Cherokee OM617 Swap
 

Hello, My apologies to Vlado and Hulkgreen for hijacking your threads!!!!
Here are some pics I took after bolting the engine in. I am going to need a hood scoop. I had to locate the engine high to clear the panhard bar for the front diff. I fabricated the passenger side motor mount, the factory Benz one would not work. I bolted 1/4" plate to the engine, welded 1 1/4" square tubing to it, and welded a 10mm nut to the tubing. The nut sits on the factory Benz motor mount pad. The motor mount brackets are 4"angle iron, 1/4" thick. I still need to get a drop pitman arm. I modified the radiator support to accept the 4.0 radiator. The engine and trans are bolted together. The transfer case is in, driveshafts connected. I enlarged the fuel tank filler and connected the fuel lines. I am going to finish the shift linkages and start on the wiring tomorrow.

John

Nice handy work there forsure :U:

WOW!! I had no idea there was so much interference problems with the front suspension!

I guess I thought it would be more like the ill-fated Merce-Jeep (the MJ Comanche lost to Katrina). But, it appears that installation was 2-wheel-drive, and used rack and pinion steering:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...e/8ee8b015.jpg

Otherwise, he had no problems setting the engine down low enough to clear the hood.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...e/0babd886.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...e/6545df7e.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...e/20cafd5d.jpg

Mark

That's a tight fit!!! It looks nice though. With the rack and pinion, he was able to keep the AC compressor. I could have gone a little lower, but wanted plenty of room between the engine and panhard bar. I shimmed the rear of the trans up about 1/8" to level out the engine/trans a little better. It's at about the same angle as it was with the gas engine.
I think a cowl induction scoop would look good on my Jeep.

John

Wow, it seems so weird to me that those old photos still pop up so many years later, lol. Ain't the internet great?!?

Engine Video
 

Here is a video of the engine running. I still need to finish the fan shroud, throttle linkage , and pitman arm, but i'm close!!!!!!!

Pitman Arm
 

Hello,
I received my drop pitman arm, it's still not low enough to clear the oil sump. Can I weld two pitman arms together? I have done some reading on this, and most people say don't even think about it! Anyone have any experience with this?

John

This is some good work, ive really been wanting to put an om617 turbo in my 89' cherokee. Of course since its gonna be a light wheeler a small lift shouldnt be to much trouble to get the engine to fit down under the hood.

Hey Benzer1,could you drop the steering gear to gain clearance? I am in the process to do the same swap,just waiting on my buddys cherokee for measuring. What trans are you using?

I am using the A904 torqueflite, the factory trans that was in the Jeep. I adapted it to the OM617. Good idea about lowering the steering box, I may look closer to see what it would take. I found a way to lower the engine down so the hood will close. I am going to run an electric fan, so the water pump pulley does not need to line up with the radiator. My front axle is close to the oil pan though, I need to take measurements to make sure the axle hits the stops before it hits the oil pan!!! Good luck with your project, let me know if you need anything.

John