69 jeep gladiator
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Model: Cherokee
69 jeep gladiator
So i am looking at buying a 69 Gladiator. Seller knows almost nothing about the vehicle. Other then it needs help. So it is a amc 304, t98, dana 20.
I have a very well running 1990 4.0, aw4, np242. Whats this swap going to look like. Hassle from the devil, minor fab, or bolts right on.
Any advice?
I have a very well running 1990 4.0, aw4, np242. Whats this swap going to look like. Hassle from the devil, minor fab, or bolts right on.
Any advice?
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 18
From: Florida
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: Golen 4.6L
This doesn't sound quite right. IIRC, AMC didn't have the 304 until 1970 and didn't put it in the Gladiator until 1971. A V8-powered 1969 Gladiator would have had a Buick 350 in it. If it's a 304, it should have "304" or "5.0L" cast into the block underneath the passenger side motor mount.
And when you call it a Gladiator, you do mean it's a pickup truck, correct?
Quite a few people have swapped 4.0Ls into older SJ platform vehicles. From what I've read, one major issue is that the intake manifold on the 4.0L doesn't clear the stock brake booster without either a body lift or a hydroboost conversion. I'm not certain, but I suspect you'll also need to make motor mounts or adapters. And keep in mind also that you'll have to swap the wiring harness over and adapt it to the Gladiator as well.
You'll get much better answers to your questions on IFSJA.org or FSJNetwork.com. A quick Google search restricted to IFSJA.org resulted in dozens of pages of links to threads talking about the swap:
site:ifsja.org 4.0L swap
All that said, I'm wondering if you'll really be happy with such a swap. Any of the old V8s will have more power and torque than a stock 4.0L. You would probably notice the lack of power, because FSJs are heavier than XJs. If you're just looking for modern fuel injection, Holly and FITech have both introduced really nice throttle body injection systems. I realize the motor you have is "free" since you already have it, but it seems a shame to downgrade a classic like that.
And when you call it a Gladiator, you do mean it's a pickup truck, correct?
Quite a few people have swapped 4.0Ls into older SJ platform vehicles. From what I've read, one major issue is that the intake manifold on the 4.0L doesn't clear the stock brake booster without either a body lift or a hydroboost conversion. I'm not certain, but I suspect you'll also need to make motor mounts or adapters. And keep in mind also that you'll have to swap the wiring harness over and adapt it to the Gladiator as well.
You'll get much better answers to your questions on IFSJA.org or FSJNetwork.com. A quick Google search restricted to IFSJA.org resulted in dozens of pages of links to threads talking about the swap:
site:ifsja.org 4.0L swap
All that said, I'm wondering if you'll really be happy with such a swap. Any of the old V8s will have more power and torque than a stock 4.0L. You would probably notice the lack of power, because FSJs are heavier than XJs. If you're just looking for modern fuel injection, Holly and FITech have both introduced really nice throttle body injection systems. I realize the motor you have is "free" since you already have it, but it seems a shame to downgrade a classic like that.