[Frank-cj421]

Hello, this is my first post here. I'm building a jeep cj6 using unimog 421 running gear. (axles, gear/transfer box & torque tubes.)
I'm planning on using fox racing coil-over shocks, but i don't know what length of travel i need. What i'm trying to find out is what is the fully compressed and fully extended length of a standard shock for a unimog 421. As from what i've seen of unimogs in the past the standard suspension travel is enough for my needs.
Also i'm planning on using either a 300E straight 6 or 500SE V8 engine. Does anyone have knowledge of anybody doing either of these swaps. I have both of these engines available to me but i want to know which 1 would be the easier to fit to the gearbox. I've been told that the 300E engine should bolt straight to the bellhousing, but i can't check this at the moment on either engine as they are both still in the cars.
Any help would be greatly apieceated, Thanks Frank.

 

[Merz-Ben]

I can't help you on the suspension travel, but on the engine the 300E engine will come closer to fit, but the starter provision in the bell housing will be on the opposite side of the 421 tranny. you will probably need to machine an adapter to mount it, or you could find an OM617A 5cyl turbo diesel engine, it will bolt up to the tranny and can use the flywheel from the 421 engine if you have it rebalanced. If you want to go gas you could put in a M110 2.8 dohc 6cyl out of a 280SE sedan and it will bolt to the trans, but you will need to find a 280GE G wagen flywheel and clutch to make it work.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Ben

 

[snoman]

Hey,

My 421 owners manual doesnt have a spec, but I have 421 and floor jack ;>D I can make some measurments if you like.

Ken

 

[Frank-cj421]

DOH!!!!! I've just scrapped a 280GE engine and manual box!!! I've swapped in a 500SE engine and box into my old G-WAGEN. Because the gearbox had blown.
Oh well, i'll just have to buy 1 then, to be honest i hadn't even considered using the old G engine.
My main reasons for going for a petrol engine is 1) high revs than the diesel. 2) I'm planning on converting to propane.
Also, that would be great if you could measure your 421. THANKS

 

[snoman]

OK the results...... And I was a little supprised at the results, I guess maybe the flexi frame has a lot to do with its agility. Measurments were from the center of the top moutning hole to the center of the bottom mounting hole. All measurments involved the vehicle being jacked in various places untill the tire left the ground. Rear axle Nominal = 16.5", compressed= 16" Extended= 17.25. Front Axle Nominal = 15", compressed= 14.75" Extended= 17.25. Note the rubber stop above the front axle ranged from .63" to 3"

Hope this helps. btw I have pix of the test if you are interested

Ken

 

[Frank-cj421]

:goojob: Thanks for that snoman, But since starting this thread i've recieved the latest issue of JP magazine. There is a '07 wrangler in this issue using 404 axles and the suspension set-up is very simply and my friends and have been studying it. We've come to the decision this set-up is the way to go be cause of it's simplicity.
Here's a basic outline of the set-up: On this jeep they have used a triangulated 3-link and a propshaft conversion, which i'm not using because i'm retaining the torque tube and panhard rod(this is the complicated part of their set-up). Then they've used standard jeep grand cherokee coil springs that are mounted to the axle spring mounts and then to fabricated some spring mounts under the chassis rails. Then they've made some shock hoops and fitted extended travel shocks.

Plus i've now got a 280 GE engine!!!!!! So all systems are GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!