Littlewolf
i just bought a 1972 commando with a i6 and 3 speed man. i am interested in swapping in a 360 out of one of my cherokee . any ideal if tranny will bolt to motor or will i need to swap it also.
tufcj
The 360 will bolt right up to the bellhousing. You will need a 360 flywheel if the cherokee isn't a stick. You will need to add the proper pilot bushing.
I've never done a Commando, but the frame is very similar to the same year CJ. For the V-8 swap you will need CJ V-8 motor mounts, the ones from the Cherokee won't work. I've heard you can flip the 6 cyl mounts some way, but I've never seen it done.
Your radiator may need to be upgraded (cherokee may fit). The fuel line will need to be routed to the other side, you'll have to modify the wiring a bit.
All in all, it's not a difficult swap, and very much worth it.
Bob
tufcj
Littlewolf
thanks for reply the wiring fuel and mounts were pretty much a given senario just was not sure on the tranny. do you know where i can get a flywheel and also what clutch and pressue plate whould i use
tufcj
There's a guy who sells brand new flywheels on ebay for about $125. You have to get one specifically for a 360, as all AMC v-8s are externally balanced. As far as clutch, if the I-6 used a 10.5" clutch, it would just swap over. The V-8 clutches were either 10.5 or 11", the flywheels were drilled for either. Any parts place could probably get you a clutch kit for a factory v-8 72 Commando, since the v-8 was a factory option.
A neighbor of mine has a 73 that is 401 powered, lifted and SOA (about 9" of lift) and running 35" tires. It really looks great. I don't think he ever 'wheels it though :smile: , just a pavement pounder.
Bob.
tufcj
Littlewolf
i order a 4 inch lift to start with should be here tomorrow. will add a 3 inch body later , going to use it as a daily driver and trail rig. when i am done. 35s would be nice but dont want to swap gears just yet. i will look up the guy on ebay and see what i can find thanks again for info .
