rambler engine swap

If your welding and fabrication skills are able to be evaluated well, than putting a more modern engine in the car along with installing an open drive shaft rear axle so that it can be driven by the engine. This includes installing a new enough engine (the 232 qualifies) with a more modern transmission to get things done with is a realistic idea. But nothing is a BOLT in.
I have seen examples of this a number of times at "Hot Rod" type cruise nights. But is it worth it to you and your family to go through this much effort for the fabrication it takes to get it done? And would the end result be worth when done. It is a great project, but is it realistic?

If you've done engine swaps and suspension work before it's not a hard job. If it's your first, well, it's one of the easier ones, but a lot of work. See this thread: http://theamcforum.com/forum/rear-end-swap-5666-classic_topic11214.html.  You have several options, from hard to easy. TomJ made a simple arrangement for his American roadster that will work very well for this type of swap: http://sensitiveresearch.com/1961-Rambler-Roadster/axletransupgrade/index.html. Scroll down to "Wishbone Rear Suspension". You do have a trans crossmember to hang things on. Just remember that it's a rubber mounted crossmember -- replace those rubber mounts on each side with new ones from Galvin's. They are often overlooked because I can't think of any other US make that had anything like them.  As pointed out. lots of fab work. Note that a Ford Ranger axle is close enough to the right width that narrowing is not necessary (Explorer axle is 1.5" wider than Ranger). TomJ has the smaller American, that's why he had to narrow an axle.

You CAN use the 72+ engine with your existing transmission, but it takes finding a few parts. Mainly the bell housing from a 67-71 290/304 V-8. Those used the BW M-4x series and are bolt compatible with the M-35. I'm not sure about the flexplate diameter. I think you would use the 196 flexplate and converter. I've heard of this being done but never did it myself. May require the V-8 converter and flexplate rebalanced to neutral. Could be just as much work to use what you have as to switch to a more modern engine and trans.

By the way, it's just about as much work to use the 232 as any other engine, so if you're set on swapping consider a 4.0L (I have one in my 63) or even a modern V-6 or V-8 from another rear drive vehicle. You will have a bit more work to use EFI, but transplanting a stock system from another vehicle isn't that hard. You will have to research the particulars on using whatever EFI system you choose, but there are ways around most issues. Some aren't so cheap though. If this is a car you plan to keep long term that's not so bad though. Read up in the Frankenrambler section on different swaps. And if you decide to go with something other than an AMC engine make your swap posts there. Just engine related -- it's okay to post suspension questions in the suspension forum, etc.

Can I buy this wishbone setup somewhere or do I have fabricate it myself
(The Son)

Edited by kauder85 - Mar/08/2017 at 5:10am

So my next question is I found a amc 327 out of a 65 ambassador 990 it has the torque tube setup will this work for mine all help would be great
(The son)

Edited by kauder85 - Mar/08/2017 at 3:12am

 That's a problem,  the automatic in your car wouldn't last long behind a 327,  even if you did manage to adapt it.