Z-Man

Hello all, this is my first thread ever Haha, bear with me. My name is Zed, I own a 1995 jeep zj, 4.0 quadra-trac, limited, fully loaded. I recently purchased a complete, running 97 zj with a 5.2, which is also quadra-trac. Obviously I would like to swap the v8 into my 95, and since I have never done a swap before I figured I should get as much info as possible first. I have done a lot of work on many different vehicles and in my opinion I am very competent mechanically. My vision for this jeep is more of a street rod than an off-road rig (I know , I know) and I have currently put HID's in it, as well as a billet grille, crystal cut headlights, clear side marker lights, and LED tail lights. What I would like to know is:

- how straightforward is the swap?

- aside from a new coolant system and motor mounts, what else is required to complete the swap?

- is it possible to get rid of the quadra trac in favor of a purely 2wd jeep w/o a tcase?

- what rear axle ratio is best for the 5.2?

OverlandZJ

I'd imagine thats a ton of work..

Your swapping just about everything, engine, trans, all the wiring harness, computers, and you need to consider it's all OBDII going into an OBDI chassis. I know that Grand 6 to V8 swaps have been done, but i dont recall any with the added diagmnostics swap as well.

I would imagine it would be easier to swap the parts you want off the earlier Jeep to the V8 chassis.. as long as it's somewhat solid. You'll get the added benefit of the updated interior and such.

I'd do a search at jeepforum.com. Those guys over there may have more definitive info, and if it's been done i'm sure you'll find a link.

ol"blue

Welcome to CF Zed.
I'd install the complete wiring from the '97 into the '95. Everything for the engine is different, so switching everything would be easier to me. JMO
The 6 cyl. trans won't bolt to the V8. You can get a 2WD V8 trans, driveshaft, and 2WD front axle, and eliminate the 4WD parts.
The '97 should have the D44a (aluminum center section) rear axle with either 3.55 or 3.73 gears w/tow package. The '95 should have the D35 rear axle.

Z-Man

Thanks guys, one thing I did forget to mention was that my plan at this point is in fact, to remove the entire motor, transmission, tcase assembly, with the wiring. After I clean out the 95's engine bay, fab up mounts, and drop it in. Of course I would have to swap axles as well, but can I get away with only swapping the rear axle? The priority right now is getting the v8 in... put it down to whatever you like, but for certain reasons I can't sell the 95, hence why this work is being considered and planned, because I'm stuckwith the thing lol

ol"blue

Ratio possibly different but both front axles are D30s.
You can swap only the rear axle if:
1. You use a 2WD trans. with the '95s front axle not connected;
2. You use the '95's front axle for 4WD if it has the same ratio;
Just my opinions of course.

Z-Man

Okay I see. Assuming I drop the 249 tcase, can I still use the um, ax-15? ( I'm not sure what tranny is on the v8) to do the 2wd conversion?

ol"blue

The AX15 was the 5-spd. Your '97 5.2 has the short shaft 42RE trans with it since it bolts to the t-case. You'd need a 2WD trans. I believe both the 5.2L V8 Jeep and Dodge pick up 2WD transmissions will work.

Z-Man

excellent. im gonna warn you guys, im full of questions. my next would be:
- due to the different computers in the jeeps, ( obdii and obdi) would all of my interior functions still work, including the onboard computer that displays my mileage and such? as well, would the swap be turn key and will all of my harnesses be compatible with this v8?

ol"blue

I can't say. That's why I suggested switching all of the wiring. It might not be necessary but there were some differences between some years.
Here's something with the wiring diagrams, locations of connectors, and splices for the ZJ but it doesn't say what year it's for. >->Jeep ZJ Wiring diagrams
It might be helpful. Or not.

Z-Man

okay when you say you recommend that i swap all the wiring, do you mean just the wiring in the engine bay to do with the powertrain, or do you mean something else? i just wanted to get that really clear..

ol"blue

If it were me doing it I'd switch the engine compartment wiring, and the rest of it too if it was different. You've got the '97 there so you have it all and can see where it goes.
My OCD gets me in trouble some times, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.