Build Thread 1983 CJ7 Mercedes Turbo Diesel Conversion

[mtnwhlr]

Well then like I said good score

 

[DieselCJ]

Thanks

Had to get a project rig for dad. Can't replace the CJ though!

EDIT:

The CJ is getting around 20MPG. I drive it 8 miles both ways to school, and it rarely fully warms up. Should see better MPG's the longer I keep tweaking it, and fixing little things.

 

[Bowbender]

You are a talented young man! I look forward to seeing the progress.

 

[DieselCJ]

Update:

Took a long trip in the jeep, averaged 22.5MPG. This included running in 3rd at 55 mph, and some 4x4 hi use on road.

VERY pleased

 

[007]

I have a good running 1985 GMC 5.7 Diesel in my pickup that I've often considered putting in my CJ7 . There's nothing at all wrong with my AMC 304 , but I'm a diesel fan as well. This one is the DX block with the roller lifters and better main and head bolts/studs.

Problem is then I'd have a truck with no engine... Perhaps if/when my AMC 304 gets weak I'll find a donor diesel for the Jeep.

 

[DieselCJ]

It sure is tempting! I can guarantee it would be cool!

 

[DieselCJ]

Bumper works!

 

[Trucklocker]

Nice setup with the diesel in the CJ. I am also a big diesel fan. You've done a nice job on this so far, and that particular diesel has got to be a good choice for a Jeep. From here, it appears to be about the right size and weight. Hard to beat the mileage, too. Makes for a decent range, I'm sure.

 

[Petescj]

A deisel Cj so you can tow more projects home with it? Its like that old Guiness commercial "BRILLIANT"

Plans for the old Bronco are ?????

 

[DieselCJ]

So far I'm in love with the engine. I kept the AC compressor and I'll be putting on board air on it sometime. But for now I'm just ironing out all the bugs.

The plans for the bronco are to just bring it back to stock and use it to cruise. Who knows, maybe I'll drop a diesel in that too!

I wish my mom shared the enthusiasm of another old 4x4 project being brought home.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I wish my mom shared the enthusiasm of another old 4x4 project being brought home.

You will find that most women don't understand. If it's not your Mom it's your wife.

 

[alpha6]

You will find that most women don't understand. If it's not your Mom it's your wife.

Yep, it's just one of those things of nature...no one knows why.

 

[JAG811]

You will find that most women don't understand. If it's not your Mom it's your wife.

Bah ha ha ha - He's young !!
Women are looked at a little differently when your 18
We all learn these lessons in time ...

Keep the pics coming please DieselCJ

 

[DieselCJ]

Great! Looks like I have something to not look forward to haha

I really need to regear this thing to 4.10's, which will mean I'll need new carriers front and back also. I've got the AMC20 and Dana 30 , and it'd also be nice to have a locker in the rear and a lunchbox in the front. Let me know if you or someone you know has any of this stuff SUPER cheap.

I've been wheeling the CJ in the snow we got here! Got it buried twice in snow piles I tried to climb over.

 

[DieselCJ]

Here's some pics of the early stages of the build (and also warmer weather)

When I literally bolted the axles under the frame, and set the body on the frame, bolted the fenders on and set the hood and grill on it. It was the night I got back from my first driving experience with a Jeep. Got to drive a 2000 TJ with 33's, topless, doorless and with my gf next to me Right then and there I had the Jeep bug

 

[alpha6]

Again...that is really impressive.

 

[DieselCJ]

Thanks!

Got a Mojave heater for christmas, and finished installing it today! Finally have some heat! I'll post pics tomorrow

 

[mtnwhlr]

Does a header really help on a diesel?

 

[DieselCJ]

No, those pics are of my AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l before I pulled it out. My AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l had an offy intake, holley 4 brl, and those mystery headers. Those are really old pics of the build before I decided to go the diesel route.

I forgot to add that I picked up some 4.56 gears for my AMC20 for $60 on craigslist. They look to be in great shape! The carrier they came with is welded up, and I don't think I can grind it apart, so I'll need to find another carrier for the rear. Looking for 4.56 gears and carrier for the front now!

 

[poppatello]

I have to say, a Mercedes diesel in a jeep isn't anything new. For an 18 year old young buck to attempt it might be. I'm still considering it myself. I have a 4 banger in mine now running 354 gears with 35" tires. Yes try that one. I was looking for a 4bt for the longest time but just can't find any in the price range I want. I saw a fella in my jeep club install a Mercedes diesel in his Yj this past few months as well. Got me thinking again.

Wife isn't to happy about it since I purchased a rebuilt AMC 304 over the summer. Hasn't been installed yet. Maybe there is a reason for that in the back of my mind that hasn't surfaced yet.

Anyhow, great work, good luck with it. You may want to consider replacing the T-4 as well. I plan on it myself. I've purchased a T-18 and can't wait to install it with the new engine...