Specifications

engine conversions (1980-86)

ENGINE LOCATION:

Many people become overly concerned about moving the transmission, resulting in driveshaft modifications. The value of a good

engine location requiring driveshaft modifications will far exceed the expenses of an installation requiring special cooling due to

poor engine location.

We design most transfer case adapters to eliminate driveshaft modifications (whenever possible). In order to position your new

engine, it is usually mandatory that the original engine mounts be removed from the chassis. When placing the new motor into the

chassis, several factors determine the best possible location.

A. Firewall Clearance: Allow adequate clearance between the distributor & firewall. Be sure that the distributor can be removed

easily. Make sure the engine can be worked on without having to remove it from the vehicle.

B. Front Axle Clearance: Check the oil pan and harmonic balancer for axle housing clearance. Double check the suspension

clearance if bottoming out. Location of the motor mounts will require some vehicles to relocate their front axle snubber.

C. Hood Clearance: When the air cleaner is in position, will the hood still close? On certain applications, special low profile

air cleaners may be required.

D. Driveshaft Clearance & Angularity: The front driveshaft should have sufficient clearance to pass the bellhousing and

starter. When using a transmission other than what was stock, front driveshaft clearances may be an issue. The drivetrain should

be offset 1” to the driver’s side to obtain additional front driveshaft clearance. Make sure that the driveshafts do not bottom out when

the suspension is collapsed. The angle of the rear driveshaft is very critical, and compensation can be made by either axle shims

or lowering the transfer case.

E. Radiator Clearances: Proper spacing and centering of the fan with the radiator is necessary for optimum cooling. If you

are having a problem in this area, an alternative is an electric cooling fan. These fans are popular for engine conversions, since

they can be mounted on the front or backside of the radiator and don’t require engine placement considerations when using an

engine-driven fan.

F. Exhaust Manifold/Header Clearance: If headers are planned for the vehicle, it is best to purchase them before the

installation of the engine. Although we make headers for several different applications, a perfect fit can never be guaranteed. When

locating the engine, have the headers or stock manifolds in place and check the following for clearances: firewall, brake & clutch

pedals through travel, steering box or linkage, body & frame, heater/defroster, and battery. When placing the engine into position,

be sure and have your engine exhaust system mounted on the engine. This ensures all proper clearances are maintained.

G. Oil Filters: Oil filters can be a real problem especially on Ford conversions. The filter on Ford engines is locate up front on

the driver's side, and this can interfere with the stock steering or suspension components. If additional clearance is needed, we

suggest a remote oil filter. We offer remote oil filter kits for most engines.

H. Motor Mount Installation: The motor mounts we manufacture are designed for specific applications, along with some

universal applications. Some are a bolt-in style, while others require welding. The universal mounts are designed to fit a variety

of frame widths. The channels that extend to the block are drilled in 1” increments, allowing choice of engine placement. In some

applications you may be required to elongate one or both sides of these mounts for bolt hole alignment.

“L” brackets on weld-in mounts should be welded entirely around the perimeter. All welding should be done by a certified welder.

When using a double donut design mount, make sure that the donuts properly index to the “L” bracket and the bolts are properly

tightened. Mount bolts should be checked periodically.

I. Steering Shaft: Most stock 4WD engines are offset to the driver's side 1/2" to 1” to line up the transfer case and differential

yoke and we recommend the new engine have a offset to the drivers side on these Jeeps. This normally does not present any

clearance issues with the stock steering shaft. We have found that as these Jeep get older, the stock steering shaft does develop

end play. We now carry heavy duty replacement steering shafts for Jeep 1980 to 1986. Jeep’s original steering shaft assembly was

not designed for the added stress of body lifts and oversize tires. We carry the Borgeson’s replacement assembly’s which have a

telescoping shaft with two precision needle bearing u-joints. The steering assembly is easy to install with common hand tools. Once

installed, you will experience much tighter and more responsive steering.

P/N 716869 75-86 CJ STEERING SHAFT MANUAL BOX

P/N 716870 75-86 CJ STEERING SHAFT POWER BOX