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Chrysler 3.5 into 92 Laredo

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Old 07-09-2013, 09:32 PM
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Question Chrysler 3.5 into 92 Laredo

Question, I have a 92 Laredo that's running but knocking at just shy of 300,000. Also have a 1996 Chrysler Concord LXI that tried to run over a bull elk. 3.5l V6 runs great, elk was jumping and landed on the passenger side roof. Car drives very well and strong. So would the V6 3.5l fit the Jeep Laredo? both Chrysler products but... Just trying to keep the Jeep going till I can replace with newer Cherokee. Just use it to run around town now-a-days no off roading in the wheezing old guy.
Old 07-09-2013, 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by nutsnbolts24
Question, I have a 92 Laredo that's running but knocking at just shy of 300,000. Also have a 1996 Chrysler Concord LXI that tried to run over a bull elk. 3.5l V6 runs great, elk was jumping and landed on the passenger side roof. Car drives very well and strong. So would the V6 3.5l fit the Jeep Laredo? both Chrysler products but... Just trying to keep the Jeep going till I can replace with newer Cherokee. Just use it to run around town now-a-days no off roading in the wheezing old guy.

I cant answer your direct question as I have never heard of anyone doing that swap. Personally I would pul another 4.0 and put in your jeep. You could crush car and sell for scrap and cover the cost of pulling a jy donor motor. Would be much less of a headache in the long run.
Old 07-09-2013, 10:55 PM
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Wouldn't that be a front-wheel-drive vehicle? Which means the engine would be sideways in the engine bay compared to the jeep? Sorry bud, if it could happen, it would be a wasted effort...
Old 07-09-2013, 11:14 PM
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Anything is possible with enough time and effort. But to me, that wouldn't be worth it. You can get a 4.0 pretty cheap used, that wouldn't require any custom work, just bolt right in.
Old 07-10-2013, 04:29 AM
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Originally Posted by PocketsEmpty
Wouldn't that be a front-wheel-drive vehicle? Which means the engine would be sideways in the engine bay compared to the jeep? Sorry bud, if it could happen, it would be a wasted effort...
The Chrysler is front wheel drive but interestingly the engine, a V6 does NOT sit sideways.
Old 07-10-2013, 04:33 AM
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Originally Posted by kirknd4spd
Anything is possible with enough time and effort. But to me, that wouldn't be worth it. You can get a 4.0 pretty cheap used, that wouldn't require any custom work, just bolt right in.
True but aren't the custom jobs the funnest? If I had a spare vehicle to drive I'd probably have it tore apart, can't afford another though so have to wait.
Old 07-10-2013, 04:37 AM
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I think I'll have to find time to pull it and figure out how it hooks to currant trans... almost looks like chain or belt cover back there?
Old 07-10-2013, 04:46 AM
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Originally Posted by nutsnbolts24
True but aren't the custom jobs the funnest? If I had a spare vehicle to drive I'd probably have it tore apart, can't afford another though so have to wait.
Yeah, but if I was going to go through that much trouble swapping engines, I'd be dropping a small block GM V8 in it...which would still probably be an easier swap than that little V6

If its what you really want to do, go for it. Its going to take a lot of work, probably have to fab your own mounts, etc. Just not a swap I would consider.

Last edited by kirknd4spd; 07-10-2013 at 04:48 AM.
Old 07-10-2013, 08:11 AM
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Is the jeep 4x4? How would you bolt up a transfer case to that?
Old 07-10-2013, 08:23 AM
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Won't work, don't even try it. The 4.0 transmission won't bolt up to it, and a bunch of other stuff will not fit too. The 3.5 is a pretty good engine in a car, but it would suck in a Jeep.
Old 07-10-2013, 12:36 PM
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I personally LOVE the 3.5 engine. I had one in a 97 Intrepid that for what it was, a big old honkin granny car, it was pretty quick. it would bury the 120mph speedometer in roughly 3/8 of a mile.

I want to build a trail buggy with the HO version of the 3.5, which puts out 240-250 HP. the engine/transmission setup, IMO, is perfect for a buggy.

as for putting it in a XJ, i'm sure with enough will power, you could con someone into building an adapter to mate the 4.0 transmission to the 3.5 engine. Then it would be a matter of having the 3.5 flexplate drilled for the 4.0 torque converter, possible starter mounting issues (if the starter bolts to the 3.5 bellhousing instead of the engine), engine mounts, exhaust, and a wiring nightmare...

I vote for going for it!
Old 07-10-2013, 05:08 PM
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Originally Posted by DougyFresh
I personally LOVE the 3.5 engine. I had one in a 97 Intrepid that for what it was, a big old honkin granny car, it was pretty quick. it would bury the 120mph speedometer in roughly 3/8 of a mile.

I want to build a trail buggy with the HO version of the 3.5, which puts out 240-250 HP. the engine/transmission setup, IMO, is perfect for a buggy.

as for putting it in a XJ, i'm sure with enough will power, you could con someone into building an adapter to mate the 4.0 transmission to the 3.5 engine. Then it would be a matter of having the 3.5 flexplate drilled for the 4.0 torque converter, possible starter mounting issues (if the starter bolts to the 3.5 bellhousing instead of the engine), engine mounts, exhaust, and a wiring nightmare...

I vote for going for it!
You love yo see a guy suffer, don't you.
Old 07-10-2013, 06:22 PM
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more horsepower, nearly same torque, and probably get better gas mileage... I don't see what he has to lose, especially if he were to get a cheap daily driver to get him through the project
Old 07-10-2013, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by DougyFresh
more horsepower, nearly same torque, and probably get better gas mileage... I don't see what he has to lose, especially if he were to get a cheap daily driver to get him through the project
Yes more power but way up in the rpm range. For offroad vehicles you want low end torque.
Old 07-20-2013, 06:06 PM
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About to buy a 98 Grand Cherokee but still may do the swap just for the fun of it. For a 99% on road Jeep it would be an interesting and I believe in the end usable vehicle and as I have both vehicles just sitting here...


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