Another option might be a box from a 2wd f150 I used one of those on another 4x4 conversions,they have a bunch of drop. Is that trans od? what ratio in the axles? As for the axel clearance for the oil sump have you considered the 2" polyurethane spacers for the front and shackles for the rear to lift it up? You can pick them up real cheap used or around $90 on ebay for the set... also what year jeep/trans I am new to jeeps

I really wanted to leave the ride height stock, but 2" would not be too bad, I may have to lift it a little. The A904 trans is only a three speed, but it's what I had. If I ever have to replace it, I will put a 700R4 in it. I am not sure what axle ratio I have, I will have to check. The transfer case is a NP228. Thanks for the tip on the F150 box, I will check it out. Maybe I could use a pitman arm from an F150 on my box, the splined end should be the same depending on the year. If not, maybe I can lower the steering box. My jeep is a 1985 cherokee(wagoneer) it originally had a 2.8 Chevy V6. The trans, transfer case, and diffs are all factory stock.

John

Sorry about all the questions,I just found your threads from sept. The f150 box has a real long shaft,probably 6in drop or so. I sourced one off a 70s 2wd.Thanks for the help

I decided to go with a hood scoop. If I set the engine low enough to clear the hood, the front axle will hit the bottom of the engine before it hits the stop bumpers. Even if I lift the vehicle, with the engine sitting lower, the axle will hit the engine before the stops. I guess I could put a lift on it and reduce the travel of the stops, but it's way easier to cut a hole in the hood and put a scoop on it.

John

Still figuring out witch way to go,looks like it will be a 87 & up cherokee with the aw4 od with lock-up converter. Just have to work through the electronics,supposedly they hav a stand alone computer. The guy with the comanche put a rack&pinion steering,may look into that so i can retain ac,will see as I am in the infant stages. Just got the benz last week so it isnt apart yet,looking for doner rig #2,fun stuff!!

Good luck with it FTE!!! Let me know if you need any pics or anything. I ended up welding the two pitman arms together so it hangs low enough to clear the oil pan. I was a little nervous about welding it, but I used up six rods and got good penetration, I don't think it's going anywhere. The frame is in the way of lowering the steering box, my only other option would be to get a different box. If this does not work out, I will probably swap steering boxes, or put a rack & pinion in it. I may have it driveable this weekend, just a few small items to finish, and put the pitman back on after it cools. I wrapped it in fiberglass insulation so it would cool nice and slow.

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The AW4 does have a stand alone controller. My friend has a Commanche with a 4.0 auto. I'm not sure which trans it is, but the throttle position sensor failed and the trans would not shift. I would go with a 700R4 if you can, They only need 12 volts to one pin for lockup, and the parts are much cheaper and more available than the AW4. You would need a different transfer case or an adapter plate for the transfer case to the 700R4

Thanks for the update,good luck with the steering,I did some similar welding on some steering arms with good results. Good info on the 700r4 did not know, maybe I will expand my search parameters.Keep me posted on your first drive.

Maiden Voyage
 

Took the Merjeep on it's maiden voyage tonight, she runs pretty good. It's amazingly quiet with the straight pipe exhaust. I still need to wire the relay for the electric fan, and disconnect the ALDA. The hood needs to be cut and I need to order the scoop. Other than that, it's pretty close to being done. The pitman arm stayed in one piece too, so i'm happy about that.

John

cool! did you take off the rack limiter yet? just be very careful with that steering arm, its probably only gonna break at the worst possible time :o

i noticed mine was really quiet inside with my strait pipe stack too.

What is a rack limiter?