Topic: Moving engine forward for a crawl box

[jdarg]

Anyone move their 4 banger forward in the engine bay and stuff an inexpensive crawl box, like a 231 using the box4rocks kit, on their YJ?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=696803

I was thinking about an i6 swap, and already procured an external slave AX15 and matching 23 spline 231 from another YJ. Now I wonder if I should just move the 4 banger up to the radiator, swap in the AX15, and do a crawl box instead. I don't really need more power, but a deeper crawl ratio when I needed it would be great.

[Jeffy]

FourbangerYJ moved his forward as well as oldjeep.  You should be able to move it 4-6" forward.

[sharpxmen]

or get a D300 instead and you'll probably make the same distance as it's shorter than the 231

[FourbangerYJ]

Mine is 4 inches forward. I have a Klune and Bronco D20. Which is about the same length as the 231 with a SYE. I did not do the work myself.
I have a buddy with a TJ and he had his moved 6 inches forward. He also has a Klune but runs the 231 with a SYE.

It's all about gearing if you ask me! More HP is cool but if your geared right the 2.5 will go anywhere without stalling.

[Bounty Hunter]

Use a 231/300 doubler, about the same length as a stock 231 with SYE, and you get the gear reduction without all the work of moving the entire drivetrain forward.

[oldjeep]

Mine is 7" forward.  Aside from adding some driveshaft length, you raise the entire drivetrain above the bottom of the frame if you just slide the mounts forward.

[TrailsLessTaken]

Oldjeep - With moving the engine forward 7" did you have any issues with the oil pan clearing the axle or is that not a problem?

[oldjeep]

Oldjeep - With moving the engine forward 7" did you have any issues with the oil pan clearing the axle or is that not a problem?

It's not a problem, the pan is nowhere near the front axle.

[TrailsLessTaken]

OK I didnt think it would be I was just curious

[jdarg]

Oldjeep any close-up photos of the engine brackets that are welded to the frame? Did you have to cut down or shape those at all, or did you literally just slide em up the rails towards the front and weld em back on? What does the transmission mount look like?

Great info guys, thanks a million.

[oldjeep]

Oldjeep any close-up photos of the engine brackets that are welded to the frame? Did you have to cut down or shape those at all, or did you literally just slide em up the rails towards the front and weld em back on? What does the transmission mount look like?

Great info guys, thanks a million.

Literally cut them off and slid them up the frame.
here's the tranny mount (AW4)

[jdarg]

Wow couldn't be easier then...I wasn't sure at what point the valve cover would hit the hood but I guess there's plenty of room, plus I have a 1" body lift too so it should be fine. Thanks for the photos.

[Jeffy]

Wow couldn't be easier then...I wasn't sure at what point the valve cover would hit the hood but I guess there's plenty of room, plus I have a 1" body lift too so it should be fine. Thanks for the photos.

If you have a body lift then it shouldn't be an issue at all.  I have my engine in the stock location but I have a 1" MM lift as well as a large York compressor standing upright at the front of my engine.  No clearance issues.

[oldjeep]

I've got no body lift and the engine is about 2" higher than stock.  There is still plenty of clearance between the air tube and the hood.