000Triple000

Sooooo new to jeeps, not new to the scene. Newbie here so I would like to introduce myself. Mark is my name, have associate degree's for auto/diesel/ alternative fuels technologies. Familiar with the mechanical scene. So I want to build a om617 jeep cherokee xj or comanche. By the looks of it, xj might be the way to go. I have researched for weeks on any info I could find and have talk to mercedesdiesel4x4 local to me as I'm in ohio. 4500-6000 is a awesome price for a turn key swap. However they are not doing swaps at the moment. In the end I would like a xj or comanche with a om617 mated to the ax15.. 4.56 is the rear, not sure what to do about the front yet. Would like to keep it mostly stock platform as it will be dd. I need a 4.5 inch lift for clearence. Any opinions on a short arm or long arm kit. I can go with either, I want to daily 31s or 33s. But thats what I will keep it at. No 35s. I understand I might need to trim the fenders, no biggie. I was going to get the swap kit from mercedesdiesel4x4 for I believe 2k. My question is, how does it fit. Is it tight or easy to maneuver around for this swap. I can weld and cut, no problems there. Do I need to drop the transfer case 1". I'm not reinforcing, just going to weld the mounts directly in. Any problems with this? As far as I know I wont have to reinforce due to weight. I think I needed a bigger radiator also. I have yet to find a parts list of what is required for this swap. I have a budget of 5-6k. Can use more but would prefer to keep it under 10k. 10k being buying a clean cherokee, (dime a dozen) hopefully for 4-5k. I would like to provide pictures and a write up along the way to help out anyone else interested in this type of swap. My projected goal is to do this in 4 weeks or less. Yes crazy hours, i'm looking forward to become a jeeper .

kyle96xj

I don't know much about those engines or swaps other than I hear they're good engines, but a few things you mentioned were about the 4.56 rear, you definitely need to match the gear ratio front and rear, also assuming the om617 is about the same power or less as a 4.0 paired with the ax15 you'd probably prefer 33s over 31s. And if you can afford it definitely go long arm

000Triple000

...https://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5583056173.html.. see there this guy, I can always go pick up a wrangler with one. Cherokees are nicer though haha. Yea 4.56 is what I figured it would be wasn't sure though. Yea I had to do a little research on them myself. It's one of the only low cost diesel swaps I see on the board. There basic and can be brought up to 200hp with around 300tq. My buddy (hugh jeep guy) says to just stroke it. Then again, distance reliability are the keys I need.