4BT auto? transfer-case?

[JRea]

OK this is my first post, so this may be in the wrong forum, sorry this has got to be the largest board I've seen.



Anyway to the questions



I'm considering a new project. I have been looking at full size jeeps like the Grand Wagoneer to use as my new daily driver, family offroad vehicle, and as a tow vehicle for my other jeep (which would become a weekend plaything). I'd like to drop in a Cummins 5. 9 liter, like the one in my fathers 1 ton, but it's just too heavy. I did just start reading about the 4BT though. From what I have read this 4 cylinder can be tuned to 235 HP and 550 TQ, with decent MPG, and since it's a Cummins diesel, it should have a relatively long life, if taken care of. So I will be pursuing that avenue if I can gather enough info on the project.



So what Auto transmission would be a good mate to this engine. I want something that can take daily driving, light offroading, and towing my other jeep. I don't want to replace this transmission 30,000 miles down the road, so I want something basically bomb proof.



Any suggestions on a transfer case would be helpful as well.



The year of Grand Wagoneer that I'm looking into came with an AMC 360, a 727 automatic transmission, a NP-229 Transfer case, and front and rear D44 axles.



Thanks in advanced



BTW I did try searching, but all I get is what transmission not to use, not which one to use.

 

[tgbol]

A lot of the step vans that had 3. 9s in them use Turbo 400 transmissions. You can also run any Mopar trans that was used behind the 5. 9. There are bellhousings for the gen 1 trucks for the Torqueflite. Unfortunately I think that your T/F uses a different case.

 

[tk064]

The 4BT is a good engine, just vibrates and is loud.



The 727 is a good strong transmission and would handle the 4BT, but you will need to choose your axle ratios carefully or install an overdrive due to the low revs of the 4BT

 

[Don in Missouri]

Wagoneeers commonly have 2. 73 gears. I'd expect that to be in keeping with the low revs of the 4bt, but I know much more about the Jeep that I do the Diesel.



Prior to the 727, Jeep used the turbo 400. I have one of each.



I like the option of having part or full time 4WD with the 229. At 200,000 miles, I'm on my third transfer case chain. I replaced them when I heard them skipping teeth under very hard pulls. I've never had a major problem with the 229. I have done some hard 4-wheeling.



I've never liked towing anything behind a Wagoneer. The 360 is definitely gutless, but worse than that it just doesn't feel stable. The old Wagoneers are not near as big as the full size pickups and SUVS they are cranking out today. The Turbo 400 feels like it pulls a trailer well, but the 727 always seemed mushy.



The Wagoneer is very capable on and off road. Just drive it and forget about the trailer and the toy Jeep. The Wagoneer will get you anywhere you want, just with more comfort.



I think there are a few out there that have been coverted with the 6. 2 L GM Diesel.

 

[tgbol]

Don

I heard that someone has put a Cummins in a Grand Wagoneer. Check out this site maybe it will help. http://www.ifsja.org/