CherokeeJon

Rough night last night, I finished painting the engine bay and let it dry then went right onto the engine install. We made the mistake of putting the second chain connection on the far back of the engine. As we were dropping it in, we couldn't get it to the exact spot it needs to be in. It was maybe an inch off and we realized we have to set the engine down, change the spots of the chain and try it all over again.

I work all night tonight, so nothing will happen today. Tomorrow will hopefully be the day I finally get the engine installed. Then I can run the wiring harness. I get paid Friday and just sold my lift parts from my cherokee, so I'll be purchasing my fuel line, trans lines, and exhaust. Any recommendations? I'm not sure if I should order exhaust stuff on line or just go to autozone.

Here's some pictures of the process:

CherokeeJon

Alright guys, I need some help. When putting the engine in, the trans mount and crossmember do not line up. I can get a picture of how off it is later, but I have no clue if this is normal or how to get around it.

The truck is an 86 that has the 2.8 and auto in it. The drive train going in is a 4.0 auto. Any help would probably save the day

DieselD

Did you put the motor mounts on and bolted in already? Maybe loosen them, see if you can get enough play.

CherokeeJon

The mount on one side has one bolt hand tightened on just to keep the engine close to mounted while we moved it around. It's off by about 3-4 inches. I guess I'll have to post a picture tonight for everyone to understand exactly

DieselD

What trans mount are you using? I know there is some difference in the different years. 3-4" sounds like it more than just wiggle room.

CherokeeJon

I got a trans mount for a 92 comanche. Because the engine and trans going in are from a 92 cherokee. I don't believe the 4.0 was offered in 86, correct me if I'm wrong. So getting the 92 mount for the 4.0 and auto made sense

DieselD

The trans mount was for 4wd right?

And you're using the cross member for a 92 as well?

CherokeeJon

Yupp, the guy working at autozone has a cherokee so he made sure I got the right one. I tried whatever crossmember the guy have me with the truck and I tried one from a 93 cherokee

CherokeeJon

Alright, so I figured out I just have to make a custom crossmember or move the one I have back. Now my problem is the engine seems to not sit quite right. It clears the hood barely, but I can just shave the hood "crossmember" down so it clears. However, the engine tilts slightly back. I don't think it would affect oil pick up. Does anybody have an opinion on it? Here's a few shots of the engine installed

DieselD

I swear someone recently had this same problem in the ask a question thread try posting it in there.

CherokeeJon

Okay, so the engine clearance won't be a problem. When I remake the cross member to correctly fit the truck/trans I might just fab a transmission lift basically. Just to kick the rear of the drivetrain up a tiny bit and hopefully pull the front of the engine down some too.

The girlfriend is coming over today or tomorrow so she can help me paint the frame rails. I also started taking out the current engine wiring harness and checking where the po cut wires so I can run mine.

It's pay day too, recently sold my lift parts, and tax return came in so I should be able to purchase my exhaust, trans lines, and fuel line this weekend. Trying to get a lot done these next few days.

CherokeeJon

I've started the duanting task of wiring. I also am taking the shifting assembly and linkage out of my totaled 93 to use in this. Do I keep my red steering wheel in or put in the gray one from my old jeep as well?

coloradowheeler

Personally I would go with the grey, it would look cleaner

CherokeeJon

Gray went in today. Lol

Also cut the old patch out of the floor so my pops can weld the new floor in

CherokeeJon

Took a break from the truck for a day or two. I burnt myself out on it because I have to wait to get parts anyway. My exhaust should be shipped in this week and I'm getting all of the trans, power steering, and fuel lines Saturday.

My dad made my crossmember, and he did a pretty good job so I'll post a picture whenever I get the chance.