Topic: FJ-40 ideas...

[Eskimo]

I'm running a Chevy V-8, SM465, and NP 205 in my FJ-40, 94" WB.

Therein lies my problem..  I need/want to go slower.  The driveline I have is pretty bulletproof, so I'm not going back to a cruiser t-case.  (I'm running a centered diff)

203/205 doubler seems too long...   Which leaves me one or 2 options...

1: adapter from 465 to toy truck case w/4.7 gears.

2: adapter from 465 to dual toy truck cases, stock gears.

Obviously, money is an issue, or I'd drop an Atlas in there.

#1 has the advantage of being short, and would get me slow going, but more costly than #2

#2 has flexability for sure, how long would it be vs. the 465/205 I have now?  I doubt I can go longer than the stock combo I have now.

Opinions please!

[booger]

There might be some help for you in the October 2002 issue of Four Wheeler.  The is a cruiser in there that has a GM 502ci connected to a TH400 with a NP205 mated to a NP203.  He seems to have room.  And it is entered in the Top Truck Challenge

[cruzila]

Marlins front adapter to SM465 to a 4.7 equipped t-case is the way to go.

Scott

[Eskimo [OP]]

Booger...  thanks.

Scott...  check my post again..  I don't have the boat anchor motor..  it's a Chevy V-8...  and my concern is

length of tranny/OEM adapter/205
vs.
length fo tranny/adapter/toybox/adapter/205.

[cruzila]

Eskimo use this:
SM420/465 to ToyBox Reduction Kit
Part #TBFK-228: $449 (will be more with 4.7 gears)
Marlin got the 4.7 10 spline inputs in today. ask for them :.order: :.order:

[Eskimo [OP]]

and then will the toybox bolt up to the 205? what  kinda adapter is needed there?

[cruzila]

toybox to 205  
go with a mini t-case

[Paul_Elbisser]

What Cruzilla is trying to say is just ditch the 205 and only run a Mini truck case with 4.7 gears in it. This will leave the driveshafts at around the same length, but more than double your low range.

[woody]

I'm in the constant state of idea development....so here goes.

Mini case is a nice swapover, but you lose the ability to have front wheel drive only.  Getting that option brings up 3 options:

1)  Atlas  ($$$$$-ouch)
2)  NP 205  (no lower ranges availble AFAIK)
3)  D300

The D300 offers some low range gearsets, can supposedly be flipped and clocked for clearance, and has the front-wheel-drive only option.  IF I were building a crawler today (and not just designing like I am now...) it would likely end up with the D300.

The driveline I'm considering is a 4.3 V6, 700R4, D300 with 4:1 kit, all in a 1984 minitruck, stripped/caged for competition.  Little to no lift, flat LONG springs, 36" tires, fitting into the lower ERoCC's class specs.  Body panels as required.

someday......got the mini in the garage, just gotta talk the missus into the $$ part....

[Eskimo [OP]]

Yup, the mini case would work, but not be as strong...  I'm not saying they are weak, but in my latest break, if I had anything other than a 205 t-case, I'd be shopping for a new case...

[cruzila]

Woody, A long time ago when someone would ask about Mods or upgrades, my reply was what are you going to do with the rig? I still try to use that theory? I have thought alot about it and still can not think of a real world application for front wheel drive only. I understand the rock racing applications and think it is necessary. Have you thought about this? What are your opinions

Scott

[woody]

Actually, I have thought a great deal about the FWD-only needs in trail ride situations...and IMO it's one of those "toy" items that you can live without, but once you've got it you'd wonder why you didn't do it sooner.  Kinda like rear steer...it has usefulness but is as much a toy as anything....and frankly, I've witness far too many with rear steer who still can't drive.  (A certain individual from MI comes to mine, used to have a Jeep, now a Scorpion...still no trail talent)

The trails I'm stuck running locally are slick, wet, and tree laden....pivoting is a common practice, hooking the 3-4" of your rear tire that sticks beyond the fender and pivoting around.  Front wheel drive would make it easier to do.  Additionally, I have had times where sliding the front end over in the rocks would have been useful, and save me from jockeying around as much.

Another possibility with similar use is rear cutting brakes....something I've considered many times.  

For now, my truck is pretty simple but effective....tired 350, SM465, early 2.313:1 cruiser case, 4:11 welded rear/locked front.  I just sold my sm465>203 adapter and t-case...that committed me to a Marlin in the future, mostly due to the shorter length.  Likely not this winter, but probably next...this winter is a TBI install, rear suspension "changes" and a different cage design.