304 into in an XJ?

go4wheeling said:
its the jeep 304 out of a cj-5, is it a pain in the ace?
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Bolt pattern is the same as the 4.0, so assuming you can fab or acquire engine mounts you should be good to go.
 
go4wheeling said:
the bolt pattern?... for what?... tranny or motor mounts or what?
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for the trans.
You'll have to figure out a flexplate/flywheel, but the bellhousing will bolt up.
 
go4wheeling said:
oh well the one that im looking to buy comes with the tranny and transfercase so i wouldnt have to worry about that shit. thanks
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Which T-case? Any of the small jeeps from which a 304 would come would have a passenger side drop, unlike the XJ which has a driver side drop.
 
while you can do it, a good question is why? depends on what drivetrain you're replacing i supose, but as i recall, the 304 specs for power are no better than a 4.0L, renix or HO.
 
go4wheeling said:
oh well the one that im looking to buy comes with the tranny and transfercase so i wouldnt have to worry about that shit. thanks
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You obviously have no idea what you're doing. A 304 swap with a foreign tranny and tcase into an XJ is going to require two things: Time and money. One can be subsituted for the other, but it sounds like you need to rethink the process. Like LC said, you can't put a passenger side drop tcase into the xj without an axle swap, etc., etc. Can it be done? Sure, but why? That 304 makes the same horse as a good stroker motor, a stroker causes none of the headaches.
 
You better have a stick if you want to swap a v8. The AW4 needs the 4.0s computer to work, as far as I've read.

Anyway, I think a 4.0 stroker would be better and cheaper.

If you want a V8 Jeep, buy one, they are everywhere. The Grand Cherokee 4.7, 5.2, and 5.9 are all good engines, and perform great stock. Plus you get the blessing of fuel injection, something the AMC V8s never had.
 
i believe the aw4 only needs the 4.0 computer on 91 and newer, but i could be mistaken. i know renix aw4's have a seperate computer located behind the passenger side knee bolster.
 
If you want a V8 why not just go with a chevy or even (god forbid) a small block ford. Both engines will be cheaper, easier to build, and if you don't want to do all of the fabricating there is already kits out there to do it. Just a thought though.
 
dfreeman616 said:
i believe the aw4 only needs the 4.0 computer on 91 and newer, but i could be mistaken. i know renix aw4's have a seperate computer located behind the passenger side knee bolster.
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you still need a TPS input for that
Unless you shift it manually
 
RedHeapOjeep said:
You obviously have no idea what you're doing. A 304 swap with a foreign tranny and tcase into an XJ is going to require two things: Time and money. One can be subsituted for the other, but it sounds like you need to rethink the process. Like LC said, you can't put a passenger side drop tcase into the xj without an axle swap, etc., etc. Can it be done? Sure, but why? That 304 makes the same horse as a good stroker motor, a stroker causes none of the headaches.
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Please dont tell me i dont know what Im doing because you dont know what I run. I can get a 304 for cheap and i need a new motor so this is why Im asking this question. Thank you
 
go4wheeling said:
Please dont tell me i dont know what Im doing because you dont know what I run. I can get a 304 for cheap and i need a new motor so this is why Im asking this question. Thank you
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I think the concern is that your questions are pretty basic for someone who will be performing a complete drivetrain swap. Stuff that you should already know if you were going to be able to perform the job successfully.

Are you sure this is what you want to do? V8s in cherokees are unique and kind of cool, but the one you are wanting to swap will be a gas guzzler with little or no power gains over a 4.0 and definitely no advantage over a stroker.

Just because you can get it cheap doesn't make it a good choice.
 
My local engine shop guy has done 3 older cherokee's with small blocks. Width of the engine was the biggest problem... getting headers and steering and all that jazz to fit. He did 1 with a chevy 350 and the others were 304's....but they were built 304's (250+ hp). I gotta believe a junkyard running 4.0 direct swap will be much easier, create the same power, have better gas mileage, and cost less....even if you are getting this drivetrain for next to nothing. I have seen used (100k-150k miles) renix 4.0 engines with tranny & t-case attached go for less than $500. Just my $0.02. Good luck with the swap if you do it. It should be cool looking. Post some pics! They say necessity is the mother of invention...maybe you can change some minds out there!
-Jon
 
It is possable, and I have done it, with the exception of using a 360, which is basically the same block.
My reasoning was about the same as yours, I needed a new motor, I got it for free, it only had 54 k on it, and I just happen to run a fab shop, so I knew I had the tools & know how to make it work.
I dont want to make this too long, but here are some tips:

1. You will have to build your own motor mounts

2. The stock V8 manifolds fit the best

3. You will have to clearance the firewall in order to place the motor far
enough back to use the stock transmission crossmember

4. I used the stock AX-15, with the V8 flywheel that I turned down to the
same thickness as the AX-15 flywheel

5. You have to make your own pilot bushing

6. If you dont want to cut your hood, get a drop down air cleaner

This is about as easy as it gets w/ the exception of the machine work, take you time, and think ahead.
One more thing, before you install the motor, it would be a good idea to atleast install a cam, intake, and carb if you want to see a V8 type power gain, especially with a 304. Good luck!
 
Have you finished it yet. I'm wanting to do a similar swap, except with a built 401. (lets see a 4.0l or even a stroker get 500+hp). I have a 727 out of a grand wagoneer. and would like to use a np231 or np242 t-case, if I can get it to all work together. If you have any tips for me it would be appriciated.
 
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