YakubS

You all have offered some really solid advice. For now I think my plan will be to get the body work finished, drive it around for a while as I source the transmission/axles, pull everything for the engine and interior swap, clean up the "new" engine, then install and paint the truck. Thank you for taking the time to get back to me!

This is going to sound a bit daft, but I kind of forgot about that bit. Nothing I'd be doing is irreversible.

This post was going to be a question about whether swapping out the Renix for a newer 4.0HO is worth it, but as I started writing I realized my question was bigger than that. My situation: I have an 1988 MJ which I recently purchased as a project. I also have a complete, running, 2000 XJ as a donor (it is rusted irreparably). Originally my plan was to do the whole 97+ swap on the front end, engine, and dash. Then I started thinking more about the front end and I rather like the pre-97 aesthetic over the 97+. Don't get me wrong, I do love the 97+ XJ, I mean I have owned 4 over the years. But as I have been looking over different parts of the MJ seeing the date stamps on the Axles, Transmission, etc. I get a bit sad about the idea of just discarding these items since they are completely functional at the moment. That being said, I understand the Renix is a finnicky engine. I also know that the Peugot transmission is considered "not good." I also would rather like airbags. If I decide to not keep it original I will likely source an AX15 to replace the Peugot, swap the rear for a 44 or 8.8, and the front for a "modern" 35. The MJ is not in excellent condition, but it is OKAY. It runs and seems to drive acceptably (I haven't taken it down the road since it does not have seats, but I have taken it up and down my driveway). It needs floor pans, rockers, and rear wheel arches. I also need to replace the front fenders because they were cut for wheel clearance and I do no plan to run anything large enough to require cutting. Finally, regardless of which way I go, I will be installing some Corbeau seats a touchscreen head unit, and potentially other not-aesthetic tech. So it really is at a crossroad of "restore to original" and "modify to fit." So what is your opinion? Keep it original as possible or modify it to my heart's desire?

I suppose I'll just have to celebrate by giving it some much needed TLC! I had no idea there was a flood. I was trying to figure out why there was so much mystery surrounding packages and such. Looking at other threads on this site and seeing a lot of questions regarding what was offered and when. Super interesting!

Rad, thank you for this. I enjoy knowing the history of my vehicles!

Year, Make, Model: 1988 Jeep MJ Engine / Trans / Transfercase / Front axle / Rear axle / Wheelbase: Stock 4.0 / Peugot 10/5 (Speculated, but not confirmed. It looks original anyway) / NP231 / Dana 30 / Dana 35 / LWB Build date: See picture: illegible Current Location: Central Maine; just purchased from southern Maine Status: Currently running, but needs body work so it is in the garage until I "finish." Notes: Tan interior. Tan vinyl bench. A previous owner added a flip-up sunroof. Current owner: Das me! Plans: I have a 2000 XJ from which I plan to swap the engine and dash. I am going to install Corbeau Trailcat seats on custom bracketing (the entire floor was removed and I have to piece it back together ). I am considering the front end swap but I'm not sold because I rather like the more square 80s aesthetic than the 97+. I don't really want to do the dash either, but I want airbags since this will be my daily. I'd love to get a 44 for the rear end. I'm adding a touchscreen head unit, backup camera, and keyless pushbutton start because why the hell not. Need to pull the bed and POR15 the rear frame. Will undercoat the bottom of the bed and the interior of the bed. I'm also going to try to build my own tailgate just for the fun of it. Finally it is getting painted Jeep's Sarge Green since the current paint is unsalvageable. I am also open to any suggestions!