2014 MJ (code name Abby)
- Thread starter KPTHEMP
- Start date
Tackled the brake/steering column firewall holes today, its not as bad as every makes it out to be, i found it a lot easier to remove the re-enforcement bracket from a donor (my donor was rusted, so i got one at the JY) and remove the bracket from the MJ then replace.
Really glad i removed the brace, there was so much rust underneath...
compare old and new brackets:
the brake booster holes are the same but the steering column needed to be relocated as well as the studs for the accelerator pedal
found a plug for the clutch and just need to modify the hole for the wiring harness to the right
Really glad i removed the brace, there was so much rust underneath...
compare old and new brackets:
the brake booster holes are the same but the steering column needed to be relocated as well as the studs for the accelerator pedal
found a plug for the clutch and just need to modify the hole for the wiring harness to the right
In order to get to the remaining templates I needed from the donor, the engine had to come out and the dash...
not the ideal point to lift from, but I don't care, It's out !
one of my helpers today...
old and new, this drivetrain is going to need a LOT of cleaning and rehab before it goes in
worked on cutting the support brackets for the new dash, since none of the old holes line up. also worked on the holes for the main wiring harness and steering column, found out my 2000 column firewall boot is different from earlier ones like 97, more pics to come...
not the ideal point to lift from, but I don't care, It's out !
one of my helpers today...
old and new, this drivetrain is going to need a LOT of cleaning and rehab before it goes in
worked on cutting the support brackets for the new dash, since none of the old holes line up. also worked on the holes for the main wiring harness and steering column, found out my 2000 column firewall boot is different from earlier ones like 97, more pics to come...
- Location
- Harrisburg, NC
I like that last shot of the drivetrains side by side. Neat to see how much "cleaner" the later motors are (vac lines, wiring harnesses...etc).
How to mount a 97+ dash the easy way:
1) cut the firewall mounting tab off the donor XJ dash as well as the 2 main stud brackets/steering brace
2) place the cut pieces onto the existing MJ tabs starting from each corner and weld into place, the corners are the exact same in both the XJ and MJ
modified the hole for the HVAC:
test fit, also drill hole for stud near right fender:
applied sealant, POR15
1) cut the firewall mounting tab off the donor XJ dash as well as the 2 main stud brackets/steering brace
2) place the cut pieces onto the existing MJ tabs starting from each corner and weld into place, the corners are the exact same in both the XJ and MJ
modified the hole for the HVAC:
test fit, also drill hole for stud near right fender:
applied sealant, POR15
Lowrange2
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Abbeville, SC
Making some damn good progress! You're almost done with the hard part!
Lowrange2
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Abbeville, SC
Man, the frame sections look great! Northern folks should be jealous!
Cleaned up a bit more and applied a rough coat to the engine bay:
Removed the rear glass, this one is a press in type(similar to late model rear side windows) that was put in, where one had been cut out. This had left gaps all around where someone tried to fill with RTV, and also allowed rust to form along the top, this will need to be repaired later on:
welded in well nuts and regular for the brake/steering column bracket as well as the lower dash mounting points:
one is exposed and there is a convenient factory hole in the outer metal where the other needed to go:
Removed the rear glass, this one is a press in type(similar to late model rear side windows) that was put in, where one had been cut out. This had left gaps all around where someone tried to fill with RTV, and also allowed rust to form along the top, this will need to be repaired later on:
welded in well nuts and regular for the brake/steering column bracket as well as the lower dash mounting points:
one is exposed and there is a convenient factory hole in the outer metal where the other needed to go:
Notched out the steering wheel/brake pedal support (which is made of magnesium by the way, not aluminium :flame
laid down some Fatmat and the firewall mat:
Installed the fuse block
Installed this spacer for the HVAC into the cowl area, it goes just above the fuse block, its kind of hidden (looks like most people missed this part doing swaps)
Removed the front axle from the donor and the MJ, swapped so the donor still rolled
Installed the center console support bracket and airbag module
Cleaned up the engine bay a bit more and installed the HVAC box, Wiring harness, Fuse block, Washer bottle, Brake booster/MC and brand new front lines from the Jeep dealer for $10, the XJ had a new heavy duty after market line running to the rear which I'll be reusing
laid down some Fatmat and the firewall mat:
Installed the fuse block
Installed this spacer for the HVAC into the cowl area, it goes just above the fuse block, its kind of hidden (looks like most people missed this part doing swaps)
Removed the front axle from the donor and the MJ, swapped so the donor still rolled
Installed the center console support bracket and airbag module
Cleaned up the engine bay a bit more and installed the HVAC box, Wiring harness, Fuse block, Washer bottle, Brake booster/MC and brand new front lines from the Jeep dealer for $10, the XJ had a new heavy duty after market line running to the rear which I'll be reusing
DrMoab
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- The Utah Backwater
Subscribed.
Just one question....where in the hell did you find a center console mount that wasn't broke in ten pieces?
Just one question....where in the hell did you find a center console mount that wasn't broke in ten pieces?
yeah, I know, right, its out of the same 98 2 door that I got the seat brackets and Master switch, nice little gem.
Even the one in my silver is broken, but all 3 legs and holes are intact...for now
Lowrange2
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Abbeville, SC
When it breaks you can pay that kid on Facebook 3 times what it's worth to make you one out of steel!
DrMoab
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- The Utah Backwater
3x would be a deal compared to Mopar list at $109.00, It is factory part # 55037038AC, just in case anyone is that desperate
- Location
- Roanoke VA
I'm diggin' this build! Nice!!
Alexia
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Huntsville, AL
Those are some nice floors now!
Bugging me with that HVAC spacer bit. I had no idea that thing was there. The seal on mine lined up and pressed into place nicely though.
Bugging me with that HVAC spacer bit. I had no idea that thing was there. The seal on mine lined up and pressed into place nicely though.
Thanks, given the way the factory spot welded and seam sealed the pane into place, its no wonder people get rusty floors, there were lots of gaps you could see daylight through.
The best I figure is the spacer makes taller walls so maybe water cant get into the HVAC during an extreme down pour or maybe part of NVH, it may not be necessary on the MJ but it fit so I installed it. (sorry for the cell quality pics)
*EDIT: Jeep calls the plastic part an "Baffle, air inlet" or "air inlet deflector" part #55037128AB
XJ HVAC cowl intake:
MJ HVAC cowl intake:
Last edited:
- Location
- NE Indiana
Some parts from me just went this way!
Awesome project!
mac 'MJ's with newer conversion give me a chubby' gyvr
Awesome project!
mac 'MJ's with newer conversion give me a chubby' gyvr
