Post edited 3:40 pm – December 20, 2011 by 97tjeff

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so, I'm new to the area……and I have a 97 TJ with a 2.5l and an ax-5.  I'm going to do a 4.0/32rh swap, but I have no access to a welder.

Would anyone be willing to:

a) weld the new motor mounts into place (i'd pay you to do it), or

b) reccomend where I can get a good, solid, straight 97-02 frame (not from davey's), or

c) reccomend a good shop in the area that wouldn't charge me an arm and a leg?

 

much appreciated!

 

Jeep specs:  1997tj with 4" lift, RC monster flex arms, 35" mt/rs, locked f/r, etc…

While I appreciate the advice, I'm going for drivability. My 4 banger is great off road, I drive my jeep from trail to trail. The 6 will make it much more easy on the street. Just my thought. I love the 4 banger every time I drive the jeep except when I have to get on the 290…..

Tony M said:

Go for it then.  I'm just relaying my experience because I too was once in your shoes.  If you can't weld (hence the name of this post) it will be very difficult and expensive for a fabricator to just weld in motor mounts.  You usually have to take the motor in and out of the engine bay a few times just to get the clerances right.  I have done that. 

You have to make sure you leave room for the radiator but aren't too close to the firewall.  Set the motor too low and it hits the front axle and causes steering problems, too high and your hood won't close.  Not to mention header clearances, driveline angle, then trying to get the computer to work, and if your lucky your gages will work without too much effort.  

I guess what I'm getting at is; there is no cheap and easy way to do it.  Thats why most people just sell their 4 banger and by a Jeep with the 6 already in it, then swap over all the aftermarket parts. 

BTW:  There are many V8 conversions that are very streetable, even more so then from the factory.  They just cost a lot.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.  I have built a few Jeeps and even helped out on a swap similar to what you're doing.

For the Frame:  If you have money check out Throttle Down Kustoms.  Thats going to be the next frame I buy.  Otherwise just keep an eye out on Craigslist or Jeepforum.

 

They all take time and money, spend it where you have too.  Oh…… and take pictures

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Good advice – I'd like to just get a TJ frame from a 4.0 and swap everything over, because that would be the easiest.  the motor and tranny i'm getting for a song, so cost isn't a HUGE issue at this point (but we know how that goes).  I'll check out Throttle down, thanks for the head's up.

 

BTW – small world, I grew up just outside grand rapids – the GF has family out by cedar springs, too.