Diesel Conversion Opinions

[ScottLehew]

Hello all, I’m new to the forum and while I’ve had a couple XJ’s I recently purchased an 88 long bed MJ long bed automatic. I am in the process of converting to 4x4 right now, but am looking to go Diesel aswel. 

 

I currently daily drive a 2000 vw TDI, that is a potential donor vehicle for the swap, but also have a lead on a Mercedes 300 with the OM617 TD motor for very cheap. I’ve looked around for some write ups if people who have done swaps, and it seems that there is a lot more people doing OM617’s than VW TDI’s but I haven’t been able to find anyone whose kept the automatic. 

 

My question is would it be worth keeping the aitomatic, and is it do able? And what would be the more preferred/economical swap? Should I just grab an AX-15 while I’m at it? I’d really like to keep it automatic, and I’m not looking for a rock crawler, just more somthing reliable to travel between camps sights and down light trails that is efficient, while potentially town a small trailer with my four wheeler or pop up. 

 

Thank you for any input or guidance yall might have, I really appreciate it. Here’s a few pictures of my new to me MJ

[JMO413]

That is a very good looking truck you have there.

[ScottLehew]

Thank you sir, I was pretty surprised at the condition it was in when I picked it up. Almost looked as if it had set in the garage for 20 years. No rust, good paint and all new/refurbished interior.140k miles on the original Renix 

[krustyballer16]

I swapped in a 3.3L Cummins in mine. Love it!

My build thread is in the epic build section. Cummins 3.3L powered MJ. (can't get the link to copy over)

I've driven a TDI swapped MJ also. It was cool but I like my Cummins more.

Johnj owns the TDI MJ. His build is on here too.

I've got a buddy with a Mercedes swapped MJ also

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[WahooSteeler]

Looks like a great score! Where are you located? 

[ScottLehew]

I’m in Eastern NC

[johnj92131]

Link to my TDI Comanche build thread:  https://comancheclub.com/topic/52550-86-diesel-mj-to-vw-tdi-conversion/

 

Link to Krusty's build thread:  https://comancheclub.com/topic/40407-cummins-b33-powered-mj-build/

 

A web search will find any number of XJ Mercedes diesel conversions.  Google is your friend.  The 300TD Mercedes engine reliability is legendary. 

 

Just my opinion, but if you want to keep an automatic transmission, I would "think" the MB 300TD drive train is the way to go.  That would avoid the fuss/expense of an engine/transmission adapter.