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Will a V8 out of a Grand work?

xtrm_jeepr

NAXJA Forum User
Well I was thinking about throwing a 350 into the XJ, but through an unfortunate circumstance I have available to me an entire '95 Grand Cherokee Limited. Therefore I wanted to know if the engine would be able to be swapped out with my 4.0 and what about the tranny and X-case? How feisable would it be to use the tranny or x-case and are they a decient quality and so forth. I also did a search because I know this question has popped up before, but was unable to find one, if anyone has a link it would be appreciated. TIA
 
You'll have to swap basically all the wiring from the ZJ to make the engine and tranny work. the ZJ's auto is elecronically controlled to an extent, but it's not as direct as the AW4's shift solenoids so you can't use the AW4's electronics to run the tranny.

then you have to deal with motor mounts, and the typical engine swap stuff.
 
OUCH!
A 350 Swap will be easier and more supported. Mebbe sell the ZJ stuff and get all the Parts and Motor/Tranny for a 350 swap
You will have to be highly Mechanically Inclined to make the ZJ motor work, Whereas you can buy all 350 swap parts
tough call tho. I like Projects, I probably would try it!
\\hoot
 
Considering that the ZJ is already set up to run with the same axles and such as the XJ, and if the years are close the electronics will be compatible, I don't see how dropping a Jeep engine and drive train into another Jeep could possibly be more work than stuffing a Chevy engine in.

Motor mounts should be a non-issue. The ZJ came with the V-8 or the same 4.0L that the XJ has, so the mounts must either be the same or easily adaptable.

I'd go for it in a half a heartbeat (although my ultimate XJ will still have an AMC 390 or 401).
 
What does the Axles have to do with the motor?
Motor Mounts will be an issue based on the width of each vehicle.
Ive never tapped into the electronics of a ZJ, but im guessing its not the same as a XJ.
too.sense
 
I would agree with Eagle

I'd go with the ZJ engine assy. Logic would dictate the electronics as well as the mechanical have to be a closer match...at least is a Chrysler/Chrysler deal whereas your way it'd be a Chrysler/Chevrolet deal. A V8 swap into a YJ in a recent JP mag used a Chry 5.2 where i am sure they could have used anything for the swap. Is always a little nicer to use a similar make engine-
 
I know it has been done before so its more that possible. Since you have the complete jeep its even better since you have almot all the things you need right there.Plus depending on the emision regulations in your area swaping a motor from the same make makes dealing with the smog police much easier.
 
THE_OWL said:
What does the Axles have to do with the motor?
Motor Mounts will be an issue based on the width of each vehicle.
Ive never tapped into the electronics of a ZJ, but im guessing its not the same as a XJ.
too.sense

The u-joints will all be the correct size, and the transfer case will be lined up with the differentials. No adapters, no cutting.

Vehicle width doesn't matter. The ZJ was designed around the 4.0L engine, so the mounts on the chassis were set up to take the same mounts used in the XJ.

This is basically a drop-in conversion.
 
The u-joints will all be the correct size, and the transfer case will be lined up with the differentials. No adapters, no cutting.

I dont think running a Chevy Transfer case is an option for anyone.
They All suck. On my V8 Conversion I used 350/700r4 and a NP242 even the crossmember is in the same place. U joints and T-Case werent affected at all.
The distance between where the motor mounts mount to the frame is wider. ZJs use a broader mount. Im not saying It cant be done. But The Industry supports Chevy Conversions a lot more.
He doesnt necessarily have to use a factory Computer. Aftermarket or carb setup etc.
My Jeep had only ONE wire that goes hot when key is on(After the factory ECU was removed). So I had one wire to use to tie in the NEW ecu.
None of this discussion so far has touched on the Street Legal/Emissions issues so Ill let someone else start that crap, As I am a Greenpeace Nightmare and No where near legal.
\\hoot
 
v8 swap things to watch for!

The swap of a 5.2l into an XJ is exactly the swap I will be doing in the near future but things to watch for:
1: Motor mounts not the same, buy the brackets for a ZJ and adapt them to the frame on XJ, or make brackets to adapt your 4.0l mounts to the ZJ motor.
2: Clearance issues with the p/s and right side exhaust manifold, p/s can be squeezed but youll have to cut the unibody a little for the exhaust.
3: The ZJ uses a 46RH trans behind the V8 not at all similiar to the AW4 so some modifications for mounting the trans to crossmember will have to be made from scratch and the driveline lengths may have to be modified too.( not this far yet).
4: Get a factory manual for the ZJ and XJ for the wiring schematics and plugs because this will help immensely. The factory manual references plugs not wiring for the most part.
5: Get a good V8 radiator, you will probabely need electric pusher fans on the front of the radiator because of clearance issues (not this far yet) Sidenote: the 5.2/5.9 is about an inch shorter but a tad wider than a 5.7 chevy block.
6: If you have a AX15 and would like to keep it you can use a bellhousing from a DAKOTA 3.9L with an AX15 trans. It will bolt to the 5.2/5.9 block without mods.

Thats all I can think of right now, but as soon as I push post I'm sure I'll think of something else.
P.s. If you decide not to use the ZJ I would like dibs on purchasing it for my own projects.
:bunny: :bunny:
 
What about Hood Clearance ?
Be Cool Radiators can do the job of much larger Radiators, for a price :D .
Do you know ur driveshaft mods yet ?
\\hoot
 
What about quality of the tranny and x-case? So far it looks like I would switch out the x-case for an Atlas cause I dont really care for the all wheel drive all the time thing. Any other suggestions, what about performance upgrades for the engine? Thanks for all the help.
 
I had said earlyer that since he has the whole jeep and the fact that it is frome the same manufacture it will be much much easier to do the swap leagly. as for performance you can get biger TBs for it and you'll have to do your own intake so you can pick up power there. your also doing the exaust so theres another area to pick some power. Mopar has a performance computer as well but I think it pricy. depending on how much work you want to do you can port the stock exaust manifolds since they may be your best bet to fit it in the XJ.
 
Any Swap

All engine swaps are a pain in the tush and always require more than originally bargained for but the results are what count. I would go for the ZJ swap if only for the reason that a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. You said that you have a fully functioning drive train to swap in. If you really have your heart set on the 350 then sell the ZJ and use the money on the 350 conversion. Hey all I can say is good luck with whichever way you chose and we'll be glad to help with any questions you have during the swap.:D
 
Funny thing you will notcie: A Larger motor in, but way more room under the hood. Chrysler has a way of filling the Engine bay with useless stuff and wasting room. Is it filler? Or just put there to discourage people from adding goodies like dual bats, Welders, Air Compressors etc..,. I dunno
I filled my engine bay with tons of goodies I normally couldnt fit with a stocker in it

Jeep%20Back%20Low.JPG


Yea I do like posting pics of my Jeep. Ive been working hard on this project for 1-1/2 years and my girlfriend just doesnt appreciate it :(
\\hoot
 
THe next motor for my Jeep will be a 5.2 or 5.9 v8. If that ZJ has more than 100k on the tranny I would have it rebuilt, they are not as reliable as the aw4, also the ZJ has a 249 tcase in all probablity behind the v8. Before 98 the 249 case doesn't have low lock, so I would definately put a 231 or 242 in behind whatever transmission you use. I tow with a 318 Dakota and have contiplated swapping a 5.9 in it and put the 5.2 out of my truck into the Jeep, both those motors make some amazing power, just have to watch for oil sludge build up with improper prevenative maintenance.

I dont think motor mount are an issue, with a little fab work they can be done up easy, I think the big issue is which tranny to use. Even dakota trannys have to be serviced every 30 to 40k to maintain reliability after 100k.

mac 'whatever you do let us know how it turns out' gyvr
 
how much would it cost to make a 98xj into a carburated chevy 350? not including the cost of the engine?..... and is there anyway to make that legal?
 
miketyson said:
how much would it cost to make a 98xj into a carburated chevy 350? not including the cost of the engine?..... and is there anyway to make that legal?

honestly there's no one answer to this. it all depends. How mechanically inclined are you? How much of the work are you comfortable doing yourself? How much will you have to pay someone to do? What tools do you have and which ones do you need to buy? Are you gonna buy the "bolt-in" parts, or fab your own stuff? I'd plan a budget based on what's out there, then add 50% to it... that would probably be close.

I'd say yes, you'll probably need a welder.
 
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