Overwhelmed with installing 4.0

[Jacoop91]

I recently bought a running, wrecked '94 XJ (damaged frame) with the goal of swapping EVERYTHING  into my non running '88 comanche (2.5 manual, 4WD short bed). My dad originally bought the Comanche years ago to use as a hunting truck and it ended up sitting out in the woods only to be ravaged by rats, I decided to bring it home and got it to at least run (after spending a lot of $$) however the wiring harness was chewed up too bad to repair. I decided to find someone locally get it into running shape. The first "jeep expert" I took it to, ended up going to prison and the Comanche set for 2 years at his house without it ever being touched. Second "jeep expert" screwed me over pretty bad and I had to go to mediation to get the jeep back. That was 4 years ago... So needless to say I have had nothing but horrendous luck. Over the last few years I've gained some confidence in my mechanic skills and felt it was time for me to try and at least tackle the job because I didn't want to give up on it. I have spent an incredible amount of time trying to get this thing to run right and I just don't know what else to do. Not to sound conceded, but I feel like I have viewed every single article and post regarding this swap...and I still have not found the answer/guidance/solution. I understand that was a long backstory to get to my actual question so I hope someone, somewhere, somehow can help me. I'm having such a hard time trying to line up the 4.0 with the trans and motor mounts...what the hell am I missing? I'm obviously using the mounts from the xj but the passenger side seems offset? Also it seems like there is simply not enough room for the 4.0 to mount up to the trans and driveshaft properly. PLEASE PLEASE HELP 🙏 

[89 MJ]

You’re using the trans that was behind the 4.0, correct?

[ghetdjc320]

 

Also, did you swap the actual frame side mounts from the XJ onto the MJ? I’ve found it to be a much easier process to install the engine with tranny assembled then add the transfer case

[Jacoop91]

6 hours ago, 89 MJ said:

You’re using the trans that was behind the 4.0, correct?

Yep, I went back and forth on whether or not  to leave it attached tp the motor, and I decided to remove them separately

[Jacoop91]

6 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:

 

Also, did you swap the actual frame side mounts from the XJ onto the MJ? I’ve found it to be a much easier process to install the engine with tranny assembled then add the transfer case

Yep,  I removed the 2 side mounts from the donor XJ and the driver side seems to line uo perfectly, however the passenger side mount is roughly 1.5" closer to the firewall...at the time I figured maybe the mounting points on the 4.0 were slightly offset by that much, but now that I have the motor hoisted over it, thats not the case. 

[89 MJ]

5 minutes ago, Jacoop91 said:

Yep, I went back and forth on whether or not  to leave it attached tp the motor, and I decided to remove them separately

Ok, good. Just wanted to double check that you were using the proper transmission. It is usually easier to do them together, but installing them separately is fine too. 

 

Could you post some pictures of what is going on? 

[Jacoop91]

22 minutes ago, 89 MJ said:

Ok, good. Just wanted to double check that you were using the proper transmission. It is usually easier to do them together, but installing them separately is fine too. 

 

Could you post some pictures of what is going on? 

Sure thing, I'll be home in just a little bit and I'll get right on that.  I'm already feeling a little better just having someone to talk to about it I really appreciate it

[89 MJ]

8 minutes ago, Jacoop91 said:

Sure thing, I'll be home in just a little bit and I'll get right on that.  I'm already feeling a little better just having someone to talk to about it I really appreciate it

Sounds like a plan. Everyone here is always a great help!

[Jacoop91]

So it is storming like hell here in central FL so I'll have to wait til tomorrow to  get a decent picture.