Thinking about a Quadra-Trac

torkliftrob · Dec 9, 2008

I found a sweet deal on a 77 Waggy with a built 401 and other good stuff. The big concern is the Quadra-Trac which I don't think even has low range (it was optional). The rig would be perfect for my wife to haul the kids & lunch & stuff. She wants to go down the trail but doesn't like deep mud or high rocks & scary stuff.
The gears are something awful like 2.70 or something (I think). I could throw a set of 5.13s in it but she wants to use it as a grocery getter and drive it to the trails. Anyone have any thoughts, comments?

TreeClimber · Dec 9, 2008

Skip the 5.13 and get some 4.10s and some 31s or 32s. Quadrajunks are still reasonably plentiful, and the primary death is the chain breaking or the cone's slipping, so find one with a low range and just transplant the low range onto your existing t-case if it doesn't have one.

Just remember, the EPA rating was only like 6 or 8 mpg.

KarlVP · Dec 10, 2008

Yeah, Fifo's j-20 with the 401 gets a very reliable 10MPG's.

the quadratrac has the low range that is just an add on and can be found pretty readily.

Good rigs. I'd rock one.

nevada · Dec 10, 2008

if u can get it cheap enough, pull the 401, and scrap, or part out the rest. use the motor for a build, or sell it.
the motor by itself, is probably worth more then the whole jeep.

a buddy had one with the quadra-trac, he was ALWAYS busting shift forks. not sure why/how, but i know it happened alot.

PUO-BANNED · Dec 10, 2008

Garbage in stock form. I work with a guy that has a TH400 and Q-trac setup. the Q-trac has low range the part time kit and is fresh.

Corey Y · Dec 10, 2008

I used to carry spares and could change the t-case in 15min. Broke two in two hours, finally replaced it with a NP205.

Kat · Dec 10, 2008

X2 on the 4.10's and 32s or 33's

torkliftrob · Dec 10, 2008

going to a smaller tire is like dumping a girl 'cause her boobs are too big. I think I'll stick a low-range in it (if it doesn't have one already) and save my pennies for some 4.10s. I have 4.10s in my M38 and I wish it was double that (of course, I don't drive on the road above 40MPH). I just hope I can find a low-range. When I was looking for a NP205 they all just disappeared for some reason.

TooRisky · Dec 14, 2008

Quadratrac is a very very good idea that didnt go as far as needed, but there is a answer that puts a quadratrac over the top. The Mile Marker part time kit is just what you are looking for. What it does is splits the all time 4x4 into controling both axles individualy. I have 4.56:1 gears with ARB in the front and a Detriot in the rear with the low range installed and the part time kit installed. I can run only my rear axle in slip,low 2wd, high 2wd and then when needed engage the front with the same configuration totaly locked up 4x4 with ARB engaged. What is needed is to install hubs and the part time kit and you have one hellva set up.

AMC 401 with TH400 P/T Quadratrac

Needless to say I love my 77 Jeep SJ

Any questions just ask...

Steve

Trainwreckinseattle · Dec 14, 2008

I've owned a few two door Chiefs

I used to beat the piss out of my quadratracs and never had one problem.

I had a 78 401 Wide trac Chief S in fly yellow, a 79 360 Wide trac Chief S and two 81 STRAIGHT SIX'S oh yeah baby

Ya know my fav was the 81 six with the manual and selec trac LOL

Although 4 wheel burn outs on dry pavement in the 401 made all my friends giggle !!! :haha: :haha:

My guess just like with anything is how well was the rig taken care of for most of its life.... most people buy some older jeep with 200k and then get mad when something breaks while floggin it.

All my jeeps were like one owner well taken care of before I got my durty hands on them so they never broke. If it wasnt for gas mileage I'd still own one.