By: Jeff Layton - 12/2000

Now that the axles were installed & the suspension issues were worked out, it was time to get started on the important stuff engine & transmission installation. The NV4500 transmission was rebuilt and converted to 4wd Dodge output in an earlier article which just so happens to match up to a Jeep Dana 300 perfectly. The engine was sourced from a local wrecking yard, also highlighted in an earlier article.

Bolting the Engine to the NV4500

Here's the bellhousing & conversion parts, sourced from JB Conversions	Bellhousing installed, with Chevy-sourced throwout bearing	Torquing the chevy-sourced flywheel into place

The clutch is installed (also OEM Chevy)	Engine, trans, and transfer case are ready for installation. Here you can see the NV4500 and the Advance-Adapters NV4500 transmission mount. The as-pulled Pennzoil filter is still present on the engine. Also check out the EGR hose into the manifold when we swap out the Chevy Truck manifold for a corvette one that fits inside the framerails, this will be another custom challenge.

Engine Fitment

Temporarily setting the combination between the framerails, the MORE Bomb-proof motor mounts help to locate the engine into proper position. Note the long metal bar used to leverage the tail end of the long assembly over the framerails.	Before welding in the motor mounts, the tub is lowered into position to check firewall clearance.	The transmission is centered nicely into the tunnel.

With front clip & radiator installed, the one inch of critical fan clutch to radiator clearance is assured.	The JB Conversions Jeep Conversion radiator is a nice, high-quality unit.	The front clip is removed & motor mounts are welded into position (had a professional do it since it involved some upside-down welding). Note the jack handle in the top right corner since the jack is still holding the transmission & transfercase up.

Skid Plate/Crossmember

And finally, the crossmember/skid plate is modified to fit the taller NV4500 transmission.	Chopping up the skid plate.

Including the crossmember/skid plate customization, the engine & transmission installation took one solid day's work of a few friends – the most time consuming section was fitting body, grille, and radiator so we could check and re-check the dimensions before welding. At some future time, I may consider 'clocking ' the Dana300 and/or making a custom lower-profile skid plate. In the meantime, the chopped-up-and-reinforced factory unit should keep Jeep Therapy operational.

Once again, much thanks to M.O.R.E. and JB conversions for their great parts and support.

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