Hi guys, so I'm going to start a build thread for my jeep instead of posting 10 different threads I'll ask all my questions and keep you up to date on it through one thread.
Anyways I picked up a 97 jeep tj very cheap 2 days ago for $1000. It was the third car in a 3
Car pile up and so the previous owner smashed into the back of a moving van and smushed the hood, grill, and fenders. The jeep runs and drives and since two days ago I had removed all the smashed up pieces and made my self a list of stuff it requires to be road worthy. The best part about it is the previous owner didn't claim it on insurance so it's an active title. The rest of the jeep is damn near mint with only 179,000kms on it.
From a further inspection, it looks like the jeep has had the transmission replaced, it's and auto 4cyl.
So here's where I start, I want to convert this jeep to a newer style jeep tj (03-06) including interior. Also I either want to do a 4.0 with the 5speed nv3550/ac15 or do a volks wagon 1.9 tdi turbo diesel swap.
So my first question would be what do you guys think about doing a 4.0 swap over the tdi?
Any ideas what I could use for a tranny that would bolt up? I know the ax15 can but needs adapting.
What would be required to do a swap to the tdi?
What would be required to swap to the 4.0 being I have a 4cyl with auto tranny?
Would the interior be an easy swap?
Seats/dash/carpet/steering wheel all just bolt right up or need modifying?
So that's a start to my thread, I'd like to save this jeep but at the same time I want it to be a project and be an awesome off-roader. It's in phenomenal shape, no dents, rust, Ect.
I don't plan to get rid of it and it might be dumb to swap all that over to a newer style but I bought it for a project and would like to do it all and learn something from it.
IMO the 4.0 will be a cheaper and easier option over the TDI. From my research, switching fuel types to diesel requires a fuel system upgrade to diesel components as well. If money is no object here then go diesel (better crawling power and WAY better mpg for commuting).
Good steal on that TJ! It looks so clean, other than the bent up parts LOL!
IMO the 4.0 will be a cheaper and easier option over the TDI. From my research, switching fuel types to diesel requires a fuel system upgrade to diesel components as well. If money is no object here then go diesel (better crawling power and WAY better mpg for commuting). Good steal on that TJ! It looks so clean, other than the bent up parts LOL!
Haha thanks man! It's in really good shape actually. So would a 4.0 wiring harness be the same as my 2.5 harness? Other than motor mounts, and obviously the tranny. Btw which transmission is better the nv3550 or the ax15 or the 6 speed? I remember researching but can't remember which is better. I have a guy who has all three transmissions just a matter of picking which one, he also has a 4l motor from a 98 I'll most likely buy.
You're going to want a 4.0L wiring harness (best to start from scratch than jury-rigging something together). I love the **** out of my AX-15, it is still the factory tranny in my TJ! Had the change to drive my dads 2007 JKU with the 6-speed and it was nice to have the 6th gear for the highway but Lord was 1st way low. Perhaps on the 4.0L the 6-speed would be good but I haven't driven that combination.
When you get around to putting that 4.0L in, and get to the exhaust system, consider Gibson Performance Headers (steel or ceramic) and Cat-Back System. The 'butt dyno' screams YEA, the 'ear dyno' hears that low growl orchestra, and the head-turn factor is way up there! I've had everyone I talk to notice the sound of my little TJ way before any other mod I've done. You'll never know there are 6-cylinders under the hood because it'll sound like 8-ish.
You're going to want a 4.0L wiring harness (best to start from scratch than jury-rigging something together). I love the **** out of my AX-15, it is still the factory tranny in my TJ! Had the change to drive my dads 2007 JKU with the 6-speed and it was nice to have the 6th gear for the highway but Lord was 1st way low. Perhaps on the 4.0L the 6-speed would be good but I haven't driven that combination. When you get around to putting that 4.0L in, and get to the exhaust system, consider Gibson Performance Headers (steel or ceramic) and Cat-Back System. The 'butt dyno' screams YEA, the 'ear dyno' hears that low growl orchestra, and the head-turn factor is way up there! I've had everyone I talk to notice the sound of my little TJ way before any other mod I've done. You'll never know there are 6-cylinders under the hood because it'll sound like 8-ish.
Your getting me WAY to excited to build this thing now haha. I'll definitely do a full exhaust, my friend had a full exhaust from banks and damn did it sound awesome!
I have driven a 6 speed 05 rubicon before and it was extremely low geared, I think it had 4.10's on factory size tires also. So maybe I'll go with an nv3550, I didn't really like the clunky shifting of the ax15, but overall I just want a reliable tranny and a good clutch, both ax-15 and nv3550 from my experience are strong good trannys.
Ok so I'll have to get a 4.0 harness and motor mounts and that's about it?
I get a little excited about the potential in anything
I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice!
That sounds like a good start, also make sure you get all of the parts that attach to the engine that belong in the engine bay (air intake and box, steering pump, A/C, etc.)
I get a little excited about the potential in anything I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice! That sounds like a good start, also make sure you get all of the parts that attach to the engine that belong in the engine bay (air intake and box, steering pump, A/C, etc.)
That's the np231j transfer case. J stands for jeep.
It has a slip yoke, no slip yoke eliminator. If you took that boot off and unbolted the drive shaft from the rear axle, you could just slide it out if you wanted.
Well this is how it looks. Whole front clip is off, tcase, drive shafts, and exhaust is all taken apart, and I took out the retarded command start wiring and re spliced all the connections (that was a nightmare lol literally!)
Anyone know if I should be taking this harness out with the fuse box?? Or does that stay in the tub. I got a donor jeep frame with tub and complete drive train, no axles but it has everything I need!!! So happy!! So I pick it up on Friday but he wants my 2.5 and need to know what harness to take out of here
And I got my tranny out today! Woohoo I'm so pumped
I should probably start thinking about fluids and a tune up for the motor and trans, a clutch kit Ect. So I have no idea what the best fluid would be to use in the drive line, any ideas? Also I'm leaning towards a center force clutch and do the throw out bearing at the same time, or just cheap out and get a cheaper clutch?
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!