Help with 2.8 to 4.0 swap in Colorado

[Patrick_Rash]

All, 

 

I was trying to restore an 86 Comanche I recently purchased in Colorado. I am in the military and am currently stationed in Georgia so I don't have the MJ with me.  The crappy 2.8L engine is totally seized and I found rust around the spark plugs. Does anyone know of a shop that will take on the job of doing a 4.0 swap in the Aurora area? It is NOT time sensitive by any means but I would really like to get it running!

[89 MJ]

@derf @neohic, do either of you know any shops that could help?

 

[derf]

I don't know too many shops in the area since I do my own work for the most part.

 

I can ask around and see what I can find.

 

One question to ask though.  Would you be open to doing a Camaro 3.4 V6 swap?  It's an easier swap to replace the 2.8 but still a really good upgrade.

[89 MJ]

, the 3.4 is pretty much all bolt in. I can link a few swaps if you would be interested in doing some reading about it.

Also, thank you for your service.

[buxmj]

I am not an expert but have seen some posts saying an '86 firewall does not give clearance for a 4.0. It was changed the next year when the 4.0 was introduced to the mj. Something to keep in mind knowing there may be a surprise cost of "adjusting" the firewall. 

 

Buck.

[Torq_Shep]

1 hour ago, buxmj said:

I am not an expert but have seen some posts saying an '86 firewall does not give clearance for a 4.0. It was changed the next year when the 4.0 was introduced to the mj. Something to keep in mind knowing there may be a surprise cost of "adjusting" the firewall. 

 

Buck.

IIRC it depends on if it is an early or late 1986.

 

 

[fiatslug87]

2 hours ago, Torq_Shep said:

IIRC it depends on if it is an early or late 1986.

His is an early '86, build date 8/1/85

[Pete M]

couple good whacks with a sledge will clearance the firewall.   not sure what a shop would charge for that though.

[neohic]

Not sure of any shops I’d trust to do it. Being it’s an ‘86, and others have already stated, a 4.0 swap takes a little more than “just get it running”. Honestly I’d take on the project in my spare time if my shop were done. 

[Torq_Shep]

I had the 3.4 in my old van. Not a bad motor at all. Only thing I didnt like about it was that the cooling system was a pain to bleed. 

Plus they are hella cheap. 

[Car Enthusiast]

Stewart or Benning?

[MiNi Beast]

3 hours ago, neohic said:

Not sure of any shops I’d trust to do it. Being it’s an ‘86, and others have already stated, a 4.0 swap takes a little more than “just get it running”. Honestly I’d take on the project in my spare time if my shop were done. 

meet and greet wrench party and get it done. 

[Smokeyyank]

I know a guy in Kiowa that has a shop. Hes slows af but does solid work. He rebuilt my old 4.0 in my XJ and the 4.7HO in my WJ. Also built a few other engines for my dad and friends. PM me if you want his info.  

[Patrick_Rash]

On 10/15/2020 at 5:51 PM, Car Enthusiast said:

Stewart or Benning?

I am at Moody AFB in Valdosta

[Patrick_Rash]

On 10/15/2020 at 6:59 AM, 89 MJ said:

, the 3.4 is pretty much all bolt in. I can link a few swaps if you would be interested in doing some reading about it.

Also, thank you for your service.

Ya I think the 3.4 swap is probably the best choice for what I am trying to do. My XJ is what I would do all my crazy off road stuff in anyway. 

[89 MJ]

20 minutes ago, Patrick_Rash said:

Ya I think the 3.4 swap is probably the best choice for what I am trying to do. My XJ is what I would do all my crazy off road stuff in anyway. 

Here is a write up on the swap.