Jeep V8 Conversion Clutch Question
Question: I’m in the process of swapping a 350 into a CJ-7. My question regards the clutch plate. Advance Adapters talks about a “high profile” diaphragm plate, and gives a Centerforce part #. None of my parts suppliers have heard of a high profile plate and recommend an OEM replacement. (The Centerforce # does cross to the OEM application) Are they actually different in their physical dimensions, or can I use a stock replacement? No one here stocks 
Centerforce, so I can’t get them side by side and compare. Any help would be appreciated, and thanks in advance. Michael K.
Answer: There is a clutch difference when installing a Chevy into a Jeep using a Jeep transmission. You didn’t mention the transmission you are using but my advice is follow Advance Adapters recommendations. Novak Adapters makes excellent Jeep conversion products also. You will save time, money, and aggravation by using their set ups.
Related Article: Jeep V8 Conversions
JK Handling Problems – After the Lift
After lifting the jeepfan.com JK I have been experiencing a constant pull to the right. I have to continuously steer to the left to compensate. After some investigation and some time with a tape measure I discovered that the wheel base is 1/2″ different from one side to the other.
The apparent cause of the problem is the rear axle. The control arms attach to the axle at an angle from the frame. When the lift was installed the increased angle on the track bar caused the axle to shift to the passenger side. This also caused the axle to turn slightly and lose it’s parallel relationship to the front axle. What does this mean? The rear axle is essentially trying to steer the rear of the Jeep to the left. The rear axle steering to the left will give the feeling that the Jeep is turning to the right, causing the driver to steer into the turn – to the left.
This misalignment will chew up a set of tires at a greater rate, not to mention the unpleasant driving experience.
The solution? Install a rear track bar bracket. See the install – BDS Rear Track Bar Bracket Install
Sam’s 84 CJ-7 – A rebuild of a CJ-7
It all started for Sam in 2004, he spotted the 20 year old CJ sitting for sale at a local motorcycle shop. After inquiring within he was able to track down the Jeep’s owner and a deal was made. Sam says the previous owner was going to give it to his daughter but she said it was too ugly, boy did she miss out. Read more
Toyo Open Country M/T Tires
Fresh off the install of the TeraFlex 2.5″ Budget Boost Lift a new set of tires were needed to be fitted onto the jeepfan.com JK to finish the set up. After a visit to OK Auto and trying a Toyo 35″ we decided on a smaller size. See Will 35′s fit on my JK Wrangler with stock rims?
2008 Liberty – All new design revealed at the NY Auto Show
The all new 2008 Liberty was unveiled at the New York Auto Show. The new Liberty, a cousin to the successful Dodge Nitro features Jeep styling both classic and new. The seven slot grille completes the front of the new Jeep just like the rest of the Jeep lineup.
All-new from the ground up for 2008, the Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4×4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems – Command-Trac® and the all-new Selec-Trac® II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
Some details from the Jeep Press Release
- All-new 2008 Jeep® Liberty remains true to its legendary 4×4 heritage
- Improved on-road ride and handling with new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems
- All-new Jeep classic exterior styling, functional interior space and upgraded amenities designed to broaden its appeal to consumers
- Industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof
See more in the full article: 2008 Jeep Liberty
EarthRoamer Xpedition Vehicles – EarthRoamer XV-JP
This is a way cool specialty Jeep that truly allows one to get away and stay away for some time. The info below was provided by EarthRoamer. Read more
2008 Jeep Liberty
PRESS RELEASE: 2008 Jeep® Liberty – All-new From the Ground Up
Jeep announced information of the all new 2008 Liberty at the New York Auto Show. The new Liberty, a cousin to the successful Dodge Nitro features Jeep styling both classic and new. The seven slot grille completes the front of the new Jeep just like the rest of the Jeep lineup. Read more
Question: YJ V8 Conversion Fuel Problem
Question: I have an ’87 Wrangler that now has a Chevy 350 motor. I’m having a problem with my fuel system, meaning I can only use 5 gal. of a 15 gal. tank. After dropping the fuel tank I found that the stock electric fuel pump is still installed and the 350 has a mechanical pump as well. My question is that if I bypass the electric fuel pump would that allow me to use my entire tank or do I need to completely remove it and the wiring? Frank B.
Answer: I know the 87 YJ used a carbureted 258 and an EFI 2.5L 4cyl so I will assume that the Jeep originally had a 4cyl. The 2 Jeeps used different type tanks. It would probably be easiest to get a tank from a (87-90) 6 cyl YJ. New ones are available from OK Auto or Quadratec too.
Question: Dana 30 Axle Strength
Question: I have a few comments and some questions for you guys. First I have read several of your articles and love this site. But, I do have a few questions on some tech. I was reading the article about axle swaps and have a question about the Dana 30. I have checked with a parts store (4wheel parts) and they are claiming that if I change my axles to Alloy axles or Genuine Gear axles they will be stronger than a Dana 44. What are your thoughts on this? Also they say that if I change my carrier that I would be able to safely run 4:88 gears. Thank you for your help, Steve
Answer: It may be true that the upgraded axles will be “stronger” than a stock Dana 44 axle shafts but the the Dana 30 ring and pinion set, spider gears, and axle housing are not near what a Dana 44 is. If you are running larger than 35″ tires and/or a V8 you may want to consider the 44 instead and not invest in the 30. I (and others) have run a 30 for years with 33′s and a V8 with no issues. It depends on your use of the go pedal. I did upgrade my CJ to a 44 when I wanted to go to 4.10′s. I probably would have stuck with the 30 if the 44 wasn’t priced right and convenient.
There is a cut off for the Dana axle differential carriers. The 3.54 and higher uses one type and 3.73 and lower uses another. So if your Jeep has a 3.31 ratio you would need a new carrier.
Will 35′s fit on my JK Wrangler with stock rims?
Toyo Open Country M/T 35″ on a JK Wrangler – The Test Fit
Since I pretty much decided on a set of Toyo Open Country M/T tires for the jeepfan.com JK Wrangler, my big debate was size…33 or 35. I was really considering a set of 35′s until I tried them. The helpful staff at OK Auto 4WD & Tire were nice enough to mount a 35 on one of the JK’s Moab rims and let me test fit them. The test fit didn’t go very well, it seems that 35′s will only fit on a JK with either a set of wheel spacers or aftermarket rims. Looks like 33′s will be the size for the jeepfan.com JK.
See the full article: Will 35′s fit on my JK Wrangler with stock rims?
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