I could do the work to relocate everything but I’m not set up for fab work these days. Paying to have it done would be crazy. A mostly bolt in would be more ideal.
Anyone here done a Dana 300 swap?
- Thread starter Gollywomper
- Start date
I only have experience doing it to an auto but I think we figured you could make the manual shifter work with some unique extensions to the shifter handle.
I know nothing of the black box 20 stuff but I do know if Blackjack says it will work, I trust that 100%.
I did get a kick out of cutting up a 231 to make the Box for Rocks work and I'd do it again.
Well if the overall length of a Dana 20 and black box are equal to a 231 SYE. I’m thinking this may be the route. Could turn out very good. And unique.
what has kept me from doing a Dana 300 with 4-1 or atlas was from previous experience with my samurai with 4-1 and 7-1 cases. They were just too low for some stuff and 4hi was to high. So having the option for 2-1, 2-2.73 and 5.4-1 would be a great combo.
what has kept me from doing a Dana 300 with 4-1 or atlas was from previous experience with my samurai with 4-1 and 7-1 cases. They were just too low for some stuff and 4hi was to high. So having the option for 2-1, 2-2.73 and 5.4-1 would be a great combo.
Any idea on exact length? I emailed NWF to see if they had numbers. Will also check with AA to see if their tail housing adds length. Sounds promising if numbers pan out.
I know some v8 guys running black boxes. So it should be fine. And the 20 should be fine even doubled behind my 4cyl. Sounds like tail housing/shaft will be upgraded with AA Speedo
I will have to find my notes but I think I can get you real close.
Looks like it will be within an inch one way or another. I think. Will know more when I can get my hands on a 20. Could be hard to come by. Thanks for the idea. Gonna be perfect not loosing stockish low and still getting a super low as well.
Ok found my notes, Bronco 20 with 1310 yoke is 11 inches. Blackbox I is 5.188 ", Eco box I is 5.5" (if you want to put one together yourself) and the output kit add 1.3" with a 1310 yoke.
What did you do for additional mount for the 20? I am assuming additional mount will be needed for a duel case set up.
What trans are you running? The standard 231 adapter mount should be fine but you could always add a support with a bushing on the rear.
I have an AX5. T case is just bolted to tranny I believe. Thinking there will be too much torque just to rely on the black box? Still some reading to do. Won’t be too hard to add something.
Did you add support to the tcase after installing the doubler? Or did it all just rely on the transmission mount? I know if adding support to a tcase after a doubler is done wrong it can cause breakage from not allowing things to flex as needed. I’m having a hard time wrapping my mind around no support. But the new Dana 20 and black box will be same overall length as the 231. With a 4 cyl and my “soft” driving style maybe it will be fine? Maybe go through tranny mounts a bit more often?
No extra support. It is a 231 moved back about 8". Probably still less weight on the trans mount than a 241.
Doubler box is 5” and the Dana 20 is 80ish pounds and 10.5”. Should be fine.
Last edited:
@mrblaine I am extremely interested in how you went about doing this. Do you have a build thread anywhere? Sending you a PM.
OP, Did you ever get anywhere with this? I'm in a similar boat.
I have all the parts collected. We decided on the Dana 300 instead. Mostly due to aftermarket support and the flip kit uses Atlas shifters Need to get 300s rebuilt and flip kits installed. Should be moving forward in the next week or 2. Decided not to do the 4-1 gears in the 300. With the Ecobox at 2.72 and the 300 at 2.62 we should have plenty of gear choices.
This is why we are using the DEO flip kit. It uses the Atlas TJ specific shifters. The twin sticks will be in the stock t case shifter location.
Similar threads
