Cummins in a FS Cherokee

[Navajo]

Will a '91 Cummins turdo diesel fit in my 1980 FS Cherokee? I think we can make it fit. My boss stuck a 350 in a downsized Cherokee, so I think we can handle it. Just wanted everyones opinions.

[Lindel]

I think it's too long, by about 3 to 4 inches. That's just eyeballing it, but the Navistar power stroke looks like it would fit, just fine. So will the 6.5 Chevy's (the later editions, that is)

[Sgt. Dave]

A G.M. 6.5 uses the same mounts as the gas engine. Use a late model(2000 or later)6.5 if you want the strongest bottom end. The 93 or earlier injection setup is mechanical, no computer needed.

In the Cummins, the best bet would be the 4BT instrad of the 6BT. Most of the 4BT engines you find are hooked to a GM TH400. Very common in delivery trucks.

[Stolen76]

I'll second Sgt Dave's idea. If you go with a 4bt instead of the 6bt you aren't giving up much. It's a 48 state legal engine, but the emissions laws are different between truck and car, so they have a decent amount of power. They will also accept most of the upgrades that the dodge diesel (6bt) will take. The engine is much lighter, weighs in around the same as a 360 and has the same torque as a 360 unless upgraded.

[mechanic58]

That's a good question...but I bet a 6V53 Detroit would....that'd be neat....especially with no mufflers. (lol)

[Shake N Bake]

It is do-able, there is a M715'er here on the board who has done it.

I laid it out in my engine compartment, and I couldn't find a realistic way to do it (relocating the rad to the tailgate was about the best bet)

With some slimline electric fans, and some serious 'clearancing' of the firewall <read that as beat a big a$$ dent into the firewall> It would probably fit.

Ok, so it might fit... What next? Well you'd need a whole new drivetrain (axles, transmission, transfercase) (don't forget all those related parts like shifters electrics, driveshafts etc)

Then there's an issue of making the truck handle the torque, well you'd need a MUCH stonger front axle for sure (probably a D50 at least, D60s are easier to find) Heavier front springs. Then there's that whole issue of the frame... Do you think it can handle the torque provided by that engine? What about the torque AND the extra weight of the engine/tranny/tcase front axle, heavier front springs (that you WILL need)

It can be done, but its definitely not a small project...

Andy

[243]

You will need at least a D60 in front and new springs at a minimum...my 99 Dodge with the 24V ISB put 4300 pounds on the front two tires.

[FSJeeper]

The Cummins 6BT fits like a champ in a FSJ. No problems. I have PICS of one swap if you want. The Cummins is a superior deisel engine, but it weighs twice as much as a detroit allision that GM uses.
I went with a built 6.2, but i love the cummins.

Depending on what you are you using your FSJ for, will decide the engine of choice. If you are mostly on road, I vote the Cummins.

[Waggie82lim]

email me pics of this pleas [email protected]

[gsmikie]

the cummings is 3 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet i put one in a step van and that is the room i had to have

[243]

FSJeeper~

Navajo needs the full story...the Cummins 6 cylinder is to heavy for Cherokee or Wagoneer unless the suspension is beefed up.

Dependending on which source is used, the Cummins weighs at least 950 and up to 1020 lbs, add the NV4500 and you have an additional 250 lbs. Then add oil, tranny fluid and coolant...

The M715 is not the same beast as a Wagoneer or Cherokee.

[ August 01, 2002, 04:41 AM: Message edited by: 243 ]

[Lindel]

M-715 is to Wagoneers, Cherokees, J-trucks, as FSJ's are to Station Wagons. They're kind of a "Super Duty" FSJ, in terms of weight capacity, etc.

They share some body panels, and that's almost as far as it goes. The floor pans are completely different, which goes a long way in making the M-715 a good candidate for engine swaps, etc.

[oldyellowwagoneer]

Originally posted by Matt Workman:
That's a good question...but I bet a 6V53 Detroit would....that'd be neat....especially with no mufflers. (lol)

YEA,BABY!!! lets not forget the high rev kit!!
For those who don't know this is one LOUD engine and since its a 2-stroke it fires every cylinder on every stroke. With straight pipes out the hood and low light watch the flames!!! DENNIS

[Kris]

Originally posted by Shake N Bake:
It is do-able, there is a M715'er here on the board who has done it.
Andy

That is "CumminsPower715" (Tom), he is a friend of mine.

We had put his 715 and my Wagoneer next to each other and could find little or no difference in the frames of these vehicles - believe it or not.

The Cummins is about the same length as a 258, he gave the cab a 1" body lift to clear the intake and get a thinner (but more efficent) radiator.

As to the frames, his was boxed from the front to just past the cab, just like my 89', then open channel (c-channel) the rest of the way back just like my 89'. All mounting holes for steering - same. Even the shock mounts were interchangable. the only difference we found was the front frame horns (bumper mounts) were considerably longer, but obviously added on to the stock ones.

Yes you will need a d60 front and d60/d70/14b rear and a suitable transmission, Tom went with a NV4500.

I will give him a call tonight and see if he will add to this. He does'nt check here very often.

kris.

[FSJeeper]

The civilian FSJ's actually have more room under the floor pan and at the firewall. 74 and later FSJ frames are superior to the M715 frames which crack when pushed hard. Later frames are stronger and flex better.

This is not a hard swap.

I have pics of the nicest M715 on the road with the Cummins swap if someone wants to post them. he went with a Dana 70 front and Dana 80 rear on his.