hello all, looking to up grade my T-case in my 1988 FSJ with an 

infamous 401, TF 727. I dont have major problems with the current

T-case. I'm looking to ditch the vac lines and get a little better low

range. Would anyone recommend a Dana 300 or go for some thing

else?

I don't know why you call the 401-727 infamous.  The 401 is a killer engine and the 727 is probably the strongest auto tranny out there.  There really are no inherent problems with either when you're talking about their use in a Jeep.

Unless you're using "Infamous" in the El Guapo sense of the word.  In which case you've undoubtedly got a plethora of pinatas. 

Sorry - I watched too many movies as a kid.

A Dana 300 would be a good swap for your NP208 and would bolt right to the factory 727/208 adapter.  The only problem is that the Dana 300 has a passenger-side front output, while your '88 has a driver-side front pumpkin.  If you're really set on going with the Dana 300, Down East Off Road, www.downeastoffroad.com offers a Dana 300 flip kit for a TJ or YJ that could be made to work with your FSJ.  I'd go with their YJ kit, PN DANA300FLIPKITYJ with the longer shifters.  It lists on the company's website for $550.  The company also offers a vacuum disconnect switch to manually engage the front axle's CAD (center axle disconnect) for around $75.

Actually, there's nothing really wrong with your NP208.  It's got a fixed yoke, it's light weight, and it's already in your vehicle.  I've seen NP208s behind 500hp Mopar 440s live long lives.  Just make sure your chain is in good shape and you keep it topped off with some quality ATF and you'll most likely never have a problem with it.

thanx for the info on the 300 holding up or not. my Wags front D44 does not have the cad, its solid and I'm pretty sure the t-case is a NP229. the vacuum line shift into 4wd, there is a manual lever for 4low.

bryan

DID YOU EVER CHANGE YOUR TRANSFER CASE TO THE DANA 300  

the 727 isnt the strongest tranny out there but the strongest one in dodge trannys anyway. and yes i would choose the 300 for a jeep tcase. and also i have never heard or seen a 208 with driver side drop pass only. but i have been wrong before. if your waggy front is driver side then get the 300 flip. and if its pass side just use the 300 as it is but twin stick it. the flip comes with a twin stick.  

sammy87:
the 727 isnt the strongest tranny out there but the strongest one in dodge trannys anyway. and yes i would choose the 300 for a jeep tcase. and also i have never heard or seen a 208 with driver side drop pass only. but i have been wrong before. if your waggy front is driver side then get the 300 flip. and if its pass side just use the 300 as it is but twin stick it. the flip comes with a twin stick.

They put 727s in motorhomes behind big-block V-8s. It's plenty good for a Jeep.

'80s J-trucks have driver drop NP208 t-cases. My '87 J20 has one.

An NV241 is a good bolt-in swap behind a 727. Very heavy-duty.  

yes the 727 is a strong tranny. didnt say they werent i was just replying to what you said about them being the stongest out there. the GM turbo 400 is probly the stongest stock tranny out there. but in dodge i belive its the 727  

sammy87:
yes the 727 is a strong tranny. didnt say they werent i was just replying to what you said about them being the stongest out there. the GM turbo 400 is probly the stongest stock tranny out there. but in dodge i belive its the 727

I didn't say that. Christian said it's "probably the strongest auto tranny out there." Not meant to be an argument about the best tranny out there. Simply letting the guy know it's a really good tranny and likely one of the most durable 3-speed auto trannys you can get your hands on.

And if you still wish to play this game, the TH400 is not strongest. The TH475 is not either. Look behind the modern diesels.  

sorry for it seemin like an arguemnt. lol i figured we were just talking bout gas trannys. and then you threw diesels in. the 6.2 and i belive the 6.5 had th400s behind them but anyway the allison is in my opion the king of trannys.  

Generally, we're talking about TH400, C6, and TF727 when discussing auto tranny strength and benefits.  Otherwise, we're getting into a whole realm of heavy truck trannies. It's not realistic to consider an Allison 1000 that comes in the GM HD pickups or other modern diesel auto for a Jeep because of their huge size and weight.  And even then we've got to put a limit on it because an Allison B500 that comes in an over-the-road bus makes even the Allison 1000 look like a TH200R4.

Of the 3 classic autos, the ones that take the most power to spin are the Ford C6, GM TH400, and TF727 in that order. Since the TF727 costs less parasitic hp to run, drag racers, etc prefer it if they need to run a 3-speed auto.  Otherwise they'll opt for a 2-speed Powerglide.  And as far as the strengths go, in stock form the TF727 really is one of the burlier, problem-free trannies out there.  

Personally, I roasted 3 TH400s behind the dual quad 455 big block in my '69 Cutlass.  And the C6 in my 460-powered F-250 started going out on me with only 90K miles on the truck.

But getting back on topic, I'd recommend finding a J-truck NP208.  It's one of the unsung heroes of the t-case world.  The in my opinion, the red-headed stepchild NP208 will offer lots of severe service with fewer problems than a Dana 300.