88 Mj Build/restore

[williamMJ88]

It is a 1988 Jeep Comanche MJ Amc 2.5L 150cid 5spd. 2wd

 

Plans are engine swap. Maybe 4x4 later down the line. Thinking of a small lift here soon, I want 4x4 but i all ready have 2 of them, so kinda like a prerunner setup

 

Which I'm trying to find a list of what i would need for the swap.

 

Here are my swap ideas,

 

1. 4.0 swap, need to know a idea of what trans i can use, manuel or auto and if auto will i need the ecm and tcm and wireing ?

 

2. Chevy 4.3 or 5.7 swap, with auto trans, 700r or 350 turbo, and if i go with a chevy motor will i have to shortin the drive shaft?

 

Thats what I have come up with,

 

 

Thanks for any help.

 

 

Here are some pics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TheDirtyJeep401]

A good manual trans for the 4.0 is a AX-15

If you want an auto tranny for the 4.0, you can also get an AW-4

By the way Welcome to the club!!!

[williamMJ88]

Thanks.

Kinda wanting to keep it a manual. I'm thinking a 4.0 maybe a little easyer to swap

[TheDirtyJeep401]

If you use the 4.0, you will have to do some firewall work to fit it in there.

[williamMJ88]

Well I have decided to change some things up from what i wanted to do.

 

Thinking adding 4wd, and a automatic trans,

 

any advice on a trans that will work with my 2.5?

[TheDirtyJeep401]

You would have to get a 4x4 AW4 trans.

As for 4 wheel drive you will need the front axle, more than likley a D30 and front drive shaft shift linkage etc...

Youll have to shorten the rear drive shaft too.  

[williamMJ88]

Sorry to sound dumb,

I have been looking around and I'm getting confused,

 

1st If i did a auto swap can i just add a tcm and be ok?

 

2, stay a manual, can i use my ax5 or another ax5?

 

3 can i keep my rear axle and just add the front,

 

 

I'm just having trouble finding what i will need ,

[k3rn4lkr45h]

you can keep the rear axle if you match the ratio for the new front axle.

[TheDirtyJeep401]

As long as the rear gear ratio is the same as the front, you are fine. If you wanted to have a manual transmission and have 4x4, you will need to find one with 4x4 capabilities. So instead of having a 2 wheel drive AX-5, you will need a AX-5 with 4x4, If you do put 4 wheel drive in. your rear drive shaft will need to be shortened.

 

And your not sounding dumb, half of the stuff I didnt know I learned from the club. No one is dumb on here. :thumbsup:

[williamMJ88]

 

 

 

[williamMJ88]

Looking for some info on the engine mount brackets on the engine of the 2.8. and any info where to get them.. I want to find out if they will fit the 3.4 chevy or a 4.3

[williamMJ88]

Well we took the MJ to the Indiana state fair today, for the open car show. only had 2 jeeps out of 110 car/trucks.

 

I won top 25,  both jeeps did.

 

 

 

 

[ComancheKid45]

Great job @ the show....I also love taking the MJ's to shows. Nice lookin truck :thumbsup:

[williamMJ88]

Thanks,

[williamMJ88]

Will this fit my engine,,, They didnt change the 2.5 bolt pattern did they?

 

 

 

 AX-5 Transmission Bell Housing.  No cracks or damage.  Fits 97-02 Jeep 2.5L

[TheDirtyJeep401]

Should bolt right up

[williamMJ88]

thanks

[williamMJ88]

Havent done much to the truck. After the 1st of the year i will be doing some work on it.

I'm looking at putting a tilt steering wheel in it, can i just get one out of a same year cherokee.

[ComancheKid45]

Yep XJ steering columns are interchangeable. :thumbsup:  

[williamMJ88]

thanks