Jeep Newb

[O1LL1F3]

My uncle had what i can only assume to be a CJ5 Renegade when i was growing up. First time out on the open rode with no doors and i was in love. Have looked at several over the years but never wanted to pay the ridiculous "IMO" prices.

Wasn't in the market for a jeep right now, until my supervisor showed me a picture of this 85 CJ7 that he was trying to sell. When he told me what he was asking for it, it was a no brainer to me. The fact that it ran was even a plus. He told me it was a 93 YJ. No clue where he got his information when the title clearly stated 85 CJ7 . SO when i found out what i was really getting, it made it that much better.

The Jeep has been converted to a Merc OM617 diesel. Where i stuggle is knowing what is OEM and what has been added. I am smart enough to know that the engine components are not OEM.

Anyways i have had it about 3 months now and wife and kids are loving it. I got alot of learning up to do! I am mechanically inclined but i don't know much at all about diesel engines.

 

[gert]

Welcome aboard, that’s definitely a different engine combo than I’m used to hearing about lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[squishware]

Welcome. I had a W123 Mercedes for a few years that I did all the work on and this forum was *very* helpful.
W123 E,CE,D,CD,TD,TE Class - Mercedes-Benz Forum
Good Luck with her, I always wanted to put a om617 in a Jeep.

 

[JeffP]

Silly me, I thought Iknew it all but yesterday was the first I ever heard of a diesel in a CJ. Awesome idea and I didn’t even need to think about it.
Seems like the perfect engine for a CJ!
Welcome... hope you like it here!
I’ve learned more the past week than I have in years because of the guys here.
Oh yeah... thanks guys!

 

[O1LL1F3]

Welcome aboard, that’s definitely a different engine combo than I’m used to hearing about lol


So far there have been ups and downs. There is room for improvement. I feel a V8 in my future once i give the wife time to forget about me buying it.

 

[O1LL1F3]

Silly me, I thought Iknew it all but yesterday was the first I ever heard of a diesel in a CJ. Awesome idea and I didn’t even need to think about it.
Seems like the perfect engine for a CJ!
Welcome... hope you like it here!
I’ve learned more the past week than I have in years because of the guys here.
Oh yeah... thanks guys!

It was a first for me until i heard about this one.

 

[O1LL1F3]

Welcome. I had a W123 Mercedes for a few years that I did all the work on and this forum was *very* helpful.
W123 E,CE,D,CD,TD,TE Class - Mercedes-Benz Forum
Good Luck with her, I always wanted to put a om617 in a Jeep.

Thanks for the link

 

[JeffP]

Welcome aboard, that’s definitely a different engine combo than I’m used to hearing about lol


So far there have been ups and downs. There is room for improvement. I feel a V8 in my future once i give the wife time to forget about me buying it.

I have several Jeeps, from antiuqe 4 cyl, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l -6 and of course a few AMC 304 V8s. Other than bragging rights, I really don’t see the advantage of the AMC 304 over the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l straight six. HP & torque is nearly the same and the I6 has proven itself to be a reliable workhorse for decades.
I have the Offenhouser 4v intake on mine with a 500cfm Edelbrock (Weber) carb, headers and MSD ignition. Driving a T-18 , Dana 20 with 4.27 gears it has taken me EVERYWHERE I had a mind to go to... and back!
My point is... don’t go to a V8 just assuming it’s better without actual research first.
When I’m done doing favors for everyone else on the planet my next build... for myself will have a Ford 351w, running on LPG. Hahaha! Like I’ll ever be done doing favors. Well at least I have all the parts, just need time to put them together.

 

[O1LL1F3]

My point is... don’t go to a V8 just assuming it’s better without actual research first.

So my thoughts are availability. I know i can find a 350 just about anywhere, or buy a crate engine. I will already have to redo engine mounts, and last but not least. Who doesn't love the sound of a V8?

 

[JeffP]

So my thoughts are availability. I know i can find a 350 just about anywhere, or buy a crate engine. I will already have to redo engine mounts, and last but not least. Who doesn't love the sound of a V8?

I’m not a fan of crate engines. I’ve seen poor quality workmanship even in factory engines.
Having said that, most would be astonished what a bone stock engine will do and how long it lasts with precision machining, balancing and proper assembly.
As far as assembly & attention to detail, there is absolutely no difference between a racing engine and stock one. I won’t build one any other way! It’s a waste of time, parts & money. Not to mention years worth of a solid reputation.
There is a machine shop in Glendale, AZ that I’ve been going to since the sixties. The owner recently retired but still does work for me. Some might be as good, but I’ve never seen better.
He does the magic, I assemble them and take all the credit. Pretty good relationship if you ask me!
I lost count years ago how many engines he’s done for me but I have yet to see the slightest mistake.
When he quits completely, I might be done as well.