CharlieT Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 It all started when I sold my full size Dodge on 1-tons and 37s and picked up a bone stock 2001 Cherokee Sport. Here it is bone stock the day I brought it home I started by building a winch bumper and then I added a 4.5" X-series lift and then a set of 33" Pro Comp X-terrains I wheeled it a few times, and then installed a snorkel and then cut my fenders and added some 33" MTRs Then one day, the packrats decided they would take up residence on my exhaust manifold, and I had a small engine fire It killed the engine harness, the hood cable, throttle cables, and fuel injectors, so I found a 2000 parts truck, with title issues, for $600. Ive always liked the MJ trucks, but I've never liked the older interiors and the looks of the front end, so I thought, while I have a parts vehicle, why not build a 2000 MJ? So I bought a 1988 2wd 4cyl model off craigslist, that had been wrecked in the front for $1500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spectormj Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 Looks good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 24, 2014 Author Share Posted August 24, 2014 Today, I got my 8.8 swap for the cherokee almost done, welded the tubes to the pumpkin, and set the pinion angle and welded on the perches. I also started tearing the front clips off of the parts Cherokee and the Comanche. But the Comanche has some damage to the passenger frame horn that is going to need some attention before I go any further, so that's as far as I got today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 Got most of the 2000 front clip installed, also pulled everything out of the interior except the dash. The carpet was soaked, and there were holes drilled in the floorboards, I assume for water to drain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 Before: After: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 I think my plans so far for this build include:1. Swap interior and sheet metal2. reseal the Cherokee 4.0L 3. Swap entire drivetrain from the Cherokee, 4.0L, AW4, NP231, D30/8.25 4. 2.5"-3" lift, and a set of 31s 5. Drive it and enjoy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spectormj Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 Get dirty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 25, 2014 Author Share Posted August 25, 2014 I'm working on it lol. The next step is to yank the greasy 4.0L out of the Cherokee, and the 2.5L and 5spd out of the 'Manche. Is there any value to the 4cyl and trans? Its 2wd, but runs like a top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
agamble Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I may be mistaken, but I thought the 4.0L and 2.5L engines aren't a direct swap. The engine bay dimensions are different. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 As far as I can tell, the only difference is in the radiator support in the front. Not sure if the mounts are different or not. But I have an entire donor vehicle, a plasma cutter, a welder, and I know how to use them, so anything is possible lol. A little fab work never scared me off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 Also, in the research I did, the ones that are physically different are the pre-'87 trucks. I guess the front radiator supports need to have the spot welds drilled out and transplanted into the 4cyl truck. I will know when I get there, and if there is any major differences, I will document it and post it here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopypants Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I just did a 96 4.0 into an 89 2.5 Just have to swap plates that bolt to the frame and use 4.0 rad assembly Pretty easy really If your swapping everything I would recommend swapping heater core, 4wd front end and steering column (for cruise control buttons!) before you drop the 4.0 in Easier to get to everything with no motor in the way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopypants Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Love the white btw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 26, 2014 Author Share Posted August 26, 2014 Awesome, thanks! I was wondering about the engine mounts, but figured I'd cross that bridge when I got there. As far as the swap, the 'Manche is getting everything out of the Cherokee. Interior, harness, HVAC, doors, dash, seats, and complete drivetrain. Part of me really wants to make the 'Manche the trail rig, and put the running gear out of my green Cherokee in it, but I don't know yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poopypants Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Yep that's exactly what I did If you want to keep the white door skins it's not to hard to swap the power window motor/locks over assuming you have manual now Just have to drill out a couple rivets per side...takes a little time but keeps it all one color (unless your going to paint it anyway ;) Even swapped power mirrors so now I'm making a little cupholder to house the mirror switch (keeping bench seat) Power bucket seat will not swap btw...need to drill out the spot welds and swap the hump I did it before and it's not worth the effort unless your 5'8" and can move the seat up to adjust it anyway Like you said I used every wire from a Cherokee so I used the Cherokee fuel pump so it plugs right up I had to cut the support rod and rotate the pickup 90* then re tack it If you lay the pumps side by side you will see what I mean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 27, 2014 Author Share Posted August 27, 2014 The parts truck also happens to be white, so that works out awesome lol. They're slightly different colors, but good enough for the girls I go with lol. As far as the seats, I wanted to use the Cherokee buckets and console, and was under the impression, if you moved the seat supports from the parts truck, they were livable. Do they still not fit well even with the hump swapped? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 Got both the Dash's pulled out of the Jeeps. And did the junkyard crawl and came home with a HP non-CAD D30, and a set or 4.10s for the Chrysler 8.25, and a complete set of Bilstein shocks, don't know that the rears will work though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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