The story of my jeep: MM 440

khan_sultan · 20th January 2009, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kandisa

.....The obvious best option in the petrol category was the Isuzu. Highly refined, very much in use today, no problems absolutely in getting spares or support, Isuzu was decided as the next heart for the 440.
..

What happens to the existing 440 engine?

Kandisa · 20th January 2009, 17:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by khan_sultan

What happens to the existing 440 engine?

It was mentioned right there in the write-up

..."However it was decided that we would keep the original engine-Tcase-gearbox in case we like to revert back to the original setting in future."

Kandisa · 21st January 2009, 10:51

Soon, activities started rolling by procuring tools in the workshop, some basic, and one or two very exclusive. At the same time my mentors started the search to find out a clean desired engine-gearbox combination in all possible places. It was not very easy to get a matching 5-speed, 4x4 set-up with minimal modification to be done. And the availability of fund was not very generous. After around a week long hard toiling for hours, they finally got hold of the stuffs of satisfactory level.
The Isuzu was a low mileage engine, and the gearbox, was in even better condition, having a single lever shift 4x4 system.
The existing set up was taken out to keep in our disposal after proper oiling and all. The mounting of the Isuzu engine was bit different than the original ones. So new mounts were fabricated. The engine-gearbox got mounted and the jeep was finally sent to the workshop from Delhi for its makeover. I could have some understanding how important it is to make a correct alignment for the engine and gearbox. The best part of the set-up was that, it was a bolt-on addition without the requirement of any adapter plate in between, something we really appreciated. Some snaps to continue further:
The work begins

The story of my jeep: MM 440-work_begins.jpg

The rear view

The story of my jeep: MM 440-rear_view.jpg

The new engine mounts

The story of my jeep: MM 440-strng-rod_emount.jpg

The Isuzu in initial condition

The story of my jeep: MM 440-isuzu_01.jpg

The story of my jeep: MM 440-isuzu_02.jpg

Another accompanying modification was to get a new front shaft because of slight change in length requirement. This was properly fabricated under ‘strict’ supervision.
A tentative plan was chalked out as to how to go forward with the project. It was decided to 1st get the mechanical components serviced/overhauled to get the jeep into running condition with basic electric connections.
New electronic fuel pump was fitted as a companion to the Isuzu. An important addition was the brake booster, which improves the braking phenomenally. We decided to go for a brand new one. New clutch plate and accelerator pedals were also installed. The differentials, axles, hubs were done up. All the suspensions were renewed with new shackles. Some more snaps:

The new booster and clutch-accelerator assembly

The story of my jeep: MM 440-brake_new.jpg

The story of my jeep: MM 440-booster2.jpg

The gearbox (note the 4x4 lever is missing)

The story of my jeep: MM 440-gbox_old2.jpg

The story of my jeep: MM 440-gbox_old3.jpg

Some other overhauling pics

The gentleman in the picture (not very clearly visible though!) is the man in charge. He is a great person, with an amazing eye on every detailing, doing everything on own in a very neat fashion, only needing an assistant to supply the tools and required stuffs. I was in no hurry to rush up the things, since it was a one-time build. Slowly and steadily the jeep started getting back its mechanical strength.

To be continued.......

GoSlow · 21st January 2009, 11:02

Ah, the story unfolds further. Good write up buddy. Looks like things ae going pretty well.

One question - what vehicle is the isuzu engine out of? It is the complete engine and gearbox and also the transfer case?

getsurya · 21st January 2009, 11:53

Kandisa,

Going through your thread I am sure the passion and commitment you are showering in rebuilding your jeep will make it truly an AWESOME JEEP!!
Good Luck and will be following this thread with keen attention.

Kandisa · 21st January 2009, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoSlow

Ah, the story unfolds further. Good write up buddy. Looks like things ae going pretty well.
One question - what vehicle is the isuzu engine out of? It is the complete engine and gearbox and also the transfer case?

Until now, things have been going on pretty well indeed, thanks to hard work of MJ and Uncle ji. Hope it doesn't encounter any major hitch till the end. The engine is 87 bhp, carb, 1.8L petrol from contessa with very low running. The 5-speed gearbox (4x4 support is built within) is from Isuzu trooper. But they are compatible to each other perfectly, just bolt on

. Mahindra had some limited 540 models with the mpfi version of the same engine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by getsurya

Going through your thread I am sure the passion and commitment you are showering in rebuilding your jeep will make it truly an AWESOME JEEP!!
Good Luck and will be following this thread with keen attention

Thanks a ton man, hope the project will stand upto the expectation at the end. The optimism is even more when the jeep is in the able hands of passionate jeepers for build.
-regards,

Parm · 21st January 2009, 15:42

hey kandisa, you got a nice jeep to work on there. but i would like ask why you putting 1.8 petrol isuzu engine in your jeep?

is the speed you want in yout jeep or the torque?

cheers:

Kandisa · 21st January 2009, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm

hey kandisa, you got a nice jeep to work on there. but i would like ask why you putting 1.8 petrol isuzu engine in your jeep?

is the speed you want in yout jeep or the torque?

cheers:

Well, i hope you have gone through my previous posts, where i have explained in detail the reasons for the engine swap. Answer to your question is: I want both, at least for now. That will be bit of compromise on either side, but we wanted to go for the best trade-off.
The gist is here once more (as per my limited knowledge):
1. Hurricane
Advantage: Better torque characteristics
Disadvantages:
4-speed gearbox set-up.
More demanding maintenance for frequent use (mechanic issue etc), particularly for someone, having not much of experience
Very low mileage

2. Isuzu
Disadvantage: Torque characteristics inferior
Advantages:
5-speed synchromesh gearbox set-up (and thats retaining the 4x4)
Refined & smoother handling
Reliable for frequent use
Easy maintenance
Much better mileage

Isuzu was the best option in the petrol catgeory. Overall it gives an optimum mix of of off-roading and frequent driving characteristics with much less hassles. And i don't think the engine is too incapable either, i have seen its performance in longer wheel base jeep.
As i stated earlier, if i wanted a jeep for once-in-a-while off-roading ONLY, i would have blindly gone for a cj3b with stock hurricane set-up and not 440.
Lastly, I have kept the options open to revert back to the original setting, if someday in future there is change in purpose of the jeep.
-regards,

Parm · 21st January 2009, 16:40

thanx for the detailed answer to my question. i think its a matter of choice and taste as to what kind of vehicle and engine and performance we look for and want from it!

thanx again kandisa....cheers:

Kandisa · 21st January 2009, 17:12

You are most welcome Parm.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parm

i think its a matter of choice and taste as to what kind of vehicle and engine and performance we look for and want from it!

May i also add the criterion, the purpose of usage. In my case that governed all the other aspects.
-regards,

GoSlow · 22nd January 2009, 10:14

I can see where you are coming from Somen. It was the same rason I changed to Diesel and retained the 4x4.

It is what suits ones situation the best. Now we need to swap vehicles for a couple of days!!

Ricky_3007 · 22nd January 2009, 10:34

Hi Kandisa,

Nice build up of your Jeep and the way you have wrote the entire details ---Just great!

I am sure with all these utmost care and detailing your Jepp will come up strong!cheers:

Keep it up buddy.

Tarkesh

Kandisa · 22nd January 2009, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricky_3007

..Nice build up of your Jeep and the way you have wrote the entire details ---Just great!I am sure with all these utmost care and detailing your Jepp will come up strong!cheers:..

Thanks a lot Tarkesh. Hope it will.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoSlow

...Now we need to swap vehicles for a couple of days!!...

I need to have the jeep in full fledged condition at least for a swap!

Btw, did you repair the ripped off bumper part of your gypsy?
-regards,

harjeev · 22nd January 2009, 11:47

Hi Somuen
When do you expect your jeep to be ready?

GoSlow · 22nd January 2009, 12:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kandisa

I need to have the jeep in full fledged condition at least for a swap!

Btw, did you repair the ripped off bumper part of your gypsy?
-regards,

The ripped off plastic cladding (courtesy Samil ji

) is still in the same condition. Will get it replaced this weekend. It dosent cost much.

How long to completion?

21st January 2009, 10:51	#63
Kandisa Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Noida Posts: 1,118 Thanked: 559 Times View My Garage	Part V Soon, activities started rolling by procuring tools in the workshop, some basic, and one or two very exclusive. At the same time my mentors started the search to find out a clean desired engine-gearbox combination in all possible places. It was not very easy to get a matching 5-speed, 4x4 set-up with minimal modification to be done. And the availability of fund was not very generous. After around a week long hard toiling for hours, they finally got hold of the stuffs of satisfactory level. The Isuzu was a low mileage engine, and the gearbox, was in even better condition, having a single lever shift 4x4 system. The existing set up was taken out to keep in our disposal after proper oiling and all. The mounting of the Isuzu engine was bit different than the original ones. So new mounts were fabricated. The engine-gearbox got mounted and the jeep was finally sent to the workshop from Delhi for its makeover. I could have some understanding how important it is to make a correct alignment for the engine and gearbox. The best part of the set-up was that, it was a bolt-on addition without the requirement of any adapter plate in between, something we really appreciated. Some snaps to continue further: The work begins The rear view The new engine mounts The Isuzu in initial condition Another accompanying modification was to get a new front shaft because of slight change in length requirement. This was properly fabricated under ‘strict’ supervision. A tentative plan was chalked out as to how to go forward with the project. It was decided to 1st get the mechanical components serviced/overhauled to get the jeep into running condition with basic electric connections. New electronic fuel pump was fitted as a companion to the Isuzu. An important addition was the brake booster, which improves the braking phenomenally. We decided to go for a brand new one. New clutch plate and accelerator pedals were also installed. The differentials, axles, hubs were done up. All the suspensions were renewed with new shackles. Some more snaps: The new booster and clutch-accelerator assembly The gearbox (note the 4x4 lever is missing) Some other overhauling pics The gentleman in the picture (not very clearly visible though!) is the man in charge. He is a great person, with an amazing eye on every detailing, doing everything on own in a very neat fashion, only needing an assistant to supply the tools and required stuffs. I was in no hurry to rush up the things, since it was a one-time build. Slowly and steadily the jeep started getting back its mechanical strength. To be continued.......
	() Thanks

21st January 2009, 11:02	#64
GoSlow BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Noida Posts: 507 Thanked: 78 Times	Ah, the story unfolds further. Good write up buddy. Looks like things ae going pretty well. One question - what vehicle is the isuzu engine out of? It is the complete engine and gearbox and also the transfer case?
	() Thanks

21st January 2009, 11:53	#65
getsurya Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1,641 Thanked: 1,929 Times View My Garage	Kandisa, Going through your thread I am sure the passion and commitment you are showering in rebuilding your jeep will make it truly an AWESOME JEEP!! Good Luck and will be following this thread with keen attention.
	() Thanks

21st January 2009, 15:42	#67
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 890 Times	hey kandisa, you got a nice jeep to work on there. but i would like ask why you putting 1.8 petrol isuzu engine in your jeep? is the speed you want in yout jeep or the torque? cheers:
	() Thanks

21st January 2009, 16:40	#69
Parm Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a Toyota! Posts: 2,753 Thanked: 890 Times	thanx for the detailed answer to my question. i think its a matter of choice and taste as to what kind of vehicle and engine and performance we look for and want from it! thanx again kandisa....cheers:
	() Thanks

22nd January 2009, 10:14	#71
GoSlow BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Noida Posts: 507 Thanked: 78 Times	I can see where you are coming from Somen. It was the same rason I changed to Diesel and retained the 4x4. It is what suits ones situation the best. Now we need to swap vehicles for a couple of days!!
	() Thanks

22nd January 2009, 10:34	#72
Ricky_3007 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Pune Posts: 381 Thanked: 23 Times	Hi Kandisa, Nice build up of your Jeep and the way you have wrote the entire details ---Just great! I am sure with all these utmost care and detailing your Jepp will come up strong!cheers: Keep it up buddy. Tarkesh
	() Thanks

22nd January 2009, 11:47	#74
harjeev Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,899 Thanked: 292 Times View My Garage	Hi Somuen When do you expect your jeep to be ready?
	() Thanks