This is my 86 Comanche 2WD. it originally had a 2.5 AMC engine and Chrysler 904 trans.
Thanks to all the good info and pics on this site i'm really excited to get started on the swap.
As much as I like the Mercedes OM617 swap I really don't wan't to have to deal with the suspension alterations. The LD28 Nissan engine with a 280ZX oil pan and pickup tube modified will be rear sump and clear the tie rods just fine and still have 1.5 inches of hood to valve cover clearance. I really like the LD28 Maxima engine. I may consider adding a turbo later if the power and acceleration are not satisfactory. I'm really after MPG's not so much the power. I'm adding some pics as I make progress.

 

Nice!! What kind of hp&tq # does that motor have? what kind of mileage are you shooting for? I assume you are keeping the auto, is it lock-up? Thanks in advance, good luck!

 

All I could come up with is 80hp and 120 pd ft torque. I have driven diesel maxima's for years and while it's no speed demon it holds it's speed on hills. With the automatic I got around 30 mpg in the city and 35 Hwy. The comanche is a bit heavier so I don't expect it to be as responsive or get quite the MPG's

 

Keep us updated with lots of pix's!

 

Interesting. I have been assembling a Cherokee 4wd/ld28 swap for 5 months. First one using 5-speed Hardbody trans/transfer case. Second will be adapted to the Jatco auto trans. Have two engines...one n.a...other with turbo. Both bored over .060...balanced. Have beed breaking them in swaping back and forth in a Wagon. I will post photos as I get more familiar with the site. Anyone needs wagon parts...let me know. Going to crusher. Would like to share build information. I reside in Wa. State, Clark County

 

Very cool! I would like to see your rig, you might see me ripping around in mine. Got any windshields?

 

Windshield for.Jeep or Nissan?

 

Cherokee

 

Well, if you had the TBI version of the 2.5L you're going to be giving up a fair amount of power. That motor had 117HP and 132 ft/lbs torque. On the other hand the 2.1L Renault Turbo diesel they put in a few of the 85-87 Cherokees only made 85HP and 132 ft/lbs, so at 80HP & 120 ft/lbs it should be pretty comparable.

The MJ Comanche is a few hundred pounds heavier than the Maxima though. What is that tranny you're using and what are it's gear ratios? I know the XJ with the 2.5L/A904 combo came with 4.10 gears in the axles, what ratio did the MJ come with?

I know the A904 that was behind the 2.5L is just a 3 speed with a 2.84 first and 1:1 third gear. If the Nissan tranny is a 4 speed with a lower first and OD fourth, it should do pretty well.

 

FTE drove out with his Benz powered Cherokee. Great job..runs out well. Keep plugging away on my LD conversion.