Jeep Cherokee diesel conversion 4x4

1993 Jeep cherokee with a 1985 Mercedes Benz 300SD engine installed. Using the factory Ax-15 transmission and 231 t-case. Power is very similar to the Jeep's original 4.0L gas motor.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Jeep
• 4x4
• diesel conversion
• cherokee offroad

[2020bmxrider]

im just a tad curios to why someone would do this i understand to run off bio-deisel and i love a diesale just as much than the next guy but from a proformance aspect you would suffer a loss of 38 horses and 49 lb-ft i mean yes getting 26 mpg but i could prob easly improve my mph with out the engine swap by improving the air intake and make the fual lines alot cooler i think dieslis belong in trucks not jeeps and if u found one there is a diesle in italy that had some 230 ft-lbs and 140 hp

[wfoote10]

@2020bmxrider

There are many reasons to perform a conversion like this. Most of which are going to be specific to the individuals needs. I have owned several Jeep vehicles with 2.5L's and 4.0L's all were 4x4 and none could break 21mpg(add a trailer to the equation and were talking between 12-15mpg, depending on the trailer). As for a mid to high 20's mpg cherokee with either gas motors equipped with 4x4 I just don't know? Keep in mind the energy density of diesel is greater than gasoline.

[wfoote10]

The lift is 3.5" the engine makes roughly 135hp and 175lbf torque i think... It currently has 3.55 gears and 235/75/15's I would like to go to at least a 3.73 gear or better yet 4.10's I don't drive faster than 70mph so I;m not worried about over running the diesel. So far the conversion has 4500 miles on it and is awesome. I will post a new video showing the a/c installation as well as the vegetable oil setup! averaging around 24-26mpg city/highway towing my boat brings it down to 20mpg

[SakoTGrimes]

@2020bmxrider The largest drop in power will never outweigh the gain simply by having a Diesel engine. Give me a 40hp Diesel Isuzu over a 600hp Chevy any day.

[bluestudio67]

@TylerNoelify yep. But, the 6bt is one heck of a heavy engine. Not sure I'd put it in the Jeep, just for off-road balance. but, the 4bt is a great choice, I think..... sounds good to me! Still, that merc 5cyl is an incredible engine. The 300d's last forever. Longer than this ol' boy has to live. But, I ain't got long to go either, unfortunately. :( Now I just do a lot of dreaming....

[bluestudio67]

@wfoote10 Not only that, but the merc 5-cyl diesel is one helluva reliable motor. Maybe not the fastest, but it'll run for 400,000 miles with just oil and filter changes. Wise engine choice, I think. Very wise. Nice set-up... wish it was mine. :) Good job!

[jaxonthorax]

@wfoote10 I must be the millioneth person, but hey, I made a youtube account just to ask you this: how did you retain the manual tranny? Because I was going to find a mercedes 4 matic or a divorced transfer when I swap mine into a Grand Cherokee. Any help much appreciated, I will even post a video when I do it in the coming months. :)

[ken72223]

who makes the adapter plate for the transmission I am doing this to a 59 cj5 with a t-90 transmission???

[TylerNoelify]

@2020bmxrider the cummins 4bt has 130 horsepower and 330 foot pounds of torque......and the cummins 6bt has 140 horsepower and 420 foot pounds of torque and both engines would either get better or around the same milage

[mooseoftoose]

Did you use the adapter plate for the AX15 sold on that diesel offroad site? Ive been looking into this swap too. What did you end up using for motor mounts?

[jakobtroykendall8]

@2020bmxrider Spell check

[jfelz3]

love the 4.0 great motor, but what a good idea. 4bt is a more comon approach what fueled the idea for a mercedes. did you have one layin around? are you on any forums would love to see a write up on this