Swapping Dodge Ram 1500 into XJ

[AJTorris]

I havent done any research or anything on this because i dont think it will actually work. But i figured i would see what you guys think.

I have a 97 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4. I was wondering how hard do you think it would be to swap the 5.9 motor, and the complete drive train and axles into an xj? I am not thinking of swapping all of my dodges parts into the xj but trying to find another dodge even if it is the 5.2L or possibly the v6 to swap the parts from it into my xj.

Is is possible or would it require some major modification. I know the drive lines would have to be shortened. I am comfortable with swaping engines and motors. But how much fabricating do you think there would have to be.

 

[AJTorris]

oh i forgot to mention my XJ is an 87.

 

[derrickdrew17]

You probably could but their will be a lot of Fab work to be done. If your up to it go ahead.

 

[bdiamond]

I would think it would be a huge pain.... and an engine bay FULL!!! Just measure before you turn the first bolt, it might not physically fit into the XJ engine bay. You need to think about having to work on it later. Wiring it up will be a nightmare too I bet.

 

[beakie]

I havent done any research or anything on this because i dont think it will actually work.
Why don't you think it would work? You can find many threads about swapping just about everything, if your serious about it, it can work

I was wondering how hard do you think it would be to swap the 5.9 motor, and the complete drive train and axles into an xj? I am not thinking of swapping all of my dodges parts into the xj but trying to find another dodge even if it is the 5.2L or possibly the v6 to swap the parts from it into my xj.
What benefits do you want from any of these swaps? You have to consider plenty other problems that will arise with a swap like this. Why the V6 swap even?
Bigger axles you'll want bigger tires, more clearance, so more lift = bad steering angles, steep control arm angles, etc, etc.


Is is possible or would it require some major modification. I know the drive lines would have to be shortened. I am comfortable with swaping engines and motors. But how much fabricating do you think there would have to be.
See above. The swap would be one thing (+ ECU/TCU), the fabbing of everything after that would be another.
I'd spend sometime on the Advanced Fab forum reading some of the threads in there. Even if they aren't exactly what your thinking of doing, they'll give you lots of ideas on whats required to make a swap work.

Good luck

 

[99xj4x4]

Tube the dodge and weld the XJ shell on top.


Ps AJ dont post about shit youll never do LOL

 

[AJTorris]

Tube the dodge and weld the XJ shell on top.


Ps AJ dont post about shit youll never do LOL

WTF you dont know that... i will be getting a 10K signing bonus so i am seriously thinking of doing this. just not entirely sure on how to go about it. I have been thinking of this for a while but not sure how big of a pain in the A$$ it would be. But i like your idea about just putting the xj ontop of the frame.... interesting idea

 

[msrorysddad]

tube the dodge, sell the xj, put the jeep signs on the dodge and argue with the pureists

 

[tbburg]

People (using the term loosely here ) have fit both small block and big block chevy motors in the XJ. There's a 3700 class Jeepspeed running around with an AMC-401. My guess is the dodge motor can be shoe-horned into the jeep. The XJ is long enough that any trans/xfr case combo won't result in driveshaft issues. Any axle you want to try can be made to fit.

But:

If you're looking for an easy swap, this ain't it. Just off the top of my head,
all custom fabricated:
engine mounts
transmission mount/crossmember
front suspension(to make axle fit XJ, or mod XJ to mount dodge links)
rear axle perches(or move the springs)
drive shafts
brake system(fit around engine, then mstr cyl/wheel cyl. balancing)
Cooling system, including custom radiator.
Elec. system(alternator)
engine wiring
Are you going to want AC?
exhaust


Here's a guy doing a Liberty CDR into MJ Comanche swap:
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=955062
As much fun as he's having, he doesn't have to mess with the axles/suspension. You'd be looking at probably as much work making the front end fit as you put into getting the engine in.

 

[wolfpackjeeper]

I post this link once a week when the question comes up. I guess I am the only one who knows about it

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/xj_swap.htm

Advance adapters does not have the knowledge base online that novak does, but in an email they told me essentially the same thing.

FWIW: I am hoping for an LS1/T56 swap into my MJ in a few years after things settle down

 

[300$XJ]

There is actually plenty of room in the engine bay for a SBC! There is a guy here is Spokane that did it. It surprisingly fits very well! Way more room then I figured there would be!

 

[bfred]

Theres a thread on pirate 4x4 under the cherokee section about a guy putting one in a grand cherokee from a dakota. I think he is still having issues getting the computer to work properly. Something about having to fabricate some parts for the VSS...Computer issues would probably be the worst part to get the engine management system to work with the guages and stuff from the cherokee...Good luck...