The Novak Guide to

Utility, Trucks, & Wagon Swaps

The Jeep Utility Wagon

Among the coolest Jeeps of all time are the Utility Series Trucks & Wagons. They are way ahead of their time in terms of their form and function, and their style is forever a step beyond cool.

These vehicles are popular for more modern engine conversions and resto-mods, and they are among the easiest of Jeeps for GM powertrain conversions.

Original engines in these Jeeps include:

• 1946-1950: L4-134 Go-Devil
• 1948-1950: L6-148 Lightning
• 1950-1965: F4-134 Hurricane
• 1950-1951: L6-161 Lightning
• 1952-1954: F6-161 Hurricane
• 1954-1962: L6-226 Super Hurricane
• 1962-1965: 6-230 Tornado

Naturally, the GM V8's are good choices, with the refined GM Gen. III+ being the most popular, currently. However, Buick V6 and Chevy V6 engines still remain very sensible upgrades as well.

We get inquiries about putting straight 6's in these vehicles, but usually advise strongly against it due to the very poor fit caused by the short distance between the firewall and the front cross member. A small block Chevy V6 (esp. 4.3L) and V8 will give respectable performance and better mileage than any straight-six and these are far easier to install than most straight-sixes.

Transfer Cases

We're going to discuss the transfer case first so the reader can make the most logical plan for his needs.

The Dana Spicer Model 18, as found in these Jeeps is an excellent transfer case. It has all the strength required for even the strongest V8's. Its compact size, excellent servicability and offset design allow for great conversions and more adept four-wheeling. you may wish to inspect and possibly rebuild your Model 18 with quality components.

Only the Dana 18 was offered in the Utilities. However, many installers want a transfer case with the reliability and form factor of the Dana 18, but wish for a direct-drive transfer case for quietness and longer wearing. The Jeep Dana 20 is a good choice in this scenario, and can be interchanged with its Dana 18 predecessor if the transmission rear bearing retainer is changed to match the 4" bore.

One caveat should be considered that the Utility's rear axle is offset for the Dana 18, and the Dana 20 will cause the driveshaft to run at a mild compound angle, unless the installer plans to install a centered differential rear axle.

Some people consider installing the GM transfer cases, but they are large, low-hanging and have problematic linkages, all combining to make their installation less economical. Additionally, their gearing and other features do not lend them well towards the goals most are seeking with their Jeeps.

Automatic Transmission Options

Many Utility swaps are likely destined to have automatic transmissions. No adapters are generally needed to marry the following GM automatic transmissions to their usually matching Chevrolet or BOPC engines.

TH350: Swappers should surely consider the GM TH350 automatic. The Turbo 350 is strong, compact, widely available and affordable to buy, service and build. • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the TH350 with our #103 series adapter kits.

TH400: In the no-holds-barred strength category, the TH400 may be the obvious automatic of choice. The Turbo 400 can be a good option. • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the TH400 by using our #124 series adapter kits.

700R4: This famous GM automatic overdrive is an option most often chosen now by installers when working with conventional engine that did not originally have a fully electronic transmission. • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the TH700R by using our #107 series adapter kits.

4L60-E: The modern and most refined version of the 700R4 is the 4L60E, and is a great candidate as well, especially when installed with a Gen. III+ GM engine and PCM (Powertrain Control Module). • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the 4L60-E by using our #4L62 series adapter kits.

This Utility was converted to a Dana 20 transfer case for quieter operation. However, there was a slight compound driveshaft angle, which was mitigated some by the use of a CV style joint.

Manual Transmission Options

The following three-, four- and five-speed transmissions are recommended for you to consider in your planning.

Utility Jeeps will almost always have a T90 three-speed transmission. However, there were also some optional T98 four-speeds in the 1955-1964 models. These transmissions require a specially made adapter assembly. Contact us if you require one of these.

T90: If your Jeep has the T90, it can be adapted to a GM powerplant. It is a fairly strong transmission and many individuals retain it against their new motors. • Adaptability is acheived with our #C Series adapter assembly When retaining the T90, you can leave your transmission and transfer case in the same position, whereas, the aforementioned conversion transmissions all require relocation of the transfer case and subsequent changing of the length of the driveshafts. Utility Jeeps with 6-226 (or 1962-64 with 6-230 OHC) engines have the proper input gear in the T90 transmission and our kits for these vehicles take this into account. Utility Jeeps that had the 4 cyl. or 6's, other than 6226 or 6-230, will have a 15/16" diameter short input gear and will have to have a new input gear (provided with Novak's #C1 kit) installed in the T90. If your Jeep is going to require more strength and deeper gearing, consider the truck four-speeds below.

Some Utilities are destined for more hybrid or even trail use and some individuals will be choosing manual shift, heavy-duty truck four speeds to place behind their GM powerplants.

SM420: For the old-school, ultra low geared crowd, the SM420 four-speed manual transmission is a great choice. Surprisingly well behaved on-road and absolutely burley off-road, the SM420 is a cool box of gears. If you think a transmission designed in the 1940's is an anachronism, you are right, and a very neat one at that. • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the SM420 by using our #422 series adapter kits.

SM465: Newer and a bit more refined than the SM420 is the SM465, for an only slightly less low geared transmission. They are easy to find and work with. • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the SM465 by using our #462 series adapter kits.

Ford T18: Yes, the Ford T18 may also be an option for GM swaps. Adapting this transmission to a GM bellhousing is not difficult. • The Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases are adaptable to the T18 by using our #188 series adapter kits.

A good five-speed transmission with overdrive will fit the bill for some Jeep builders.

AX15: This rather strong five-speed transmission may be worth installing into your Utility. Adaptability of the AX15 to your GM engine is very good, and is accommodated by our#GMAX series adapter assembly. The AX15 is easily adapted to the Jeep Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases using our #152 series adapter kit.

NV3550: The NV3550 is a pretty tough transmission and can be married to GM power. Adaptability is achieved by our #GMAX series adapter assembly. The NV3550 is easily adapted to the Jeep Dana 18 & 20 transfer cases using our #152 series adapter kit.

Options outside of these mentioned are usually not practical, useful, affordable or any combination of the three.

Engine Choice

This is where the planning gets most interesting and the decisions most subjective. The very first decision to be made here involves this: what kind of power do you need to do what you want with your Jeep?

Now, a precursor to the rest of this section: If you got past the title of this article and are hell-bent on a non-GM engine, know that conversions this important are not walks in the park and GM engine swaps are almost invariably easier, more productive and more affordable than Dodge, Ford and other conversions. These companies make some great engines, but you have to pick your battles when doing a swap and going with a well supported, well documented, easily acquired and broadly familiar powertrain is a key to success and satisfaction.

Engine Size

you're surely not doing the swap to go with a pansy powerplant, but do you need a V8? Maybe. V6's do fit better and offer good power.

Our favorite considerations for this Jeep include:

• Chevrolet 4.3 V6 (high-hood Jeeps, unless doing a 3/4" - 1" body lift)
• Buick 3.8L or 4.1L "90 deg." V6
• Chevrolet Gen. I-II V8
• GM Gen. III+ V8

Installers considering the GM Gen. III V8 should note that high-hood Jeeps will accept the taller Vortec intake assembly as well as the lower profile LS style intake assembly.

Injected vs. Carbureted

A Novak customer's Vortec V6 engine cleanly extracted and ready for installation. The wiring harness is complete and ready to plug into the computer.

This question has been at the forefront of the conversion world for a while now. There is something great about a simple, clean, unencumbered carburetor and simple ignition system. However, there is something excellent about a modern, self-adjusting, efficient, operate-at-any-camber fuel and spark delivery system.

No doubt that many individuals are in their comfort zone with the earlier hardware, but distill it down to the basics and it is the same essential thing that was going on in 1903; getting fuel and spark into the cylinders with the right mix and timing. There is no way around the conclusion that fuel injection systems do this better and in a broader range of conditions. Old iron is really cool, but this author has lived squarely during both carbureted and injected eras, an I see fewer breakdowns than ever, and have been in the bays and at the wheels of enough injected vehicles to know that they use less fuel to generate more power and in a cleaner, more reliable manner than their predecessors.

We get an occasional call from customers that have found a beautiful Vortec V8 and ask if they can put a "simpler" carburetor on it. This has every distinct disadvantage that we can think of: increased parts cost, decreased efficiency, driveability and reliability. Don't even think about it. Fuel injection (especially GM fuel injection) is much easier to work with than too many people think.

That being said, choose what you want. Unless, of course, you have emissions restrictions...

Emissions

Read our section on Emissions for a more in-depth writeup

Most of these Jeeps in most jurisdictions will fall out of emissions considerations. However, the following is listed if pertinent to your situation.

Not just for Californians anymore, vehicle emissions considerations play a big role for most swaps. However, we feel that the fear of emissions by swappers is very overblown. It simply is not the challenge that many perceive.

your Jeep is considered to be a “Light Truck” by most jurisdictions. As such, you can usually source your engine from a GM truck, SUV or car without failing your emissions certification. However, this again is according to local laws and your research is encouraged. Car engines may burn cleaner and may be more affordable as well.

What to Pull From a Salvage Powertrain

There is simple and specific strategy to pulling an engine or engine/transmission combo from the salvage donor vehicle for the best results for your Jeep conversion.

you need four or five key things:

1. The engine (don't let the obvious escape you).
2. The accessory package and its brackets. The latter is especially important in that you don't want to waste valuable time and money chasing down the bracketry. The three major GM accessories that are native to the engine that you will install into your Jeep are the alternator, power steering pump and perhaps the air conditioner pump.
3. The computer PCM or ECM that controls the motor (and possibly the automatic transmission) combo)
4. The powertrain wiring harness. This is where individuals get unnecessarily uptight. This harness is quite obvious and surprisingly well self-contained. you will want all circuits to the engine's sensors and controllers, and you may opt to include the GM Power Distribution Center, also known as the relay center.

This is usually how the engine is shipped by the pros and it is salvage industry standard to include the above, with the exception of the accessories in some situations.

The Jeep's Front Crossmember

Individuals installing Small Block V8's should optimize the length of their engines by using a compact HEI distributor so the engine can sit as close to the firewall as reasonable. The installer should also use the short style water pumps and pulleys for maximum radiator clearance and crossmember clearance. More on this below.

Generation III engines are generally shorter at 25-5/8" and that do not have a distributor in the back of the engine - they are ideal motors.

More on this topic in Cooling, below.

Engine Placement

One of the most interesting questions we've gotten over our company's 40 years is this one: "Will you (or your instructions) tell me exactly where to put my engine into my Jeep?"

Our answer to this, in a word, is, "no." you're probably intelligent enough to own a Jeep, surely clever enough to find and read this article, possibly brave enough to plan and perform the conversion... trust us when we tell you that you will know where your new engine needs to be placed within your engine bay. Placement is not hard, and it is actually a very satisfying part of the project - to decide the optimal location of the powerplant.

The placement process works by top-down engineering. This consists of loading the engine with all of its accessories, including the exhaust manifolds. Lower this assembly into the engine bay and start nudging it around. For these short-engine-bay Jeeps, you are looking for:

Power steering (discussed more below) is literally as easy as connecting the GM-native hydraulic pump on your motor into your Jeep's Saginaw power steering box. Hydraulic hoses may need to be customized at your local source. If your GM pump pulley size is too large to clear your steering shaft, you can use a smaller pulley with no ill effects.

• Firewall clearance; a general rule is to leave yourself enough room that you can service the points at the rear of the engine without the removal of the engine from the Jeep. This includes any distributor, plugs, manifolds or other sub-systems. Note here that Jeeps have an indentation just off of center in the firewall for clearance with the factory I4 & I6 engine heads and valve covers. This is a very handy place to tuck a Chevy HEI V6/V8 distributor. Denting and especially cutting of the firewall looks quite terrible and will take away from the great look of your new engine. If you are using a conventional Chevy V8 / V6 engine with a large diameter HEI distributor, you may not have adequate clearance. It is sometimes best to use a small diameter aftermarket distributor instead. This will yield you a more correct engine mounting position both in height (as much as 1-1/2" gain) and longitudinal placement.
  
  For these Utility series, the transmission and transfer case assembly does not have to be moved over or forward when installing a GM conversion engine with the T90.
  
  
• Frame rail clearance; it is usually exhaust manifolds that dictate location here. The factory original engine/transmission assembly is offset 1-1/4" towards the driver's side on these Jeeps. Most installations will require the conversion engine be offset in similar fashion. Watch for exhaust clearance as you determine this. Of note, the Utility series has a 27-1/2" wide frame.
  
  
  
  
  
• Steering shaft clearance; actually, another driving reason for the offset as listed above.
  
  
• Radiator clearance; your choice of water pump and fan (mechanical or electric) will establish your envelope here. Shorter water pumps and electric fans offer the greatest clearance.
  
  
  
  
• Hood clearance; will the hood close without any (remember that engines twist under torque) interference? Choice of air cleaner and air induction tubing is also an issue here. The high-hood Jeeps actually have a generous engine bay height envelope but you should still avoid mounting the engine too high for the sake of tunnel-to-transmission clearance and overall center of gravity.
  
  
• Front axle clearance; engine mounting height is critical on these Jeeps as the front axle assembly is further back in relation to the engine compartment than on CJ's. If the engine is mounted too low in front, starter to front drive shaft clearance will be insufficient. Will your your axle, at maximum compression, threaten your oil pan? Most GM engines have rear sump pans so this should not be difficult if all other factors above are honored.

Vertical location is important for proper front drive shaft to starter clearance. Avoid the common error of mounting the engine too low in front. Keep in mind that the suspension height will change when the weight of the engine is placed on the frame. What appears to be sufficient engine to front differential and front drive shaft to starter clearance with the engine hanging on the hoist could be insufficient when engine weight is placed on the frame. Also, the engine should be mounted about three to five degrees high in front, as measured by the carburetor plate of the intake manifold (see photo).

Engine Mounts

Removal of the stock frame brackets is required to make way for the new engine. We recommend our #MMX mounts. They make for a clean, strong installation, and their versatile adjustability makes them ideal for a variety of conversion options. They are typically welded on to the Jeep frame for the best results.

The frame brackets can be ”C” clamped to the frame (below) and the weight of the engine can be put on the suspension for a vertical height check. If correct, the frame brackets can then be welded to the frame. It is a good idea to pre-heat the frame brackets and frame rails with a torch before applying the final weld. It is not advisable to attempt to bolt the frame brackets to the Jeep frame unless spacers are welded between the frame sides to prevent the frame sides from being pulled together by the bolts. Installing spacers is more involved than welding the frame brackets to the frame.

An image showing Novak's legacy engine mounts - an earlier but still popular design and also available for these great Jeeps.

Cooling

The reader will notice that we used a standard cross-flow aluminum radiator in the adjacent images. We TIG welded on a simple angle bracket for a flange mount on the driver's side as shown.

The passenger side was attached using wrap style aluminum straps, also TIGged onto the radiator. However, you may configure yours to how you best see fit.

We recommend strongly that the reader take a few minutes and read the principles of cooling a Jeep.

Electrical

Powertrain Control Modules
The PCM is an enclosed industrial-grade computer that, like most computers, has a processor, memory and IO connections. Newer PCM’s use an EEPROM chip; they are Electrically Erasable. This is also called flash ROM, and some users will equate this to the BIOS chip on their PC computer motherboard.

The computer works on if/then data tables and mathematical formulas in the ROM to interpret data streaming in from engine and vehicle sensors, including speed, temperature, exhaust O2, intake air flow, throttle position, crankshaft/cam position, brake, etc. The culmination of these data is processed to provide optimum fuel/spark delivery and in many cases, automatic transmission shifting points. Speed and rev limiters are also incorporated into some units. Once called an Engine Control Module (ECM), these computers have been appearing in vehicles since the early to mid-eighties. Their initial functions leaned more towards carburetor control primarily to keep up with tightening emissions standards. This was a bit of a dark time in automotive systems engineering as these early systems are now mistrusted to a degree by owner and mechanic alike.

Modern PCM's have evolved to be highly reliable, very functional and it is not difficult to integrate them into the Jeep engine bay with your new motor.

Some installations require PCM reprogramming. This is a service that is much more available for GM computers than any other, often through GM dealers, or local and national tuning shops.

A DLC connector in a Jeep, for an easy connection to your GM computer.

Some view the electrical and wiring aspects of a conversion as the 800 lb. gorilla of the swap. In fact, it is seldom as difficult as perceived, especially when working with GM power.

At the most fundamental level, whether you are working with a carbureted, throttle body injected or multi-point ("tuned port") injected engine, you will retain and connect the original GM alternator in the same manner as was the Jeep alternator; the same for the distributor, etc.

From basic (TBI) to advanced (TPI & Gen. III) injection systems, the swaps are still largely the same.

For fuel injected swaps, you should know that the engine and its PCM are largely self-supporting. In other words, the very grand majority of the engine wiring harness goes to (sensor data) or comes from (systems control) the PCM, and most sensors are directly related to the engine itself. If uninstalled correctly, most of this harness will be intact and not needing any splicing. Like any electrical item, the computer needs power and ground, and a power distribution center (largely consisting of relays and bridges - you can keep the Jeep one!) to switch and of course, distribute power to the various systems.

The installer should keep one simple principle in mind: make the engine think it is running in its original GM chassis. A simplistic but fair summary would state that a 1955 Chevy 283 and a 2004 LS1 have the same basic wiring requirements; power to the starter when it is required, power to the distributor (or coils) when needed. The battery needs power from the alternator to keep it charged.

An installer's analysis of the Jeep's particular wiring diagram and the engine's wiring diagram will quickly reveal the wires that can be merged, connected and (in many cases) simplified or even eliminated.

Gauges

This, our #2PRS, is a speed signal generator that connects to the Dana 18 & 20. This VSS allows for pass-through of the speedometer cable to operate the conventional speedometer. This VSS gives the 1987-1996, pre-Gen. III engines critical speed data for proper operation.

you can keep your Jeep Utility speedometer gauge as it is driven by the speedometer output of your Dana transfer case. you can also keep your fuel gauge and AMP / volt gauge as factory. your oil pressure gauge and water temp gauges can use the original Jeep sensors, as adapted into the ports on the conversion engine assembly.

All aftermarket gauges can also be used. you can feed new, electronic Engine Temp, Oil Pressure, Tach and Speed gauges from the PCM if doing a Gen. III+ swap.

Steering

Engine conversions aside, steering really is a potential problem in these early Jeeps. The Ross steering linkage system can be loose and high maintenance, and from the standpoint of the conversion, it can get in the way of things. If you are going to keep factory steering, we recommend a remote oil filter adapter kit (commonly available from speed shops), for the Small Block engines as it will otherwise interfere. Additionally, it is necessary to grind a small flat on the edge of the block above the oil filter to gain clearance for the pitman arm. Buick V6's do not have this requirement.

If the steering wheel is turned to the extreme left the pitman arm will hit the bellhousing. This is cured by removing the pitman arm and indexing it one spline tooth forward away from the bellhousing. The steering wheel is then put back on the "high spot" of the worm by shortening the steering connecting rod. Do this by increasing the two bends in this component or by cutting and welding. An alternate to this method is to leave the aforementioned parts intact and grind a notch in the bellhousing to regain the lost pitman arm travel, however, it is simpler to reposition the pitman arm.

If converting to Saginaw power steering, you may need the assistance of a hydraulic shop to have the high pressure (feed) hose ends matched or adapted as per your pump and gear combo. Usually the low pressure (return) line can be cut from hose stock and secured with the use of hose clamps.

This particular Wagon features a GM Saginaw steering conversion. While not part of the scope of Novak's offerings, and only recommended for seasoned and safe auto builders, it can do a lot to upgrade the driveability of the Jeep.

Suspension & Engine Weight

you'll be replacing one of a few available factory engines, with most of them weighing the same or more than the more powerful V6's and V8 choices we've been discussing, which may include:

• Chevy 4.3L V6, 425 lbs.
• Chevy Small Block V8 (Gen. I & II), 550 lbs.
• GM Gen. III+ V8 (iron blocks), 470 lbs.
• GM Gen. III+ V8 (aluminum blocks), 407 lbs.
• Buick 90 degree V6, 375 lbs.

Factory springs are usually great for most Small Block V6 and V8 engines. We have replaced four-cylinder Jeep engines with V8's and noticed no sag or overly soft ride in the front axle. Aftermarket springs usually make no distinction and are rated well for most engines this side of Big Blocks.

Novak engine mounts represent a tradition of innovation, strength, adjustability, ease of installation and superior clearances for steering and exhaust systems.

A lift is not required for the Jeep to perform the engine swap, but may be done for reasons external to the swap.

Fuel Delivery

Fuel pumps have evolved from low pressure (4-12 PSI) mechanical, engine mounted units for carburetors - good at pulling fuel over a distance - to medium pressure (13-18 PSI), electric in-tank pumps for throttle body engines, to high pressure, electric, in-tank pumps. These latter pumps are designed to push fuel, not pull it, and at pressures ranging from 38-50 PSI for multi-point injections systems.

Additionally, with the higher temperatures that these high-pressure pumps generate, their immersion into the cooler fuel is critical for the durability of it's electric motor. External pumps of the same ratings are available and are self-cooled by being built into heat dissipating aluminum housings.

Earlier Jeeps that have fuel tanks that were set up for carbureted engines may provide some problems, especially in off-road environments. Fuel injected engines require an uninterrupted supply of fuel, and baffles built into an injected style tank keeps the fuel from sloshing out of the intake of the pump. Carbureted setups don’t have this concern due to the built-in fuel reservoir the carburetor that provides for any gaps or air-pockets in the flow.

If you are working on a pre-injection Jeep, consider buying an aftermarket fuel cell, or having an inline reservoir made to buffer any interruptions in the fuel flow to your injectors. Or, install an external fuel pump and mini-reservoir at the closest point to the fuel tank that is available.

Exhaust

No doubt that getting exhaust air out of the engine is a more elaborate process than getting combustible air in.

The installer must run a header that is fairly tight fitting. The shorty, block-hugging style is the best bet. Fenderwell exit headers are not desirable for a variety of reasons.

Garner the services of a local exhaust shop to help you put together a clean, safe, easy flowing exhaust system and one in accordance with your local regulations. If you are running a TBI, TPI or Gen. III+ engine, you will also need to have O2 (oxygen) sensor bungs - typically one per bank - welded into the down pipes below the headers. California installations will need to utilize a header that is CARB certified.

While the Utility Wagon has a relatively narrow window in which to run pipes, and a transfer case to dodge as well, you can run dual exhaust. However, we suggest running the driver's side exhaust circuit under the rear wall of the oil pan and in front of the transmission / bellhousing face, into a Y-pipe joining it with the passenger side circuit. you can also run this Y behind the transfer case (give yourself some room to service the transfer case later) and then into the exit circuit. From there, run rearward to the catalytic converter and then the muffler, following which, you will arc the last section of pipe up over the rear axle and then straight out the back with the tailpipe. 2-1/2" diameter pipe is usually very adequate and will flow as much as you need. 3" is an option.

Muffler choice is up to you, and possibly your passengers, neighbors and local noise ordinances.

Driveshafts

Another inordinate concern too many people have is about driveshafts. This is not a significant challenge, especially if you are using our compact adapter assemblies with the transmissions suggested above.

Most factory transmission and adapter combinations to the Dana and other transfer cases vary. As such, it is often that driveshaft lengths will need to be changed to accommodate the swap. Also, consider that there multiple ways to install a conversion engine and the following will be of note:

It is seldom a good idea to allow the driveshafts to make the decisions as to where the powertrain will be placed. Some of our customers, fearful at the perceived expense of new or modified driveshafts, attempt to let the existing driveshafts dictate engine, transmission and transfer case location, sometimes to the detriment of the project. Driveshaft modifications are usually inexpensive when performed by driveline, RV or tractor implement specialists. New driveshafts are an option but seldom a requirement in regards to the actual successful conversion. Jeeps that require extensive travel or specialty-built driveshafts have this option available through several fabricators across the nation.

Crossmember & Rear Mount

This popular rear mount is strong and easy to set up with any Jeep swap. See our lineup of rear mounts, here.

There are only three major places a powertrain needs support and mounting. Two at the engine, and one under the rear of the transmission (some transfer cases have the provision for a side mount to help control torque kick-back). Nearly all Novak adapters have cast-in or modular mounting bases that are configured for use with an industry standard urethane rear mount.

There is no need whatsoever, in terms of the engine & transmission swap, to use a different crossmember than the factory versions. They are typically low profile and can easily be redrilled for a new transmission mount unit. Getting rid of the factory urethane mount and any ancillary bracketry with it is the largest favor you will do for yourself in this area. Go with a clean, simple, industry standard mount like the Novak #RMU. you may need some simple spacers. Box steel or aluminum pucks are useful here. Anything needing to be fabricated needn't be elaborate.

Axles

Many people mistakenly think that a more powerful engine demands stronger-than-stock axles. This is not necessarily the case. The factory Dana 44 rear axles can withstand very ambitious engines. Such is the case for the front Dana 25 & 27 as well. Whether your converted Jeep needs stronger axles is more a question of how you use them, and usually in terms of off-road considerations more than on-road use. Note that early Utilities used a fairly rare Timken rear axle assembly, which is often replaced due to parts considerations.

Axles are generally out of the scope of our work here at Novak, but there are plenty of companies that deal with them to be of assistance if you feel you must upgrade them as part of your conversion.

Clutch

Hydraulic clutch release with a Chevrolet or Buick bellhousing may be worthwile. See Novak's #HCR Series Clutch Slave Cylinder retrofit kit.

An in-depth discussion on this topic is covered separately, here. However, there are a couple of quick specifics that apply to these Jeeps:

• If keeping the factory bellcrank clutch linkage system with your GM motor, you will use our #RAV6 clutch release arm to obtain the proper ratio.
• If you are making the move to a hydraulic release system, consider our popular #HCR Series retrofit kits for Chevrolet & Buick bellhousings. It is suggested that you use a later CJ or YJ master cylinder / pedal assembly, and that you laminate your firewall with painted or stainless steel in the master cylinder area for increased rigidity - as these earlier Jeeps used a thinner wall, not anticipating this usage.

Linkages

This topic generally covers throttle, transmission & transfer case shifter systems. As with many aspects of a swap, this can be a simple as the installer would like it to be. As nearly all modern Jeeps and GM engines use sheathed cable for throttle control. More Generation III engines use a throttle-by-wire, in which case you will use the GM pedal, and connect the wiring as per OEM.

Transmission and transfer case shifters are discussed in instructive detail in the Novak instruction packages that will come with your gearbox adapter assembly, and specifically to your particular drivetrain choice for your Jeep.

Brakes

Engine swaps aside, factory brakes may or may not be adequate. As a general rule, if the brakes were good before the swap, they will probably be sufficient after the swap.

It is up to the individual doing the conversion to ascertain whether or not to upgrade the braking system depending on how the Jeep is to be used. Brake systems are out of Novak's scope, but there are companies and shops that deal with brake upgrades if the installer deems it.

Summary

This article is meant to be introductory and to give the reader an idea of the scope of a conversion project. No two swap combinations are ever exactly the same, but an understanding of the principles and parts involved will take any thoughtful installer a long ways. As discussed in this guide, further and more deeply detailed information comes with Novak adapter assemblies, engine mounts, radiators and other components. Additionally, our customers can speak with our Techs about the conversion being performed.

All in all, there is no change to your Jeep that is more exciting or beneficial than a powertrain conversion. Individuals have been swapping GM power into Jeeps for decades and these conversions are being done with greater frequency and success than ever.