After blowing the third head gasket in the original 4-banger, I shoe-horned a 3.8 Chevy V6 with Turbo 350 tranny into my truck about 6 years ago. Sure made a difference in power, I flat-towed my Cherokee 200 miles without a problem, got 15 mpg too. Get 15 mpg not towing too.

Problem: Engine does not sit level, points up at the front about 20 degrees. I lowered the front differential as much as I could without building anything. Also modified oil pan to fit around front diff. Half inch clearance between oil pan and front diff. Tranny bellhousing hits the firewall under full torque. Air cleaner sticks up through hole I cut in hood for it.

I am considering a body lift to gain some vertical clearance between the firewall and tranny bellhousing, in order to re-position the engine to a level position. I think by raising the rear I can lower the front an equal amount and get the engine level.

Has anyone out there done anything like this that could give me some advice? Best body lift, things to watch for, other ideas?

I can e-mail pictures.

Thanks in advance.

The answer to your problem is easily solved, my clearence challenged friend. It is a simple body lift.

I have a V8 in my '84 720 with a 350 chevy tranny, and I have room to spare. I do have a 3" BL though.

By lifting the body off the frame, you will gain valuable space in all areas. The things to watch for are the clearences from the exhaust manifold to the steering shaft, brake line length and the exhasut hangers location.

Your best bet is probably a one or 2 inch lift, and I am betting that's all the space you'll need. The best part about a BL is that your Center of Gravity will not me increased much, since the frame, tranny and engine will be in the same location.

I can send pics if needed.

I'd like to see your pics of 84 720 4x4

I'm looking for info, and it sounds like you guys may have the answer. I want to put a 4.3 in my 80 720 with a 72 521 (2wd datsun) body. I've got access to a couple of 4.3's for near nothing, so is it that difficult? How about drive train? Will my R190 rear end with 4.11 gears hold up well? How about my dana 20 divorced transfer case, will it hold up?

Tcase, yes. Rear end - no. The H190 is pretty weak.

Dumb question: Am I missing something or did it take nearly a year for someone to reply to the original question?

wow look at that, you're right

Posted March 21, 2004 02:32 AM -Original Post-
Posted February 04, 2005 07:37 PM -First Reply-

Then Harshman_b chimes in nearly another year later at
Posted February 15, 2006 01:48 PM

This has to be the longest thread ever!!
(Sorry I'm deleriously tired, I mean cmon its 4 in the morning!)

90% of the new people that ask questions really don't want their problem solved,they just want somebody to have the same opinion as they do.I've offered sound advice based on experience and they don't acknowledge it,they just wait until they hear the answer that they want to hear.It's a human nature thing,I guess.

That's true. I am replying to this message because I agree with it. It sure is nice, though, when you try to help someone and they come back later to inform you that they resolved their dilemma and to offer thanks. Kinda' makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.

How hard was it to install, what price?