JeepcoMJ

I would add that a ujoint failure on a dana 44 out of a fullsize can and will destroy the ball joints, knuckles, and steering assembly. A D60 will cost about the same to purchase if you shop around, and can be "shaved" on the bottom of the differential to gain the exact same clearance as a dana 44, with the ability to very easily run 39" tires (if desired) without the need to spend any money on expensive alloy shafts (junkyard shafts are cheaper and easier to get than the 3 or more week wait for the warranty replacement alloys)

There is no benefit to putting a 44 in unless you're going alloy shafts. Ujoint size is similar to the dana 30, so you really only gain stronger knuckles, axle tube thickness, differential (gears and carrier) strength...but you do not gain any shaft strength. The dodge one should be a disconnect axle, again negating any benefits.

Just went through some similar issues on a 92 briarwood. It was an up-country package and was sagged 2" below stock 2x4 height. broken front springs, sagged leafs, original front and rear shocks. Rust Rust Rust....not a spot underneath that was not covered in it. It's a pile. Only broke one bolt...the driver front leaf bolt. By "broke" I mean "had to cut with cutting wheel after getting it loose and running it out as far as I could before it seized in the sleeve". Rear upper shock bolts came off perfectly...being original, I was very surprised.

Prius drivers would like taking it up theirs too much...

The old pilot in your 4.0 is two pieces...needle bearings and outer ring. You need to get both of those pieces out. It doesn't look like the outer ring is anything but machined into the crank, but trust me...it is not part of the crank.

safe assumption the xj would get better mpg than the mj for simple aerodynamic efficiency....it doesn't have a bed and tailgate to produce extra vacuum and drag going down the road. That said, there is always a careful consideration to be made when purchasing an older diesel: Are parts available? Not really Are they "easy" to work on? Considering that a pretty low percentage of America's mechanics know how to work on diesels in the first place, much less a backwards french diesel with cylinder one being the firewall side....that's a big No. You can learn easily, but that learning curve could be an expensive process Finally, Has it been messed with? The answer with this jeep is twofold; Yes, it has been, at least in-as-much-as the vehicle having been lifted (a detriment to efficiency) and, while it should have 4.10 gears, the owner has effectly moved it to a stage of requiring a removal of the lift to get that efficiency back, or an xj 44 rear and a set of 4.88 gears to offset. These things are a pooch on takeoff compared to a 4.0, and I'm sure that one is about as quick as a gm 2.8l MJ with the tire size. But, it looks as though the engine bay is pretty much stock. The big problem I have with it is that, knowing it's lifted, did the owner mess with the injection timing like most yahoos with lifted diesels to "roll coal" or "get power back". The Renault 2.1l TD is a motor better left at stock ratio for the fact that there is no saving grace in parts availability.

All in all, timing is extremely easy on a 2.5 or 4.0. Buy a Haynes/Chilton's manual, it outlines the process. I could do one in my sleep.

or 7 or 6 or 1/4" I've yet to have two of those bolts turn out the same. rust and whatnot.

Well, my suggestion is to find a 97 heater control with pigtails so you can make the heater work. Should pin out well, and 97 is still a cable op blend door. You may need the cable as well. Then get the switch panel from 97 up and use aftermarket switches in it. The 96 has several kneeboard mounted modules that should be easy enough to mount. Do not be surprised if you have to weld extra bracketry onto the dash supports to tie into your cage. There are cavities in the 97+ in the most forward part by the a pillars, so if you hug the pillar posts to the firewall you should get away with minimal trimming.

If you're looking for OBD2, why don't you just get a 97+ harness, hvac, mounts, and call it a day? you are going to creat an abortion.

all of those things infringe upon how the 97+ dash works. The heater controls are incompatible, as are radio accessory etc. The pedal assembly is the mount for the 97+ driver's side dash. The 96 heater box won't fit under the dash, it's the wrong shape. The steering column won't have a place to mount on the upper end. all in all, not a great choice.

Cost benefit is nonexistant in this swap. Dana 30 sized shafts and ujoints, low pinion, and you will spend another $500 on a new carrier and bearing kit plus install if you sell off the air locker. Buy a good dana 44 if you actually want to have any gains.

the 86 2.8 is not internally balanced FYI In no way, shape, or form will I ever even get back in any vehicle that has a 2.8l v6 and start it. Any 2.8 I get will immediately get a motor swap, whether it's in running condition or not. This also goes for most things gm, save buick 3800 powered and early 06 duramax. Won't ever ride in anything with a 6.5TD again. I'm with Rob, 2.8 VM FTW

Completely different, possible but nowhere near bolt together compatible.

looks more like a toyota but I'll bite.

Well I completely stubbornly disagree with lots of swear words! lol. You're completely correct, though. This is a pretty placid discussion.

Agreed. All politicians suck. Moving on, when did being a politician become a career rather than a self obligated duty to your country?

As a conceal carry holder, I'm paying very close attention, so yes.

that is a 258 in the picture. if they had proof, great. but otherwise I see no benefit.

Two words why they can't: Special Needs

overheating on the flat at a certain speed sounds like fluid cavitation to me. Double check to be sure you put the correct water pump in, if you ever replaced it. The rotation is different between different years of xj/mj/zj/tj

don't think I ever posted here. I learned to drive on a J-truck when I was 11, and learned to drive on the road in an 86 Renault 2.1l turbo diesel MJ. So ending up with an MJ with odd engine choice seemed a natural progression

Bolt alignment will only allow inatall in one location. Loc-tite all bolts on flywheel to crank upon install

I take great offense at your assessment of us rednecks who like playing in the mud. that is not my problem. it doesn't take skill. just a little alcohol and poor judgement.

YAY!