5.3L Vortec V8 Conversion

Finally finished my XJ 4L60E console shifter.

Getting there...

DSCN4027.jpg



Done...

DSCN4146.jpg

DSCN4148.jpg
 
So what all did you do to make this shifter work? I don't recall seeing the details. I know one of you raised the cable attachment on the shifter itself and one of you shortened the arm on the tranny. What did you do and how did you do it. Also, how did you modify the markings on the side of the shifter? What about 2 and 1? The 4L60E has D, 3, 2, 1, right? You can reach 2 and 1 with your shifter, right? Damn, what a bunch of questions! Jeff
 
Jeff 98XJ WI said:
So what all did you do to make this shifter work? I don't recall seeing the details. I know one of you raised the cable attachment on the shifter itself and one of you shortened the arm on the tranny. What did you do and how did you do it. Also, how did you modify the markings on the side of the shifter? What about 2 and 1? The 4L60E has D, 3, 2, 1, right? You can reach 2 and 1 with your shifter, right? Damn, what a bunch of questions! Jeff
Click to expand...

Sorry Jeff, I am lousy at taking pics while I am doing something. Basically all of the mod was done to the shifter in the console to get mine to work. I mounted the 4L60E cable into the XJ shifter. Put the shifter and tranny in park and removed and rewelded the cable attachment bracket on the shifter. Once I had park set. I moved the tranny lever through each gear and marked their positions on the shifter guide. I used a cut-off wheel and die grinder to make the notches where they needed to be (I think Frank did something similar). I had to notch the plastic cover (look closely) to get park thru 1. You can see P thru 3 shown, without the console installed I can get 2 and 1. My idea was I could remove the cover when I go wheeling to reach 1 and 2. However, my experience so far is it hasn't been needed. So far I have done some pretty tough rocks, dunes and almost 1300 road miles and I haven't needed 1 and 2.

For the marking on the shifter I dissected the cover and scrapped all the black paint off. You can see it in the first pic where it is all white. Then I just masked off the spots where the position mark is and painted it black again. I got the letters/numbers from Hobby Lobby.
 
I may be all wrong about this, but I thought I read where the stock A/C compressor was a variable displacement type unit and needed the stock Chevy controls to make it work. Is this just on the Car compressors or something? As you know, I made my own engine mounts and wanted to make them so they would allow some sort of standard A/C compressor to fit, so I dug around until I found a compressor that used the simple controls like our Jeeps came with yet still fit in the place that the Chevy compressor fit (keeping in mind I am using the Vette balancer which places the compressor pulley a few inches back from the Truck setup.) So, I ended up with a custom mount and a compressor from a Geo Metro which just happens to be the same compressor a lot of the custom places use. Anyway, I just wanted to ask about the variable displacement stuff I read about the Chevy compressor. Jeff
 
Jeff 98XJ WI said:
I may be all wrong about this, but I thought I read where the stock A/C compressor was a variable displacement type unit and needed the stock Chevy controls to make it work. Is this just on the Car compressors or something? As you know, I made my own engine mounts and wanted to make them so they would allow some sort of standard A/C compressor to fit, so I dug around until I found a compressor that used the simple controls like our Jeeps came with yet still fit in the place that the Chevy compressor fit (keeping in mind I am using the Vette balancer which places the compressor pulley a few inches back from the Truck setup.) So, I ended up with a custom mount and a compressor from a Geo Metro which just happens to be the same compressor a lot of the custom places use. Anyway, I just wanted to ask about the variable displacement stuff I read about the Chevy compressor. Jeff
Click to expand...

I would like to know more too I guess. I have the 5.3L compressor mounted in the stock location and I was planning to use it for an OBA compressor. Maybe this isn't a concern unless you are going to use the compressor to make cold air? I hope...
 
Due to other vehicle issues I haven't had time to do anything other than attempt to bolt the compressor in place along with the aluminum cradle that is bolted to the motor.

At this point I can confirm that a Denso 447220-4420 and mounting cradle from an 03 Tahoe (any truck actually) fits without any additional trimming, cutting or grinding.

Time permitting I'll fab up some hybrid A/C lines and complete the installation.
 
Frank Z said:
I really need to get a better radiator.
Click to expand...

You know the solution to your problem. When you look back you'll wonder why you waited, I wish I didn't waste three quarters of my summer in denial :(

Besides, you'll will never get a chance to use that AC if you don't get the engine to cool itself first!
 
Frank Z said:
Outdoor temp was in the low 90's and the heep was not happy. Hadd to keep the heater on full blast with the windows down for the entire trip....140 miles!!
Click to expand...

Temps in the 90's with 2/3 of my radiator blocked by my winch and at 60+ mph I hit about 193. As soon as I slow down to city speeds I drop to 185-187.
 
I've known I needed something better than a stock 2 row since Day One. I was considering a 2 row Ebay aluminum for a while, but I'm really not in the mood to have to swap it out if it doesn't get the job done.

Seems every time I get a few bones stashed away something more important comes along.

Currently debating the pro's and cons of the BeCool, Novak, and Griffin models.

FFDynamics is out. They can't reply to simple email about availability....so they certainly won't be getting any business from me.

Found this whlist Googling...
http://www.genesisautoparts.com/product/all30417X2335splash3aa.htm

No word on when it will be available though.

So I'm back to playing the wait and save game for a little while longer.

Not to worry folks....I'll get there.
 
Jeff 98XJ WI said:
So what all did you do to make this shifter work? I don't recall seeing the details. I know one of you raised the cable attachment on the shifter itself and one of you shortened the arm on the tranny. What did you do and how did you do it. Also, how did you modify the markings on the side of the shifter? What about 2 and 1? The 4L60E has D, 3, 2, 1, right? You can reach 2 and 1 with your shifter, right? Damn, what a bunch of questions! Jeff
Click to expand...

No to brag or boast, but I figured out a much better way to do it. It doesn't require any mods to the shifter at all, and you can even use the XJ shifter cable and the cable bracket on the trans. You do need to add an extra detent in the shifter if you want it to solidly lock into 2nd, but you can "feel" second gear engage in the trans even without adding the extra detent.

There is more info found here:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1033464&page=5

see post number 69.
 
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