keith88xj

I'm liking the v-8 swap, the 4.8 isn't a bad choice, personally I would've grabbed a 5.3 but to each his own. The 4.8, 5.3,6.0 are all basically the same. Just have different bore and stroke I believe. They all come with aluminum heads and are interchangeable. They are great engines and can be punished just as hard as the 4.0 and still retain there reliability. If it were me I'd go ahead and rebuild that 4l60 while your fabbing everything up ... keep the truck intake because it matches the heads and installing the car car intake will result in a small loss in power, also the wiring harness is pretty easy to make, you only have to add a few wires to run the stock 4.8 computer. Nice job so far!!!

keith88xj

Bedline the bumper and slap it on the Jeep, don't worry bout what people say. Everyone has different tastes

austinjoe13

Exactly. If you wanted to lower your XJ and put 20s on it fine, what ever you like. As long as it does what you want it to do

keith88xj

I've seen an xj all riced out with 20s. I wouldn't recommend it. Haha

ocs1667

I appreciate all the comments good and bad. All are right but I think when I get it powder coated It will look just fine. I think what was really objectionable was the large amount of polished aluminum, it was a bit much. It appears to be made out of 3/8 plate aluminium

I've seen some that have been home made and they are ok.

I've looked at the tube types and wanted a different look , also lighter, not interested in adding a 100 + LBS. I can pick it up with one hand, I'll bet it dosen't way 75#.

I dropped it of to the local powder coater today.

Keith88xj, thanks for you comments, I had access to the 4.8 and the price was right. You and I think alike the trans is being rebuilt. Here in Calif I have to keep it as mfg. or not pass smog.

Dennis

keith88xj

How are you planning on wiring it up? The 4.8 is still pretty strong, I've had two of them both of which were boosted. And never had a problem., I live in Virginia. Our emissions laws aren't to bad, I hear they get pretty strict about that stuff over there lol

Mr.goodtime

Im loving the v8 swap, to bad i cant be any help because i dont know much about fuel injection, thats why im puting a 4.2 inline6 in mine, that moter was given to me, after im out of school i think im going to build a carborated 350 cause mines a mud truck not a dd or even street legal so gas isnt a problem and parts are easy to find for the 350. As for the bumper go for it, since when were cherokees a fasion statment if the aluminum is strong enough who cares, good luck with the build and have fun with it

ocs1667

Keith I have the brain from the Chev, and plan at this time to make it all Chev to pass smog. I'm not the best on the wiring but have a very talented person helping, he says no sweat, will see.
Dennis

keith88xj

Sounds good to me!! Running the stock GM harness and computer is the way to go for sure, modyfing the GM harness to work in the xj should be pretty simple! Good luck with the build man and keep us updated

ocs1667

Has been awhile, but think I have all the main parts to begin the install. The motor mounts, headers from Novak, along with the rebuilt 4l60e trans, and the adapter from transmission to the transfer case.

I did not have the headers coated and their in need of a finish, was thinking of a high temperature paint, reason, I planed on wrapping them.

Since I'm using the 4.8 and have been advised not to mess with the motor mounts to force the install I'm thinking of a after market hood to absorb the additional height. Found a couple of sites and the prices are not out of sight, and hood would add to the look.

Will start taking pics. as soon as there is something to show.
Dennis

keith88xj

VHT makes a high temp header paint , its flat black i believe , i used it on the headers that i put on my 5.3 , its not that expensive and can be found at any auto parts store , good luck with the install man , cant wait to see some pics!!

ocs1667

I'm moving ahead but slowly, mainly my helper has other projects. and although I'm paying for his talent, and I knew this could happen, so I just suck it up and try to be patient.

Transmission will be ready I'm told this Wed.

Bumper is finished, powder coated crinkle Black.

Engine not in as yet, hopefully next week.

Have a question re. manual locking or auto locking hubs. I came across a manual hub from a 75 wagoneer. Have access to the auto one. What is the thinking out there re. the two of them. I know you have to get out and lock the hubs on the manual, where as the other you flip a switch. Maybe better gas millage with the manual? Any other thoughts would be appreciated.
Dennis

Mr.goodtime

i like manual because they dont break as easy and you dont have to worry about vacume lines

ocs1667

It's been slow going, but it looks like were finally moving ahead. The engine was installed for fitmet. The Novak mounts worked as advertised.

Picked up the rebuilt 4l60 4x4 trans. Sat.

Located a Chev. 1988 transfer case. I decided on this year model because there are no cables.

Looking at 4" lift any suggestions?

Purchased a 1988 Dana 44 Wagoneer front diff. It has locking hubs with disc brakes.



Engine is a little tall. Will cut hood and install cowl.


motor mount

SeriousOffroad

Somebody here sells lift kits....RE as a matter of fact.

Now who the heck was it....