terrawombat

If the Kabota tractor is came out of had a PTO shaft, I'd have no concerns whatsoever about the strength of the crank.

The outdated MJ interior is what made me stop driving my MJ. It's not even outdated in a cool way like a lot of older 60's muscle cars - the kind of outdated where you say, "this is a cool, vintage look." The MJ interior makes me laugh every time I get in. The heater/AC controls are one of the most idiotic designs I have ever seen. The glovebox is a joke and the fact that only a handful of MJs came with factory door locks and windows is annoying. I have been driving my '04 Dodge Ram diesel for the past couple of months and it's going to be very hard to get me back in the MJ after driving that fully optioned beast around. I simply NEED power windows with my dogs...and a rear seat helps out with that, too. However, with all that said, I still can't bring myself to get rid of my Comanche's. I think it's partly due to the fact that it's getting really difficult to find one in good, rust-free shape. I know if I get rid of the ones I have, I'll never be able to replace them with ones that are half as good.

Plenty of 4BT and Mercedes diesel swaps out there. Kudos to the guy for trying something new, although I think he picked an engine that is a bit underpowered. Might be able to squeeze a lot more out of it with a bigger turbo and more fuel, but I'm not sure how well those engines are built. I plan on transplanting a diesels into one of my MJs shells this summer. I'll be using a Japanese-imported Isuzu.

I quit my last job. Well, resigned, because I simply didn't like the field it was in. I saved up 20K before I left in the event I didn't find anything for a while. Money goes real quick when there is nothing going in...

Yes, the 0331 head casting issue is way overblown, but it does exist. I have had two 0331 castings that cracked in the exact same spot. One XJ overheated and dunno what happened to the other. The 0331 problem is real, but like you said, it's extremely easy to swap heads. I think the hardest part may be getting to the one head bolt on the rear of the engine that is right under the firewall seam. I wouldn't let it deter you from getting an '00 or '01. I still think '99 is the best all-around XJ to get.

So you work for Inductotherm?

I have begun my slow transition to the southern states ie warmer weather. Lived in NJ for 26.5 years and now I've been in MD for 1.5. Next stop will be NC in a few more years. That may be as far south as I go. Don't mind the cold weather too much, just don't like working in it too much. Not able to turn a wrench or grasp a bolt with gloves on...

mechanical engineer

$2.95 after taxes and fees. I have (2) 120-gallon tanks for the house and (1) 120-gallon tank for the garage. Had all three tanks go empty at the same time in late January. That wasn't a fun bill. Now, the heat pumps don't stop running until we get in 20 degree and below range - much cheaper to run those than the propane water boiler at the rates we have around here.

The only thing I like is the plate he put down on the tailgate. Rest of the truck looks silly to me.

I pay about $235/year for liability only and a $500 deductible on my '92.

Yes, very full. I had a few hundred PMs in there and when we switched to the new forum/layout, it kept all of my old messages, but capped the PMs at 200. I haven't gone through them yet to figure out which ones I care about and which I can throw away so e-mail is the best way to get in touch with me: kerrt43@gmail.com

He was notified of the issues about a week and a half ago by Oceanic so it's possible he's made the corrections.

I finally got around to installing mine this past weekend. I had the same troubles that everyone else has commented on. Fitment in the front was good, fitment on the sides was average and the headliner needed to be creased to get into place. Fitment in the rear...well, I wasn't able to finish the rear because I can't get the trim panels in without a lot of force and I'm afraid I'm going to snap the 20+ year old brittle plastic. Going to give it another go later this week and I'll get some pictures, but the pics in the post above are basically exactly what I was seeing with my panel. You can see how the rear panels are being pushed downward because there seems to be too much material in that area.

I have this guy's kit: http://thespeedfreaks.net/showthread.php?5666-My-New-Plenum-kits-65-bucks!!! It worked well on my 5.9. I think I paid about $100 after buying all of the required gaskets (which he doesn't supply).

Another question - where did you source this engine from? Was it used in passenger cars/trucks in North America? This thread was the first time I've heard of it.

That has to be the first time I have heard of a BA 10/5 referred to as a "pot of gold" :yes: Looks like a fun little swap. Best of luck and let us know what kind of MPGs you can pull outta that.

You failed to mention that it still starts.

The ignition coil died.

It would be $128 for a normal two-year registration for the MJ in Maryland, but since I can register it as historic (20 years for MD), it drops it down to $51 for two years. It was $180 for my '04 Dodge Ram 2400 for a two-year registration because it weighs over 3,700 lb. I believe Maryland has to rank up there with one of the worst states for vehicle fees. Don't get me started on the way they have their inspections setup...

If I were to ever use those 3-point hitch tractor assemblies, I would set it and weld it up tight. No way I'd use one of those as-is. Also no way I'd use one of those with anything driven on the street :D

On the larger John Deere tractors that piece is all cast. Extremely robust and built to take a ridiculous amount of abuse.

That was my first thought - although I haven't seen a tractor that uses adjustable ones, but I only have experience with the German-made POS that are painted green and yellow :D

Both my dog and myself love snow, but I'd never want to live in an area where it snows all the time mostly because those areas are well equipped to handle it. Now that I moved to Maryland, I enjoy the days where we get few inches of snow and the whole state shuts down. I get a relaxing day off from work where I can sit by the fire and sip hot chocolate and coffee.