318 Powered YJ

[scrambler013]

Ok all you engine swap guru's, here is a challenge for you(and me). I will be getting my hands on a 318 in short order here. What I need to know is this.
1) How hard will it be to put it in a 95 YJ
2) What transmissions will bolt up to it
3) What will I have to do to the suspension

That is what I need to know for now. I am not worried about the t-case issue. That will be resolved later. Now keep in mind that I want to put as many true to Jeep parts as I can. :D I hope I can get some good input here. TIA. By the way I want to keep it a manual transmission. :rock

[jeepv82000]

Well right off hand you can get the engine mount's from Advanced Adapters or Novak Conversions, I got mine from advance the Saddle mounts. But anyway if you want to swap a 318 I would recommend the Dakota Manual Tranny for the job, which the Dakota came out with a 318. Not too sure on the trans Mounts, I know I could make it work with a few bolt on's and weld's. Anyway a 318 is a nice swap. If it was me I would go with the Dakto Transmission.. :lol:

[scrambler013]

Thank you. What will I need to do to the front suspension? I am sure that the 318 is heavier than my 2.5. Also I should mention that the engine is from a 1981 Dodge Diplomat. I hope that doesn't cause trouble. I am not going to complain, the engine will be free!!! :D :D :D :D

[Joker®]

Scrambler, I've been researching this same swap for some time. In my case, the drive train is out of a totaled Dakota w/318 (5.2L) Magnum engine. I've boosted some info from this site http://www.nmy4x4.com/5.2LSwap.htm Good for ballpark figures and parts/adapter contacts.

I believe the '81 318 engine is carberated, so your computer issue will have to be worked out. The stock front leaf springs should be changed to a more HD truck spring, but I've seen 350 Chevy swaps that used a set of rear leaf (6-pack) springs from a YJ on the front. A rear axle upgrade with a lower R & P should be used also. I'd think a tranny swap is in order too.

I think it's a do-able swap, DC puts 5.2L engines in the Grand Cherokees. I think it'll work in a YJ too.

[scrambler013]

Thank you. I found that same site last night while searching around. I will just use the same PCM from the Diplomat. I think it will work. If not, well lets just say, I will just Jerry rig it. As for the front suspension, I may end up upgrading my susp to TJ style. I am going to put D44's front and rear to handle the power. So if I get some TJ axles or similar I will do that. As for the transmission, I want a 5 speed. I talked to a Jeep service manager today and he said the T5 won't be able to handle the power. So I may end up with a dodge trans in the YJ. Oh well, right now I am just researching the cost issue. If it isn't worth it I may not do it. I really want to though. :D :D :D :boing: :boing: :rock :nod:

[thejeepingoat]

well there is a couple T5s that could handle, one is the advanced adapters version, also called the "world class T5", which would run u a pretty penny or you get one out of a mustang gt....those were built to handle some ponies. I believe the T5 came out in some other vehicles with v8s as well. Did u want to keep the T5 bc thats what you had to begin with?
-goat

[scrambler013]

No I want the T5 bc I just like them. I have one in my Scrambler and I like the way they shift, and handle. I don't know why I just do. I didn't know there were beefed up T5's out there. Thanks for the info.

[thejeepingoat]

yah, i am also gonna "upgrade" to the T5, i have a T4, and i just want that overdrive, it would be nice.....good luck and let us know on what u decide...
-goat

[scrambler013]

I will most likely do the swap. I am still in the research stage though. I think it will end up being a good idea, considering the largest expence is going to be free(free engines are good). :D Now I just need the prices for the new axles, motor mounts, trans, t-case, drive shafts, and new suspension. I think I am going with the dana 300 t-case, but if I do that I will need a front axle with the diff on the passenger side, so that will be a challenge, but I like a good challenge. BTW no I won't put a flip kit in the Dana 300 t-case. Besides, I want to put a CJ dash in my YJ so this swap will make it easy, I think.

[thejeepingoat]

oh and just to clear it up, i meant a mid to late 80s 5.0 old school style mustang GT, i tripped out bc i was talking to a friend of mind who has had his mustang forever and has made a lot of money racing it, and he said that he broke the outputshaft(his engine is HEAVILY modified) and he said that he has a T5, anyways, once again good luck
-goat

[ErieJeep]

If you need a hand with anything let me know. I'm usually free during the evenings.

[scrambler013]

Cool Thanks. I will hopefully be starting in the early spring. I have access to a garage so I can work anytime. I will have the donor car this weekend hopefully. I have all my own tools so it is just a matter of doing it. If I need any help I will let you know, h311 I will probably let you know anyway just in case you want to help. Or if you want to know how hard it is to do. Working on Jeeps is fun! :D :rock I hope to start soon. :g

[scrambler013]

Oh boy, I just hope I don't get in over my head. I will have to buy a new NV4500 trans, and an Atlas t-case for it. I will also have to get the motor mounts, and driveshafts. I am looking at spending about 7000 bucks on the deal. I will be working soon(I hope) so I will be able to start putting money away to do the swap. I should be able to start soon. We are giving my father-in-law(from now on Dad2) the 92 XJ this weekend. I will have the Diplomat soon. I will need to pick up another engine stand and I will have to get my own engine hoist(cherry picker). Ok make that 8000 bucks. :lol: :lol: :lol:

This is going to be fun! :rock :boing: :rock :boing:

[LWB]

Oh boy, I just hope I don't get in over my head. I will have to buy a new NV4500 trans, and an Atlas t-case for it. I will also have to get the motor mounts, and driveshafts. I am looking at spending about 7000 bucks on the deal. If you're going to spend that much $$$ on a "free" 318, I would spend a couple hundred extra and get a 360. MUCH better torque, and you can probably find 1 with FI, too. I would just swap in a 999 (Dodge case, Jeep guts and tailshaft) with a YJ auto T/Case adapter and keep the 231 with a Tom Woods H/D SYE added for good measure.

[scrambler013]

The reason I am estimating 7k is because I am looking into getting a set of D44's from a TJ to slap under it. Or any D44. Add into that the coil spring conversion kit and an 8" rock ready suspension kit. That will be the whole meal deal. Not just the driveline. But thanks for the input.