Engine angle question, side to side

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Jan 20, 2007 | 06:42 PM

jstandle

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From: USA

Engine angle question, side to side

Hi All,

I'm putting a Ford 302 in my CJ-7 and keeping the stock T-5 (for now, or at least for 2 seconds when it explodes).

I'm mocking up the motor so that I can build the mounts but I've found that I can't put the centerline of the motor back where it was, there is interference issues with the firewall and the back of the left head.

I've not done any "conversion" swaps so I'm not sure how critical it is to have the motor/transmission parallel to the frame. Will this cause vibrations or premature wear on driveline components?

If I had my choice, the engines crank nose would be 2 inches to the passenger side from where the stock engine was. This is also leaving the transmission mount in the stock location, I'm not moving the entire motor/transmission over (at least wasn't planning to).

I could make it work 1" over from stock (will be tight at the back) and modify my power steering pump bracket to clear, but if it doesn't make much difference either way, I could leave it stock and not have to mess with that stuff with it 2 inches over.

I'm also trying to document all these steps and hopefully have a write-up for any other idiot that wants to run a 302 in front of their POS T-5

Here are some pictures to show where I'd "like" to place the motor;

Thanks,
Jordan

Jan 20, 2007 | 07:51 PM

havi

I'll have the Roast Duck

Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Northshore, MN

Does your Jeep have the offset rear axle? I think it was the Quadratrack that was offset, does that seem right? FWIW some guys offset the motor in the 48-56 f series to clear the power steering swaps.

Jan 20, 2007 | 08:00 PM

jstandle

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From: USA

no, it's centered. Also usually when people offset them, they also offset the tranny so it stays parallel to the frame.

Jan 20, 2007 | 11:31 PM

jstandle

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From: USA

I played with it some more tonight and I think I'll just live with the fact that I need to build a new power steering pump bracket.

I got the motor worked around so it was in a good, straight spot with enough clearance in the rear (after I dimple a little more) to be a good. With this spot, the PS pump is just not gonna work the way it is.

The other thing I'm seeing though, I can't get the motor to level out side to side, it's about 1" low on the passenger side. I put a jack under the transfer case to rotate everything but when I get the engine level, the gear shift is up against the body and the tranny mount is pulled apart a bit.

I don't see this as being a real big problem, I just am wondering why?