Hey guys, i found my way here while google searching this same topic. i want to put the om617 into a cherokee. i did search ahead of time and i read thru the threads on here already and they did provide good information. i want to run the ax-15 manual tranny that my jeep already has and i saw that the member wfoote was doing the same thing but cant find a build thread for him. i saw his video on youtube and i'm extremely curious. this would be my first engine swap but i do have experience with cars. i was hoping i could be told what things i would need to make this swap possible and how hard it would be? thanks in advance

 

First thing you need to do is fabricate a replacement for the adapter plate that goes between the OM617 block and the bellhousing of the stock tranny, with one that mates to the bellhousing of the AX-15. That is probably the single hardest thing.

How hard the rest of it is depends on one thing. Are you willing to build it as a 2WD, or do you want a 4WD? It takes quite a bit more fabrication to build one that is 4WD - mainly because the engine has to be set far enough forward for the oil pan to clear the front axle - which in turn creates issues with the steering. Modifying the steering to requires more fabrication.

With a 2WD the engine can be set farther back in the chassis and the steering issues and modifications pretty much go away.

Have you read vlado's thread on this swap?