I've been lurking on this forum for awhile, and have found tons of useful information. Thanks!

I have had thoughts of building a diesel jeep for awhile, but now I have motivation to actually build one.

I have knowledge in 80's Mercedes diesels, daily drove several 300D's 300SD's and one 300TD over the last few years. My last 300D was recently wrecked when someone pulled out in front of me. Needless to say I have TONS of parts for these cars.

A friend of mine blew the motor in his 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and offered to sell it to me cheap.

I have searched quite a bit, but it seems like most conversions are done with older model cherokees.

Does anyone know the compatibility of the OM617 into the 2001 m.y. cherokee?

I realize there will be things I will need to fabricate to get it to mount properly.. I am not looking for something that will just "drop in". Just looking for overall opinions of people who have done similar swaps.

Also from reading, it sounds like the 700R4 trasmission has good gear ratios for boost/cruising rpms.

What kind of transfer case would best be suited? I've been looking at the Dana 300, but again just looking for overall opinion from you guys.

Thanks!