2 Coversion Choices , Help Decide

[NewfieMJ]

Got an 88 short box with a 98 frt clip/doors already swapped over my 2.5 2wd powertrain . I'm ready to change that now but , I have 2 choices .

 

1) I have a 91 Manche with ac (missing condensor), 4.0 5 spd 231 4x4 . The gear box makes an awful clunk in reverse , gear work needed . Other than that , and rust , it works great . Also has the non disco +D44 combo :)3.07's :( . Engine is a rebuilt with low K , t-case works great . Engine is being used reguardless .

 

2) I also have a 98 XJ , it was the donor so far .4.0(bad piston skirt)+AW4+231 , drove great coming home except the knock was loud . HP+8.75 combo running.55's . Loaded jeep except leather . Nice decent interior .

 

My contemplation here is which swap should I do . Convert the 91's powertrain into the 88 . Bolt everything in , no hassles just run some wiring for the pwr windows , mirrors and locks . The dash is in nice shape , no cutting the firewall , no splicing the harness , just have to get another ax-15

 

or

 

Finish as intended and do the 98 full conversion , dash swap etc and run the auto trans . I do have a welder to cut out a section of the firewall and remount it . That dash would be cool in an MJ , I've seen them :) . The wiring should be straight forward enough and I will have both vehicles side by side . Wife would be able to drive it . Not sure how I feel about that , lol . But , I'm building a show toy , capable , but won't get wheeled much .

 

Both have their advantages , what would you do ? I need to know , I got the 91 sitting in the garage ready to be dismantled .

[89Patches]

The 97+ swap is really easy but, In your case I'd use the 91 MJ and fix the 98 and sell it then spend the money on your MJ ;)

[NewfieMJ]

The 97+ swap is really easy but, In your case I'd use the 91 MJ and fix the 98 and sell it then spend the money on your MJ ;)

 

Thanks , but , I'm really not into that one , I want to build one of those HP's for my ZJ . I just finished a 8" ZJ build on LA's , and just wanna finish up my last project to the same degree , functional and mobile . Both mentioned jeeps were bought for the project's parts . The XJ is higher K so resale would blow anyways . That and I want my yard cleaned up .

[Rymanrph]

I certainly haven't regretted doing the '97 swap. At times I miss having the 5-speed, but overall I'm very happy.

[NewfieMJ]

I certainly haven't regretted doing the '97 swap. At times I miss having the 5-speed, but overall I'm very happy.

 

Well , I just found a low k AX-15 and 231 for $100 . My vote is really leaning towards the 91 harness .