Okay so i have a 95 ram 2500 12v 5 spd 4x4 an i love her but i want to have something different.so i was gonna sell her and get a cheap jeep cherokee 4x4 and put a 4bt cummins in it. I have a couple questions:

1)- has anyone ever done one and is it more of a pain than its worth?
2)- is there much altering to the engine bay to have to be done?
3)- what would be a good trans to put behind that engine but still be able to fit under that jeep? I want to put maybe a 5inch lift with like 35's on it, so ill need a trans that will hold up to bigger tires.

Thanks! Any input would be appreciated!!

 

Of course! The answer to that second part is up to you, though. ; þ
The 4bt is pretty infamous the noise and vibration it puts out so just be wary. Personally I wouldn't put one in anything less than a half ton. There's been a couple on eBay where the owners admitted to selling the converted vehicle because it was intolerable.

Looking at some XJ swaps over on the 4btswaps forum, it looks like the starter has a habit of hitting the frame. Front leaf spring swap looks standard, too.

How confident are you in your abilities are you to cut up a unibody? I'm just kidding... There's a few different options out there, including the stock AX15 if you're willing to get creative with adapters.

Would you ever consider using the diesel Mercedes OM617 instead? It weighs significantly less and is a much smaller engine, so it'll be a bit easier... The good thing is it was designed for an automotive engine, not for heavy commercial rigs, so the Jeep will still feel like a car.

If an XJ only weighs 3200 pounds stock, imagine how front heavy it'll be when you add 3-400 pounds to the front.

 

That makes alot of sense! I mean im confident i can do all the work but just wantedbto know if it was something worth getting into. Lol i will look at 4btswaps.com and see what i can come up with! Thanks!

 

I'm thinking of a similar swap, but with a different engine. I have a 3.3 Cummins TD setting in the corner of my shop that I have been trying to figure out what to put it in and I'm thinking that the Cherokee would be the best option for my needs/wants. From what I've read the 3.3 idles and runs FAR smoother than the 3.9, and is considerably smaller/lighter, but won't make anywhere near the power, so you may want to consider that option as well.

 

Below is a Picture of my Dad's 4BT XJ. 5.5" lift, 33"tires. FASS fuel system, donated by FASS, who also assisted in the installation. Runs great, gets 25+ MPG in town. A little vibration in the cab from the engine, but is to be expected in a setup like this. All motor mounts were custom made by my Dad. The suspension was custom made by a friend. Took 2 tries but is working out great. Cant take it anywhere without a few people asking about it, especially when you are putting diesel fuel in it. Also, note this is very much still a work in progress. Much is left to be done, mostly cosmetic, such as cleaning up the engine bay, new fenders, bumpers, etc.

 

Liking that Squarokee a lot.

 

Heres a video of the jeep driving up a hill. It has more power now that it has been tuned.