it built for towing before you put it in and it will last forever, if you get your shifts points right with your kickdown linkage. ?You can ?keep your T/C and bolt right up or use a Wagoneer T/C and get a lo range with very little modification. ?

Good tranny cooler. ?Lots of em out there, get one that fits.

Electric fan with relay. ?a little more more power from your engine... better cooling, ?more versatility and your water pump will last forever! ?

plenty to do for power, but this is a start. I have the trannys if you need one!?

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars"
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://www.amc-mag.com
(free download available!)


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