th700r question regarding front diff

[arq]

i'm getting stuff ready to install my engine/trany/xcase in my 71.
the tranny is a 700r, there are two options that i am considering (1) move the engine forward or (2) move the Xcase back and relengthen the drive lines.

I am leaning more towards moving the engine forward, any drawbacks from doing this. I have a few questions before i do this;
1) will my fan hit the radiator??
1.1) will my belts hit the fan shroud??
2) will the diff hit the oil pan(see note)??
3_ will the blazer tend to "fall" forward while going downhill??
4) will i loose some traction on the rear wheels, cause i'll be shifting some wait forward???
4.1) will it fish tail(see previous)??
5) will my frame weaken cause i bore 8 extra holes in it??

NOTE: i'll be puting in a 2" lift.

thanks,

ARQ.

 

[Robin]

How far do you think you'll have to move the engine ahead?

 

[ntaj*ep]

I moved my cross members back like a max of an inch. /forums/images/graemlins/eek.gif
Do YOU really think you would see all these problems with moving the engine up an inch? I mean ya the fan shroud will probibly need to be cut, but unloading the rear? I don't think so......

 

[Chris_T]

I believe the spacing to move the crossmember back is 1 3/4". That's the route I went with and had no problems. You can PM or post if you have any other Q's

 

[73K5Kid]

I have no problems from moving my engine forward an 1 3/4. My fan does not hit or my pulleys. This is the easiest way to go in my opinion. I went this route so I did not have to mess with my drivelines until I go 3/4 ton. If you have any questions pm me.

 

[arq]

thanks for all the responses, i was just tring to cover all bases. my biggest uncertainty is the oil pan/axel clearance. I have not put the engine in but looks like it'll be a tight fit if i move the engine up an 1.75"
that'll probably be my first choice since i'll also add some room to put in the HEI.

thanks again,

ARQ.