How hard can stretching a 'normal' Jeep be? Gotta be easier than a 4 door ramcharger... flat body panels and no roof!
4 door Cummins powered Ramcharger - Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum

1-ton axles and 4BTs are quite common in the Jeep world.... 6BT isn't a big leap other than packaging. Omit the intercooler and AC to save space.

 

You'd be better off with an LJ, they're a lot easier to find and coils ride so much nicer than leafs. I know, I drive a YJ with sagged out springs. If you're set on the CJ8, you might be able to get an aftermarket tub, some companies make aftermarket CJ and MB tubs.
http://www.hardbody4x4.com/5050-cj8-1981-1985-scrambler-body.html

1 tons and 4bt's are one thing, stuffing a 6bt in is another. I think it would be too big to stuff under the hood, but if you cut the firewall out and slid the engine way back and build a doghouse to cover the back of the engine, it could work. Then you just have to get extra long shifters to bend up a-la cabover style to reach since the trans would be pushed back. A 6bt definitely wouldn't have a problem pulling around a little Jeep. I'm dropping a baby 2.2l in mine and it'll be more than enough for me.

Joe

 

i upgraded the turbo, intake, exhaust and injection pump on my 617 and it is far from gut less. the motor cost me $390 after i sold the chasis for $110. and its mint, but i guess i lucked out.

 

hey got any specs/part #'s and costs on yer upgrades for the om 617? Im putting an 85 om617 turbo in an 83 yota 4x4 and want to do as much to the engine as i can while its out. Anything else to replace other than front and rear main seals and timing chain? Thanx

 

well my buddy made the exhaust with materials he had laying around. I used past intake manifold design exp and research to make the intake, the pump is from Dieselmeken and the turbo i had laying around from an old project. its a t3/04e with a .63 a/r, IIRC.

my vacuum pump is intermittent and being a dick. i looking at adding an electric vac pump, so maybe that. also, adjust the valves while its out. and tap the adapter plates lower holes so the bolts can be installed from front to back and you can get the oil pan off easier

total cost of the swap was around $5k but i did a bunch of stuff that i didnt "have" to do, but happy i did.

 

Thanx for the info. I think ill have to run it more or less stock for a while, $$$. Would it be worth it to rebuild my pump/new injectors (is there a performance type?) In the meantime? Also would i see any gains if i replaced the turbo, without any of the other mods? Thanx, im new to diesel, mainly been a 22r guy

 

Cost is the issue I would think but shop around correctly and its not to bad. Stay away from coty if you want to save money. I have an adapter from Diesel conversion kits and parts for TDI to Jeep, Toyota, Ford and GM works great and the 2" spacing is a must for alot of applications.

 

The VW diesel is a popular swap into Suzuki Samuri's.