1971-1974 Terrajet 400e 4x4

This is my latest AND biggest project !

This is a 1971-1974 TerraJet 400e, they were built in Drummondville, Quebec Canada, starting in 1970. as i understand it you can still buy the va6 model, new from TerraJet USA.

This model has a 399cc 2 stroke Kohler k399-2t engine, makes about 28hp, equiped with a snowmobile type clutch this goes to a two speed, hi/low/reverse transaxle. The rear axle goes trought the transaxle and has a sproket on it to drive the front axle. Actual drive axles are 1 1/4''  No differentials on here, straight 4x4 all the time ! its a beast at arount 900lbs empty ! OH ! and did i mention they float on water ! yep yep..


It looks soooo cool !!




This is whebn i got it, i probably vaccumed 2 gallons of crap out of it !
Engine had no spark on the second cylinder, turned out it was the kill wire, diconected it and it fired on starting fluid, i cleaned the carb really carefully, but the diaphragms are junk. the engine is pretty well beat up, almot every fastener is stripped out.. i already located a good running engine for it, another 399 kohler, for 60$ !! getting it this week. on this pic you can also spot the mechanical caliper, with its disc..


The beefy 2 speed plus reverse tranny.

it rolls on four specially designed flotation tires, 26-12/12.

i vacuumed the whole thing, found a couple rust holes in the tub.. typical of these.
i will cut the bottom of the tub and redo it with 1/16 inch steel.

convetionnal rack and pinion steering ! beefy



To Do List :
Redo the tub
install the new used engine
build an exhaust, nice quiet one...
redo the wiringm (ignition, tail, break, headlight)
build a bench seat
make a floor pan
build roll bar
buy and install winch
coat the tub in bedliner
pain the body and the interior

oh yeah, i need a steering wheel cant forget that..

all this before winter too ! i hope..

theres alot more but thats the important stuff

...bout time.

How flippin cool is that! Awesome!

That's super cool sadeoo! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit jealous hahaha. Kinda reminds be of an Allis-Chalmers Terra Tiger but 4x4 instead of 6x6. That thing should be an absolute blast to drive! Would be especially cool with a leaf spring setup in the rear and long arms with coils up front eh?? Haha, what colour are you thinking for it?

That is so cool. Very cool indeed.

AllisKidD21 wrote:

That's super cool sadeoo! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit jealous hahaha. Kinda reminds be of an Allis-Chalmers Terra Tiger but 4x4 instead of 6x6. That thing should be an absolute blast to drive! Would be especially cool with a leaf spring setup in the rear and long arms with coils up front eh?? Haha, what colour are you thinking for it?

haha yeah ! yeah i want to keep it somewhat original, and i like how simple everything is on it ! its soo cool. i cant wait to drive it, as for colour im thinking yellow, and black on the body and black on the tub. maybe grey for the wheels nothing too extreme.

So no suspension?? Haha just kidding, probably best to just leave 'er the way she is. What are ya gonna use it for, like just general off-roading?

AllisKidD21 wrote:

So no suspension?? Haha just kidding, probably best to just leave 'er the way she is. What are ya gonna use it for, like just general off-roading?

yeah not on this thing haha. it will be a utility rig, i may even put a big plow on it ! donno yet. i wanted something unstoppable offroad.. i think its pretty damn close.

Yeah I imagine she'd be pretty capable. You definitely gotta post some off-road videos once you get 'er up and running!

AllisKidD21 wrote:

Yeah I imagine she'd be pretty capable. You definitely gotta post some off-road videos once you get 'er up and running!

yeah thats for sure, im trying to get a used gopro for cheap to get some nice videos ! this thing will be soo sick.. cant wait to try it out, cant even imaguine how cool itll be to drive the thing on the frozen lake this winter..

This thing is wicked! looks solid.

I look forward to seeing it one non frozen water.
Did/does/will it have lights?

Those looks like 6 lug wheels! THat thing is a beast! Glad you found another motor so close! And reasonable too!

TheBeal wrote:

I look forward to seeing it one non frozen water.
Did/does/will it have lights?

oh yeah, tail lights, headlights, and rear and front facing flood lights on the rollbar !

Looks like you need to install drain plugs so you can let it dry out when its not floating.

Doug wrote:

Looks like you need to install drain plugs so you can let it dry out when its not floating.

already has one in the back, i read that you are supposed to take it out and park it on a slight angle so the water drains out when youre not using it. seems like the PO didnt do that...

some updates !

i made a bench seat, i still have to make the back rest but i want to get the exhaust sorted out first to see how much free space i have behind the seat..

i got myselft some leather imitation vinyl, uv treated, waterproof all the good stuff, and some fiber foam for packing.

got some hardware, got some of those steel nut inster things, works great for this kind of stuff..




works great ! nice and comfy.




and now for the more interesting and important thing !!

i got the new (old) engine, same thing as the old one but this one is in way better shape ! also came with a recoil pull start (wich i cant install because theres not enought space...)



also got a good air filter snorkel thingy

the exhaust is very temporary..

i ordered a rebuild kit for the tillotson carburetor. once i get the thing running and i comfirm that everything mechanical is in good condition, ill start to fix and upgrade/mod the tub.

today i finally got my carb rebuild kit for the tillotson!

i rebuilt it and it ready to go back on the engine !

heres some pics..

i completely took it appart.


it was nice and crusty in there!


nice and clean now.





tommorow ill reinstall the carb and properly test the engine !

Be sure to take it off some sweet jumps to fully test carb effectiveness.

Doug wrote:

Be sure to take it off some sweet jumps to fully test carb effectiveness.

hahaha yeah, itll run upside down im sure lol

Nice! How soon do you think the test drive will come after you get 'er running?

And Video!

AllisKidD21 wrote:

Nice! How soon do you think the test drive will come after you get 'er running?

mightyraze wrote:

And Video!

hahahaha itll come soon, once i get the engine running right, ill have to find a steering wheel for it, and i will be able to take it for a small test drive haha..

i just need to find a steering wheel the vise grips wont cut it... lol

oh and also ill probably rig up a temporary kill switch so i dont have to pull the sparkplug boots off and get zapped 100times to shut it off..

sadeoo7 wrote:

oh and also ill probably rig up a temporary kill switch so i dont have to pull the sparkplug boots off and get zapped 100times to shut it off..

That would make a fun video! HAHA

it runs !!!!

i ended up flooding it lol but it runs !
more info tommorow.

AWE YEAH!.....