Akula69 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Well, I finally did it - I broke down and bought not one but two MJ's for my (ahem) son's education on restoring the beast. I've done some XJ projects but this is my first foray into the MJ. I have picked up a 87 renix 4.0 LB sport 2WD with a wrecked front clip (got the radiator and the condenser unfortunately) and a 87 SB renix 2.5 sport 2WD with a blown head gasket. Pics to follow as soon as I pick up the 2.5. I plan on repairing the LB including doing the dash/bucket seat/center console conversion, but wonder about the SB conversion to 4WD and 4.0 Questions: 1) Have (free)access to a 89 Wagoner renix 4.0 4WD for parts but engine head gasket is is blown. Trans and 231 are good, dana 44 in rear. I have read the threads about 2WD to 4WD conversion but usually with XJ donors. Drivetrain appears the same between the XJ and the Wagoner (basically an XJ)...but can't be sure. Anyone? I believe the drive shafts would have to be cut down or swapped..Correct? 2) I have heard differing stories on the 2.5 about lack of power and various other problems. We have the technology to rebuild the 4.0 out of the 89 but I wonder if it would be worthwhile to just drop the 4.0 in there and call it a day..opnions? all responses are appreciated! :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comancheman Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 is it a full size waggy or the cherokee wagoneer? if its the cherokee wagoneer all the drivetrain parts are the same as the xj/mj. engine tranny tcase and frnt axle will bolt right up. rear end will need new spring perches. but i would sell the d44 to me instead. u don't want that under ur comanche. :brows: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaekl Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 "We have the technology to rebuild the 4.0" Just because you moved some words around, you still have to pay a royality to ABC. Don't you? Welcome to the world of MJ's but it really isn't that far from the world of XJ's. $6,000,000 Man for those who didn't get it. Pretty cheap these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 XJ/MJ drive trains are identical. You can swap an XJ Dana 44 rear axle to an MJ by welding on new spring perches. If you're good, you can grind the welds off the old ones and relocate them, but you can buy new heavy-duty perches from the Mopar Performance catalog for about $10 a pair, so why bother? The MJ doesn't use the shock mounts on the axle, so you have the option to leave them or grind them off. MJ driveshaft is longer than XJ. 4WD rear driveshaft is shorter than 2WD driveshaft. Either way you go, you're looking at some driveshaft work. Given the cost of gasoline, if you plan to keep both trucks you might want to seriously consider keeping the 2WD 4-banger in stock trim. I've heard reports that the 4-cylinder XJs give up to 28 MPG. I'm hoping my '88 will do that when I get a new clutch in it. In Louisiana you don't have much snow, so you also don't have an urgent need for 4WD if you have another truck for wheeling. Put a Trac-Lok in the rear and leave it 2WD. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula69 Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 "We have the technology to rebuild the 4.0" Just because you moved some words around, you still have to pay a royality to ABC. Don't you? Welcome to the world of MJ's but it really isn't that far from the world of XJ's. $6,000,000 Man for those who didn't get it. Pretty cheap these days. Huh. I was a poet and didn't know it. One other thing I forgot to ask. The LB has a salvage title...I don't know if anyone has experience with those here (I suppose every state is different). Anyway, I wonder if the rebuild is worth it if I ever decide to re-sell. OTOH, I suppose lots of 20 year old vehicles probably have title problems... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddzz1 Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Where I live (rhode island) if a car/truck is over 10 years old you don't need a title. May be similar where you are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvusse Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 In Ohio you can change a title from salvage to salvage-rebuilt by visiting the state highway patrol (or maybe it was the sherrif's department, can't remember for sure). You pay them $75, they inspect the vehicle and you're done. But like you said, each state is different. Check with your local DMV or license office. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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