Hey,

I am in the process of converting a Jeep TJ after reading about Vlado's conversion. I am putting a 1991 Merc 2.5 TD and the crank is different from the 617. Is the crank adapter a milled-down unit or complete custom. I seen the one hulkgreen did on his build. I have seen Jegs has a couple of crank adapters/spacers, but no specs.

Thanks,

HC

 

Most that I've seen have been a custom crank adaptor to the Jeep flywheel using the Jeep clutch / pressure plate. A few have used an older MB flywheel from the 4 cyl diesels that bolt up to the 617 crank but the MB clutch is expensive and on the small side compared to the Jeep 4.0 clutch unit. I think some of the older Ford transmissions will fit the MB clutch unit but I don't think the AX-15 will. Either way a motor to transmission adaptor has to be custom made although there are a few folks selling them.

Did the 2.5 come as a standard shift or only as an auto?

 

85 s10 clutch will fit in the mb flywheel it id a 14t spline

 

this is a clutch I bought off ebay I think with shipping I have 25.00 in it 14t spline x 8.5

 

Walkenvol - I see that "kit" for the 617, but I noticed someone mentioned a chyrsler auto to manual crank adapter that was turned down on a mill in a photo. I have the different crank than the 617. Mine is 8 bolt with one pin. I was looking for that crank adapter.

The 2.5 came with a 5 spd, but the cost of getting the trans and adapting it to T/C would be too much.


deck60 - I have the ax-15 with a new flywheel & clutch, so I'm sticking with Vlado's conversion.

Thanks
HC

 

If your motor came with a manual flywheel and clutch then I'm confused as to why you would need a crank adaptor for a different flywheel? The hardest part of using the 617 is they were all in front of auto transmissions in the US so a crank adaptor has to be custom made to fit a standard shift flywheel. Find a clutch disc that fits your transmission of choice that will fit into the MB pressure plate. If you have a local clutch shop they can custom make the clutch disc if you can't locate one off the shelf. Drill out or replace the crank bushing to fit your new transmission. All thats left is to measure the required thickness of the motor to trans adaptor which is 5/16" for an 617 to AX-15 then cut / drill to make your own adaptor. The starter has to be addressed. It mounts to the 617, does it also mount to the 2.5 as this would eliminate any troubles there. If it mounts to the MB transmission in the 2.5 arrangement then you would have to take that into account with your home made adaptor. Am I missing something?

 

They came with a 5spd, but only in Europe. The ones imported here are AT.

I was only looking for the crank adapter hulkgreen mentioned that was an off-the shelf adapter which he had milled.

I am putting the ax15 behind this engine and will drop by the local machine shop today and see what he can fab.
Thanks.

 

If you want me to make your crankshaft adapter i can. I would need your flywheel as a sample to get dimensions. Curious what year make and model car was this? Just let me know.

 

jeep-dsl - I wish you were closer, I'd bring it over. I am bringing both flywheels to the local machinist and I will see what he can do.

The MB is a 1991 300d with the 602 diesel.

It's coming along pretty good.

Thanks,
HC