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Friggin' Finally!

Drivetrain-Ho!
Posted November 5 2008 04:54 PM by Jp Tech Editor 
Filed under: Custom Jeep Projects, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, Christian Hazel

I FINALLY got the NV3550 and NP208 off my workbench and into the J2008 project where they belong.


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Holy hell am I sore. I love those NV3550 trannies, but the input shaft on 'em never wants to slide into the pilot bushing. It's always a fight. I must've held and wiggled that 100lb sucker above my head for almost ten solid minutes . Even with the valve cores removed from the front tires I still had to have my arms almost fully outstretched to reach. Talk about a workout and a half.

Thankfully the NP208 plunked right on with zero drama. I'll cover the highlights of the physical engine/drivetrain installation in the March '09 issue of Jp. Notice the factory crossmember. Guess how many holes I had to drill in the framerails to get it to line up. The answer may suprise you!
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Reader Comments:
1. thunder...thunder... thunder cats... HO!!!!!

Willys    - Posted November 5 2008 09:29 PM

 
2. 4 holes?

chariotofmanliness    - Posted November 6 2008 06:08 AM

 
3. The factory crossmember lined up with the factory holes? If so, neat!

Don't you have a tranny jack? Why muscle when you can use machines? Hahaa!!

club31    - Posted November 6 2008 11:39 AM

 
4. I love this project. I can't wait to read the articles on the engine, tranny, and t-case install. I'm excited to hear how it all works, in the end.

What else are you planning for J2008?

I'm also interested in seeing JR's tranformation. I love my 97 xj with the 3.5 RE lift and 31 MTZ's. It is such a versatile and useful vehicle.

club31    - Posted November 6 2008 11:44 AM

 
5. I'm going to guess seven holes, but it'll probably be only one needed to be widened or something.

fjduesel    - Posted November 6 2008 12:33 PM

 
6. Zero holes in the frame. I did have to drill holes in the top of the crossmember to accept the TJ tranny mount, but that's no biggie.

Once the engine is running and the driveshafts are in I'll cover the interior refresh - new carpet, seats, etc. Then I'll probably call it done. Was gonna paint it, Line-X the bed, etc but why bother?

The only reason I bought it was to haul stuff after my F-250 died. But since I bought a $52K diesel almost a year ago this one seems a bit superfluous.

Jp Tech Editor    - Posted November 6 2008 02:16 PM

 
7. Ahhh, this will be the "let the kids thrash and barf in it truck". Maybe even Charlie's first car! Geez, that kid on the road, scary...in what 12-years? You got time to prepare.

Jp Editor    - Posted November 12 2008 06:10 PM

 

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