Projext "V8 XJ" Build

So I don't think the Spring is in the fuel pump so it can rebound to being hit. I think it's there to keep constant pressure on the fuel module so it doesn't move. When everything is installed the pump module should be fully compressed.

So this is what my fuel system looks like inside the fuel module.
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This is what it looks like all together
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Yes that hose is my fuel return. It will sit below the lowest point fuel will reach in the tank to prevent fuel airation. It is also submersible fuel line. And yes it was really damn expensive. I think $30/ft
 
I feel like you're making unnecessary work for yourself with your engine placement. If it's placed where it should go, you should have more than enough room for the stock TC and stock trans shifters.
The stock TC linkage (as I mentioned) is a bit in the way so I just got rid of it and ran a direct linkage which really only took me an hour to fab together using an NP231c TC lever (but you can use an NP231j lever flipped and cut). This will give you a direct linkage that is much simpler than stock, and much smoother to shift.
The stock trans shifter I'm not really sure where you're having an issue, as the driveline length shouldn't have anything to do with it as it's cable driven. I could move my engine forward or backwards a foot or 3 and still have no problem with the stock trans shifter, cable, and cable mount on the trans.
I did use a stock rear driveshaft on the rear for a month or so without issue, and that was with my rear axle set back almost an inch from stock location, with 6.5" lift, and I believe the D44 pinion is a touch shorter than the 8.25 as well. I feel like if your t-case won't reach the rear pinion with a front DS, your engine is way too far forward.
On my setup, getting the motor IN was the hardest part, simply because the lip of the firewall was in the way. I pounded the lip back/down about an inch (so it's almost flat) right behind where the 4.0L valve cover would be. From that point on, everything fit very nicely.

The only fitment issue I ran into was with the stock XJ trans shifter. Regardless of how you set it up, the stock cover isn't long enough to drop all the way from park to 1st. I feel like I could've found a way around that by modifying the trans shifter lever length (on the trans) to adjust my overall throw, but my center console was sorta bunk anyway and I just removed it. I know some of the aftermarket shifters have adjustable throw which would solve that problem, but they probably don't fit in the tunnel. All I did with mine was modify the detents in the shifter to match the 4l65e trans shifting pattern (which I did mostly with an angle grinder and sawsall).

Maybe post some pictures of the fitment issues your'e having?

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I feel like you're making unnecessary work for yourself with your engine placement. If it's placed where it should go, you should have more than enough room for the stock TC and stock trans shifters.
My setup is set 1/2" forward over your engine. I wasn't comfortable with the amount of firewall clearance I had so I decided to move it forward. One of the header bolts on the driverside was ~1/8" from the firewall not to mention the coil pack that was really close to the heater hoses. I'm much more comfortable with the fitment now.

The stock TC linkage (as I mentioned) is a bit in the way so I just got rid of it and ran a direct linkage which really only took me an hour to fab together using an NP231c TC lever (but you can use an NP231j lever flipped and cut). This will give you a direct linkage that is much simpler than stock, and much smoother to shift.
I had the boostwerks shifter which is a direct linkage. I couldnt get it to shift the TC smoothly in its current setup. It was too extreme of an angle from the shifter to the TC shift selector. I experienced how smooth the shifts were, it was great. I just dont feel like fussing with it. The cable shifter will be simple and it will work with just about any transmission mount i use.

The stock trans shifter I'm not really sure where you're having an issue, as the driveline length shouldn't have anything to do with it as it's cable driven. I could move my engine forward or backwards a foot or 3 and still have no problem with the stock trans shifter, cable, and cable mount on the trans.
It doesnt look like you're using a stock trans cable. Mine barely reaches the shift arm let alone making a big zig zag with it. Your probably using a 5' blazer cable or something.

I did use a stock rear driveshaft on the rear for a month or so without issue, and that was with my rear axle set back almost an inch from stock location, with 6.5" lift, and I believe the D44 pinion is a touch shorter than the 8.25 as well. I feel like if your t-case won't reach the rear pinion with a front DS, your engine is way too far forward.
The front DS was about 2" too short (in the rear). Maybe I'm not extending it all the way, but its no big deal. I want new driveshafts anyway and I already accounted for the cost.

On my setup, getting the motor IN was the hardest part, simply because the lip of the firewall was in the way. I pounded the lip back/down about an inch (so it's almost flat) right behind where the 4.0L valve cover would be. From that point on, everything fit very nicely.

The only fitment issue I ran into was with the stock XJ trans shifter. Regardless of how you set it up, the stock cover isn't long enough to drop all the way from park to 1st. I feel like I could've found a way around that by modifying the trans shifter lever length (on the trans) to adjust my overall throw, but my center console was sorta bunk anyway and I just removed it.
I wont be removing my center console. I might just order the winters shifter and make it fit, but I'm going to hold off on it for now. I'm going to deal with the shifter situation later.

I know some of the aftermarket shifters have adjustable throw which would solve that problem, but they probably don't fit in the tunnel. All I did with mine was modify the detents in the shifter to match the 4l65e trans shifting pattern (which I did mostly with an angle grinder and sawsall).

Maybe post some pictures of the fitment issues your'e having?
I'll post some pictures of the driveshaft clearance later in the week, thats really the only issue I'm having with fitment of the combo.

I'm not trying to do my swap on a super tight budget. I'd rather do it right, than slap it together and "make it work". I'm not saying I'm just tossing my wallet at it, but I'll order parts that make it easier and simpler to complete. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time. I work on the Jeep probably 1 day (which gets interrupted constantly) and 1 night a week. That's all I can fit into my schedule. It will get done eventually. Its nearing completion, but there's still a LONG road ahead to get it running.
 
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I'm not trying to do my swap on a super tight budget. I'd rather do it right, than slap it together and "make it work". I'm not saying I'm just tossing my wallet at it, but I'll order parts that make it easier and simpler to complete. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time. I work on the Jeep probably 1 day (which gets interrupted constantly) and 1 night a week. That's all I can fit into my schedule. It will get done eventually. Its nearing completion, but there's still a LONG road ahead to get it running.

Yea, DS clearance... I can't really say. I had to clearance my skid a touch as well for the rear output as well as the 3" exhaust.

Not giving you shit :). You've got a much cleaner build than mine and I understand differing priorities. Just seems like you're making more work with the motor sitting that far forward, when pushing it back a touch doesn't have any negative consequence. With extreme torquing, I'm having no clearance issues. Was just a bitch to get it in :). My exhaust is also very close to the uni, but I haven't had any issues with the heat getting through the floor/firewall. Overall, I feel the placement has no drawbacks other than the actual "getting it in" part :p.

Either way your build will be FAR cleaner than mine.
 
Had a chance to work on the Jeep a bit tonight. Here's what I figured out. This is almost the perfect shifter arm length for the throw the stock XJ shifter has. I cut off the last stop in the floor shifter to allow it to travel a little more. I also bent the shifter a little so it doesn't hit the center console when it goes down into first. I just need to figure out how to mount the cable bracket. I needs two mounting points so it doesn't move around.
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Also, here's a photo of the clearance issues I'll have with my driveshaft. The double cardan driveshaft almost makes contact with the frame side of the crossmember. The transfer case is not in its final resting place though and the crossmember is not pushed all the way up yet. It's in the position for a TC drop. My transfer case is clocked up and it is centered in the tunnel. I may purchase new long arms to remedy it, but I'm going to hold off on it for now.
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Did somebody say "something new" ?!? Personally, I am curious to see if GM will offer the 2.8L diesel they are putting in the Colorado's as a crate engine. Otherwise I'll have to wait for one to show up in the junk yard after insurance totals it.

OP: great work!


david
 
Did somebody say "something new" ?!? Personally, I am curious to see if GM will offer the 2.8L diesel they are putting in the Colorado's as a crate engine. Otherwise I'll have to wait for one to show up in the junk yard after insurance totals it.

OP: great work!


david

I was thinking the V6 diesel from the Dodge trucks.
 
Received the AA TC cable shifter today and their transmission mount. Unfortunately the trans mount isn't the right spacing for the AA adapter bolts so I went ahead and just ordered the AA transmission mount (wish I would have just ordered it in the first place.
 
Novak cable TC shifter installed. Shifts are buttery smooth. Not as positive as the Boostwerks shifter but it's to be expected. Still damn good

Great feedback. I have been looking at that as a solution for my SJ because the relation between my shifter and TC won't allow me to use the Boostwerks unit. Would you say it is better than the stock linkage?
 
Great feedback. I have been looking at that as a solution for my SJ because the relation between my shifter and TC won't allow me to use the Boostwerks unit. Would you say it is better than the stock linkage?

It's miles better than stock. Your reason is basically why I had to use this. You can kind of see from the photo that the transfer case handle is almost directly above the shift lever on the transfer case.
 
Picture of the bracket. I basically just flipped the stock bracket and bent the mounting point the opposite direction. I'm not entirely happy with the mount and angles so I'll mess with it a little, but it shifts through all gears no problem.
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Got my AA trans mount.....then I ****ed it up. It actually has some wings that reach to the upper bolts at first I was mounting it backwards. And for some reason it wouldn't line up. I cut off one side and realized I was an idiot and had the mount backwards. So this is two mounting bolts. I'm going to call AA to see if i can just buy the mount. I feel like I'm in a good place now.
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Meh, I've got a 4L60E (2wd) that only uses two bolts to mount from the factory. I wouldn't sweat it.
 
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