I just picked up this 1985 Cherokee Laredo from a lady that lives 4 houses down from me. It has a thrown rod in the 2.8L V6 engine but the Auto transmission supposedly works. The body is perfect except peeling paint but it has no dents and all of the windows and interior is nice.

I'm currently working on building my 2000 TJ on Dana 60s and 42" tires so I'm not new to jeeps or Wheeling. I'm just looking into getting this Jeep driveable so I can sell my 95 honda Accord.

I'm looking into dropping a new motor/tranny/T-case with 4" lift on 31's and drive it.

Any info on swapping in a 3.4L or 4.3L would be great. I would like to change it to FI and get rid of the Carb when I do this.

 

put the 4.0 in there good find to

 

The 4.0L won't fit in the engine bay. The 84-86 firewall is closer to the nose than the 87 and newer XJ's so I'm limited to the V6's. If it had the 4.0L I would be rebuilding it.

 

or... depending on your smog laws there, do something wild and drop a small block in it!!!

 

Why not just rebuild the motor thats in it?

 

There are no smog laws and dropping a 350 in it would be nice. Might have to keep an eye out for a deal.

The motor that's in it is a POS 2.8L GM V6 that is known to be very weak and not worth keeping. Why not spend the same amount of money and change engines. I can pick up a 4.3L engine for $400 or I saw a 4.3L engine and TH350 transmission for $600.

 

http://60degreev6.com/forum/forum.php try this out 3.4 as long as you can find the computer and everything would be an easier swap but like stated if you can find a V8 with trans, tcase and you are up for it is very doable swap...... The LS engines are becoming more available just my $.02

 

My only question is will a SBC engine fit in the engine bay without cutting the inner fender wells or moving the firewall?

 

4.0 is a v6 just saying

 

This might be of some use to you: http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...Project_XJ.htm
Good luck with the project!

 

The 4.0L is an Inline 6 not a V6. Meaning All of the Cylinders are upright and In a Line, Not 3 on each side in a "V" shape. A V6 is a bit shorter in length and can fit more places than the I6 can.

 

Fixed.


Your right about the GM 2.8's. garbage. not worth anything. they barely made the cavaliers quick.... not to mention #5 rod bearings blowing up all the time. you should be able to find a nice 4.3 out of a newer s-10 or something. they all have fuel injection and they are very reliable. but if money or time is no option then gm 350 with TPI or lt1. ls1 is great dont get me wrong but they arent known for their low end torque unlike the tpi or lt1 motors.

 

I know the 4.0 with intake and exhaust is a tad wider than the SBC, I was talking about the truck line of LS engines, like i said earlier a 3.4 swap would be the easiest IMO... the 4.3 will be the same width as a SB beings it a 90° V6 the 3.4 is a 60° V6 the rans wouldnt have to changed

 

There's a Vortec 4.3L out of an S10 Blazer for sale on Craigslist here in town for $500 and he also said he has a TH350 and a 700R4 for sale.

I'm pretty much set on going with the 4.3L Vortec and using it as a Daily Driver.

 

4.3 is a 90deg v6. It is not the same bellhousing bolt pattern as a 2.8. But they might make an adapter.