SM 4xx tranny and orion swap.

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exrsa1

exrsa1

Joined
Oct 7, 2003
Threads
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Location
Kansas City, MO
Guys/gals, I know this has been done and there is a great description here on MUD about this, but has anyone local done this. I am mechanical inclined, but not an engineer or machinist, and seems there are a lot of little things that one needs to do before taking this on.

I currently have OEM 4speed, but seriously want lower gears, so thinking about this swap. How about it? Anyone have a Saturday they want to spend with a South-African, swapping out tranny's, building orion box, sipping some beer.....

hello? anyone? I'll beg!


Thanks
Brian
 
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I've done the SM420 but not with an Orion. I think Chef has that setup. I think you would like the SM465/Orion better then the SM420 tho. The SM420 with a 4:1 case would almost equal "stupid low" IMHO.

And you want to do this when?????
 
I think the sm 420 is a great, and affordable mod. Why spend anuther 2 grand for the orion? Bragin rights I reckon.....

C Ya, Don
 
Sm420

Thanks guys, I will do some searches on the SM420 replacement. I decided on looking at the orion as well as one of the SM4xx tranny's after reading the article here on MUD. I am all for not spending the extra $2K, so if I will get what I want out of a SM420, I will look more into it.

As for when, soon as I get my hands on whatever I decide, and have someone who knows what they are doing, to help me, or I help them. I am due for clutch /rear seal replacement, so before FlatNasty is a must... and new fuel lines, and new driveshaft, and new o-rings in ARB.....

Brian
 
Brian, I'm with Chris on the 2nd gear driving more than 1st. I think the Orion and a 420 would provide alot of low gears you wouldn't use much. Wheres home? Can you get someone to help if I provide my shop south of Belton. The lift would make it a whole lot easier and faster!
CC
P.S. How well do you beg?
 
For the price.. Have you looked at a toybox? THey don't have the issues of the eating up the insides that the orion's do.. Or popping out of gear once you instal a $4 strong spring(only needed if you have the 4.7 gearset).. Use your stock tcase (whatever it may be 3spd, 4spd, split). Works with just about every transmission out there that fits in a cruiser. Plus you get to annoy all your friends by going too slow! And yes I'm biased..
 
That's what I like about this group

You guys have good advice and crack me up. As for how well I beg, depends on how well she works that whip..... The Gemsbok biltong is scarce these days.

Ok, on to business. Craig the use of your shop would be tremendous help. I am up in Parkville, so a trip there would not be too far. Do you think this can be done in a day? If possible, I will wait and then do the ARB o-rings at the same time. As for someone to help, I do not have anyone with the tech experience for the finer details of the swap yet, but myself and Land Rover buddy, have good wrenching abilities. We are putting an ARB and new axles in his Land Rover starting tonight.

I will need a 3speed transfer case, SM420, adapter plate, clutch, and the 3speed bellhousing too. Anyone know a good source for any of these?

I have two 4speed tranny/transfer combo's to swap if someone needed it.

Brian
 
Erik, yes, I read about the toybox too. I would like to ride with someone that has a SM4 whatever and see the difference compared to mine. In looking at the charts posted here, the SM420, with 3speed transfer may just be the ticket and is relatively cheap. That would leave me some money to rebuild the motor later on this winter maybe.

Thanks
Brian
 
Brian,

Send a note to ebutlerfj40 - I'm pretty sure he has the SM420 adaptor and possibly the full kit of parts that you'll need to do the swap and is looking to sell it. There are several good write-ups in the tech section of ih8mud on everything that is involved and how to do it.

Chris
 
Thanks Chris

I emailed him.

I saw on the FOR SALE board a guy is selling everything I need, with new clutch. Have sent email, but there is someone in line before me, for it.

Brian
 
Mike, I'm interested. The setup that was for sale is sold. Have these been rebuilt? Asking price? If you want to, PM me and we can discuss.


Thanks
Brian
 
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Mike FJ40 said:
I have 3spd bellhousing and maybe more parts. Do you use 3 spd or 4spd clutch??

Mike H
Click to expand...

Mike, I will be using an 11" Chevy clutch, with the stock 2F flywheel.

Here is what I am pretty sure I need:
1. SM420
2. 3speed transfer case
3. 3speed bellhousing
4. 3speed driveshaft slip yoke
5. 11" Chevy clutch
6. An adapterplate and kit (avail from various places)
7. Linkage parts
8. Various bolts/washers
9. exhaust pipe spacer
10. and probably more than I can think of right now

PM me if you have an idea on parts and asking prices.

Thanks
Brian
 
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