4BT in a Jeep ????'s

[JCrockett]

Looking at maybe doing a Jeep conversion. Anyone have info like what is the best year/type of Jeep to do this in. Engine mounts, transmission & Tcases to use, etc. If I buy a Jeep I want to start with the right one to do a conversion with.



Is there anyone out there that sells engine mount kits, etc. Or is it a fab your own type of deal?



What about the 4bt, is there a specfic year/type to look for?



Thanks

 

[ilovetrains]

There was 4BT conversion into a YJ Wrangler on eBay not long ago, looked like a very nice set-up. I have seen them into the military version of Jeep pick-ups most often, M715 is a popular choice. I also have seen diesel power in XJ (Cherokee) and ZJ (the first gen Grand Cherokee) using small typically foreign power plants. Both were offered from the factory with diesel options to other markets, but not the US.



If you want to use a 4BT I believe you should only look at the body on frame Jeep's which are CJ, YJ and TJ. TJ is the current production Wrangler. The problem you run into is the overall length is pretty short and fitting everything can be tough.



The longer wheelbase CJ is a CJ-8, also called a Scambler. As there are very few left, they are pretty expensive. There is also the CJ-6, whcih has not caught on like the 8, but is even more rare.



Of course you could go with an unlimited, same wheel base as the 8, but they are pretty new and not sure you want to drop that much into the project vehicle.



Hope that helps.

 

[DKarvwnaris]

If you go with a wrangler, you'll already have a hydraulic clutch pedal assembly factory installed. This will make use of a dodge bellhousing assembly from a 5. 9 very easy. You can then go with a NV-4500 with no aftermarket adapters to get it in.

Axles are going to be the biggest issue no matter which model you go with. Given the choice of a fresh start, I would look for a 2 door mid 70's Cherokee J series bodystyle. (NOT the unibody tin boxes of more modern years)

If you want a CJ/Wrangler type setup, it's really not an issue since whatever you pick in that bodystyle will be custom fabrication to get it all in.

Depending on your fabrication skills, a moderately stretched CJ would be great, or a CJ-6 or Scrambler. The benefit to these model CJ's are the extended wheelbase gives you more length for driveshaft angles to allow for a larger transfer case like a 231 DHD directly out of a dodge diesel setup. (You'l never break that one in a lightweight Jeep). I'm going to be running a 205 Dodge transfer case in my CJ, with a 4bt and Nv4500 Dodge bellhousing. The axles I'll bne using are still undecided, but I'm choosing nothing less than a full floating 3/4 at the minimum. I don't like worrying about wheelbearings with big tires as it is, the weight of a 4bt is going to be an added liability to a CJ factory axle. Maybe a few Currie 9" custom axles front and back with 3/4 ton tubes and hubs. If I can find a set of '94 to '99 year dodge diesel axles, I may just cut them down and run those.

If you're still researching this fall/winter, I'll start posting pics of my build up. I just don't have time in the summers to devote to this kind of project.

 

[JCrockett]

If I can find a set of '94 to '99 year dodge diesel axles, I may just cut them down and run those.

Hmm, I still have access to the axles from the 97 Donor I had for the Ford conversion, might have to hang onto those.



Thanks for the input! This will give me something to start from, and look for a Jeep that will fit my needs. I was thinking of a TJ and sounds like I can get that to work.

 

[johnrv4]

I'm rounding up some parts to do a TJ this winter.

I'm in the process right now of rounding up some parts to do a TJ this winter. So far, I have the complete tub and frame, a Dana 60 high pinion for the front, and I'm looking for a high pinion for the rear. I'm going to use a 4BT with a NV4500 and a Atlas transfer case. I have a brand new NV5600 that I was going to put in my '97 ram, and use the NV4500 out of the '97, but I think I'm going to sell the NV5600 and use the funds to buy a NV4500/atlas transfer case. I've seen a nice YJ that was at Scheid's the last few years, and it looked like he did a great job on it. Hopefully, I can find the rest of the parts I need to get it started this winter.

 

[MMcCallie]

CJ-8 4bt

Thought i'd jump in with some more Jeep/Cummins questions.



My dad wants to put a Cummins in his Scrambler. We had it built ground up, fiberglass tub, TBI 350 & Turbo 350. Dana 300 & Scout Dana 44s with lockers. The 350 has been in the shop dozens of times, won't pass emmissions. It also gets low teens for fuel economy.



We're wanting to drop in a P-van 4bt. Anyone know if it will or will not be possible to fit an intercooled 4bt under the hood without making body modifications? It has a nice aluminum radiator.



Would running an electric fan make a difference? Is the intercooler worth it for power & EGTs on a 4bt in a Jeep? It is a farm Jeep that hauls some big loads in the bed.

 

[JCrockett]

I'm in the process right now of rounding up some parts to do a TJ this winter. So far, I have the complete tub and frame, a Dana 60 high pinion for the front, and I'm looking for a high pinion for the rear. I'm going to use a 4BT with a NV4500 and a Atlas transfer case. I have a brand new NV5600 that I was going to put in my '97 ram, and use the NV4500 out of the '97, but I think I'm going to sell the NV5600 and use the funds to buy a NV4500/atlas transfer case. I've seen a nice YJ that was at Scheid's the last few years, and it looked like he did a great job on it. Hopefully, I can find the rest of the parts I need to get it started this winter.

I actually was looking at the TJ for a Jeep as well and going with the 4500. Post your progess on this thread or start you own if you wouln'd mind, it will help alot of us out. Seems to be getting more common. Good luck with the project.