89 MJ

I never posted finished pics of the engine swap. That’s disappointing.

This is the way campers should be. I like the plan you’ve got going.

The front driveshafts do not have a slip yoke, so you’ll have to pull the four bolts at the axle and the other four bolts at the transfer case.

I've heard it too

Ohhhh yeah! This is going to be a good build.

I would think it should be the same. I’ve got the old valve cover on a 96 engine. I’m guessing I ordered the gasket for an 89, but I don’t remember.

Also those Sportruck stripes were only available until 1990. The 91-92 stripes were the “squiggle” stripes.

Glad to help before it got expensive. I agree, the Pioneer stripes are too similar in color.

Put the right wheels on it and lose the incorrect stripes and they’d maybe get that number.

Just throwing it out there, I think the Sportruck bedside pieces will be too short for your long bed. The Sportruck was short bed only. I think either gold or black would look good on your truck though. If I was you, I’d do the 86 4x4 decals.

Sounds like the aftermarket CR Laurence rear window. They’re pretty good.

I don’t know of anyone that has done this exact swap, but it should be the same as any other axle swap.

I should have added that I don't think all of that information is completely accurate, as my car had 2.35 gears in the front diff and its an 86. Also, the pictures are blurry, that's why I have the other two methods of viewing it.

Here's something neat for the other Eagle owners on here to check out. A list of options with prices for each model year. Mine cost $13924 new. Google Sheets link for it: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_P_Nyd2ndpqctnW-18LTyCz4Lm12SDOVKo7pJRrzpos/edit?usp=sharing Images: PDF For Downloading: AMC Eagle Price Guide - Google Sheets.pdf

86 and early 87 emblems

I’ve heard that it’s super expensive. Plenty of people do the Explorer 8.8 swap, I just don’t think it’s the best option out there.

Thank you! I don’t remember what I did for pinion angle, but it should be within 2.5* of the transfer case output shaft. If you want to go with an 8.8, I’d look for one out of an Explorer Sport Trac because they are close to the width of MJ rear axles. The regular Explorer 8.8s are somewhere around 2” narrower. You shouldn’t have clearance issues, but you probably will drag the center section of the rear end if you ever play in the dirt. That’s part of the reason I went with the Chrysler 8.25 in my Eagle, the clearance is almost the same with 28” tires as my MJ has with 31s. Another good option would be an 8.25 out of a Jeep Liberty. That drag car looks fun. Drag racing is something I’d like to get into some.

For the MJ or the Eagle? I’ve got H4s for the high and low beams and then their H1 bulbs with their housings in my Eagle. Was twice as much as the MJ lights, but still worth it.

That’s a great deal! My Hellas were somewhere around $100 new on Amazon

I’m running Hella housings and H4 bulbs in my Comanche. I’ve also got a relay harness in it. My brother has the same in his J10s, and I’ve got the 4x6 version in my Eagle. They are pretty similar to Holley Retrobrights, but they are way cheaper.

I’m with pizzaman here too. Having driven a 4.0 with a 5 speed and a 2.5 with a 5 speed, the 2.5 doesn’t feel a ton slower than the 4.0. If the 2.5 runs fine, I’d run it for a little while to make sure you want to swap it.

Welcome! I’d like to echo everything said above, with the addition of checking out this thread.

The set that I had on my 90 had the same chrome peeling. I always guessed it was from a chain being use on them and flexing them just a little bit.

You might want to get some shorter pushrods then. I don't love the idea of shimming the rockers for a long term fix.

Sounds like you’ve got a great plan. I’m liking the route you’re going with the truck. Its pretty much the same as what I did to my truck.