Posted by Brian in Oregon on Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 12:18:41:
In Reply to: WC Engine conversion posted by Rich in MI on Wednesday, October 25, 2000 at 11:58:56:
A buddy is putting a 440 into his 41. However, he has custom built his frame (3" x 8" of thick C-channel) and put a Dana 70 in the rear and a Dana 60 in the front, along with a 205 transfer case.
A 440 otherwise into the stock frame is going to be a tight fit. The radiator is iffy as it is for a 273 or 318. You'll need a custom radiator for sure with the 440. Most installs I've seen had the firewall modified.
Keep in mind that the differntials are weaker than those found on the M37 and the Power Wagons. I'd sure consider an axle swap if I was going to run a 440.
I've seen several very successful 318 swaps in 41's. The 318 is nicely suited.
If you don't use the stock transmission, the replacement needs to have an e-brake on it. Or you could use an M37 transfer as it has the e-brake already on it. You can run your driveline off that point too.
Everything about vehicles is a compromise. You go so far with modifications, and then you have to do a lot more because of what you changed. The 440 is really beyond the design limits of the 41. The 318, if not driven abusively, is probably the upper limit.
Another problem is brakes. The 41 has the same crummy brakes as the M37 and the early Power Wagons. Meaning they don't stop well. So a disc brake conversion is a very good idea. Antoerh problem is that the 41 brake drums are built in such a way that you have to disassemble the hub and bearings to service the brakes. A real pain in the butt. Disc brakes get around this. Helitool has made conversions for 41's. (www.helitool.com)
Dual tires were an option on some WC models.
Many WC's had cab and even complete body swap done by the military or civilian owners.
The military cab has the hood lip sloped down at a noticable angle. The civilian cab is horizontal at this point. The military cab has no provisions for cow lights, nor does it have a fuel tank filler opening.