Decision assistance: Leave original or upgrade?

[YakubS]

This post was going to be a question about whether swapping out the Renix for a newer 4.0HO is worth it, but as I started writing I realized my question was bigger than that.

 

My situation: I have an 1988 MJ which I recently purchased as a project. I also have a complete, running, 2000 XJ as a donor (it is rusted irreparably).

 

Originally my plan was to do the whole 97+ swap on the front end, engine, and dash. Then I started thinking more about the front end and I rather like the pre-97 aesthetic over the 97+. Don't get me wrong, I do love the 97+ XJ, I mean I have owned 4 over the years. But as I have been looking over different parts of the MJ seeing the date stamps on the Axles, Transmission, etc. I get a bit sad about the idea of just discarding these items since they are completely functional at the moment. 

 

That being said, I understand the Renix is a finnicky engine. I also know that the Peugot transmission is considered "not good." I also would rather like airbags. If I decide to not keep it original I will likely source an AX15 to replace the Peugot, swap the rear for a 44 or 8.8, and the front for a "modern" 35. 

 

The MJ is not in excellent condition, but it is OKAY. It runs and seems to drive acceptably (I haven't taken it down the road since it does not have seats, but I have taken it up and down my driveway). It needs floor pans, rockers, and rear wheel arches. I also need to replace the front fenders because they were cut for wheel clearance and I do no plan to run anything large enough to require cutting. Finally, regardless of which way I go, I will be installing some Corbeau seats a touchscreen head unit, and potentially other not-aesthetic tech. So it really is at a crossroad of "restore to original" and "modify to fit."

 

So what is your opinion? Keep it original as possible or modify it to my heart's desire? 

[jdog]

Id say modify, it's your truck do what you want with it, most of the time you can go back to stock. You can save the parts that comes off of it if you have to room, but it all comes down to what you want and desire

[YakubS]

7 minutes ago, jdog said:

most of the time you can go back to stock

This is going to sound a bit daft, but I kind of forgot about that bit. Nothing I'd be doing is irreversible. 

[Pete M]

usually I'm a big proponent for keeping things original, but with that much rust repair, it's not really original anymore.  don't forget that you don't have to do the 97 front fascia in order to swap in the 97+ engine and interior.    these things are like legos.  you can build them however you want  

 

 

[War_Pony89]

I'm doing resto work on mine, albeit slowly, Since  my Renix is running good, its the last thing I plan to touch.  AX 15 is a good idea, my BA10 crapped out around 204K, so needed upgrade, while its out good time to do axles. Head unit sounds cool, I'd just be concerned about fit and having to modify for a touch screen. That may be harder to undo as parts getting scarcer. Anyway, I fixed what was broke then focused on the body, even found the stock decals to keep it period correct. I've thought about buckets, but bench is more practical so kept it, for when I have to carry kids around. So like Jdog said, suit your needs.

[Parei_doll_ia]

There's really no use in keeping one that isn't in pristine shape 100% original. I agree with not doing a 97+ swap though, I like the old interior better. Renix isn't really that bad if you know how to use a multimeter, and if Nick is able to get semiconductors again, the R.E.M. helps a lot

[YakubS]

You all have offered some really solid advice.

 

For now I think my plan will be to get the body work finished, drive it around for a while as I source the transmission/axles, pull everything for the engine and interior swap, clean up the "new" engine, then install and paint the truck.

 

Thank you for taking the time to get back to me!