V8 swapout

[Drk S1d3]

Okay, I'm researching for a V8 swapout for my 94 YJ Sahara, and I need some advice. I've decided on a Chevy 5.3L engine with a 4E80L trans, but I need some tech help on what transfer I should go with. I'm planning on upgrading both the front and rear to Dana 44's with either 3.56s or 3.73s (it's my DD, so I'm looking at gas mileage...I figger the V8 will give me more power than I deserve). Any help would be appreciated, and when I do it, I'll post the pics and the subsequent writeup here!

Thanks!

Brian

[rola643]

That's an intersting combo. Do you already have that engine and tranny combo? Given any thought on how you are going to wire all that together? The 4L80E( I'm guessing that's what you meant) will be nice just cuz it's all electronic, just not as aggresive 1st gear as the 700R4 2.48 vs. 3.06. All I can say is start dig'n deep into them thar pockets :D cuz most likey whatever you think it will cost X5 might put ya closer

Just curious as to what all else you have decided to use as far as motor mounts, emmisions equipment, and general stuff like that? If it's a daily driver how do you plan to work around that?

Should be a fun project and I wish you well!

[Drk S1d3]

Yeah, after more research, I decided to nix that project for now. I had a line on getting that engine/tranny combo already wired up out of a rolled Yukon, emissions equip and all, but it fell through. And yeah, I meant the 4L80E. Sorry, typographical dyslexia. Anyway, I was gonna do it because I wasn't getting enough high-end torque out of my inline six after the lift. I'm still running the stock D35 with 3.07s on a springover front and rear with 35" BFGs. I decided instead to simply rebuild the D35 for now and upgrade it to 3.73s. I'm also going to rebuild the front end D30 because my right axle is starting to make noise. I may upgrade that to a 35, though. Should I also bump that up to 3.73s? I'm also gonna install new leafs, since I think mine are pretty much the factory originals. Going with the Rubi Express 1-1/2"s.

[goXJ]

you will definitely need to gear both front and rear the same if you want to drive in 4x4... i don't think there is a front d35 out there, but a hp44 front can be had and built fairly inexpensively...

[Drk S1d3]

HP35? Hewlett-Packard makes diffs? :P

Seriously, who is HP?

[goXJ]

hp = high pinion

a hp dana 44 is a good front axle to swap in, they can be found on pre 79 ford trucks... you mentioned wanting to upgrade your d30 to a 35, which as far as i know is not an option.

[Drk S1d3]

Ok gotcha! Thanks for the info. While I'm at it, is it just as easy to swap out the rear for the hp44?

[minydigger]

There was never a rear HP44 made so you will need a reg. 44 for the back.

[Drk S1d3]

Ok, so here's what I decided to go with after a buncha research: the HP44 in front, D44 in the rear, with 4.56s. From what I understand, it's a pretty standard upgrade, but it seems to work for most people, and I don't think I know enough yet to get all experimental. Maybe after my third or fourth Jeep, or when I have one that's just a toy and not a DD...

Anyway, I'll have the doughage when I get my bonus in August to do this, and I'll post it all here :D

[outlawjeep]

Dump the 44s and just go to the 60's. You will thank yourself in the long run. 44s are good for up to a 34 or 35 but if you plan on goining bigger then you need something stonger. That is where the 60 comes in. Or a front 60 and a 14 bolt rear is another good combo. But if you plan on doing any serious wheeling in your rig and keeping the V8 then you really want to think about stronger axles.

Also another area to consider is you transmission/ transfercase. You do not want something that is too long or your rear driveshaft will be too short and then you are into more problems. Plan this all out on paper then do some more reaserch and call the guys at Advanced Adapters and talk to them. They will have the adapters you need to mate your t-case to your tranny depending on what you use. Also talk to some of the guys that have already done the swap. Beserk has areal nice buggy running a V8 so he may be able to help give you some advice as well.

Sorry if this burst your bubble a little but I don't want to see you get in over your head on this.


Ray

[XTrmXJ]

A HP44 and a 9 inch will do just fine for you and you can still keep it steet legal, and it wont make your tires stick out all that much like the 60s will, that and they can handle the HP TQ and I know for a fact they handle 37s on the trails.. Not to mention the parts and accs are a lot cheaper, hell you can get rebuilt detroits for $100, shafts and gears are also cheaper

[FULL AWN]

A HP44 and a 9 inch will do just fine for you and you can still keep it steet legal, and it wont make your tires stick out all that much like the 60s will

65(44) to 67-68(60) at that point is pointless...its not like it making it stick out a extra foot each side...it becomes a matter of rim backspacing. It just seems most assume/think/picture a 60 with the typical 0 to 2.5 in BS rims that make the tires stick out in BFE when in reality it can be very doable and road legal.

It more comes down to how much money you got and how much you are willing to look/search(for a good D60 deal)

[XTrmXJ]

Mine arnt that wide, Id have to go and measure my stuff but it wasnt to much more wider than stock, compaired to the 3/4 ton stuff.. Either way its better than stock, that and it all depends if its a Trailer Queen or a daily driver

[Drk S1d3]

Thanks for all of the advice, guys, but as I said, I decided NOT to do the V8 swapout for now. I might do it when I get a second Jeep, but not on this one. I'm going with 44's instead of 60's because I'm not going any bigger than 35s on this rig. This is my first Jeep, and actually my first 4x4, so I'm going to take it kind of easy on this one. Now, when I get another, several years down the line, I might go insane with it and turn it into something that could roll over Bigfoot, but not this one. :pirate: