Well now I’m developing the project vehicle itch.

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HoLeChit

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I think part of it is that I’m wanting to tinker and stuff, I have a good amount of free time on my hands when I’m taking a break from everything else, and need something productive to do.
So here’s my idea. I want something fun, simple, 2 doors, 4x4, manual transmission, and preferably something I can take the doors/top off of. Kind of an around the town fun vehicle combined with a off-road adventure/hunting/fishing vehicle. Initially I thought of a Suzuki Samurai. I’ve always loved them. But man, they’re up to jeep prices now, and in worse shape with way fewer of them in circulation. Also, with a max towing capacity of 1000lbs, and a 80” wheelbase, towing my 5x10, 1400ish pound camper that I’m in the planning stages on would be out of the question. Just the frame, axles, tires, and plywood would put me over that limit.
So, the obvious choice: a jeep. But I dislike the new ones both due to mechanical reliability, lack of simplicity, and price. BUT, a CJ7 fits all my requirements, has a better aftermarket (I think), and likely is a much safer platform to tow my little camper.
Thoughts? Anyone know of some good sources for parts/finding a decent CJ7?

next thing: I want to drop a diesel into it. I’m a fan of the 4BT to be honest. Backed by an NV4500. My guess is the best luck I will have is finding a bread truck. So I’m guessing that I’m looking for a graveyard/junk yard/whatever for UPS, FedEx, Wonderbread, Frito Lay, and other “bread trucks”. Really I’m just looking for a Cummins 4BT on the cheap. It can come out of a vibrator roller for all I care. Any ideas on graveyards for such vehicles or equipment in OK?
 

Glocktogo

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I've always wanted to build a lightweight Jeep. All aluminum body and perhaps a V6 with aluminum block & heads, then back it with at least a 6 speed trans. That way it would get decent mileage for what it is, and as long as you don't drive so fast the brick-like aerodynamics work against you. LOL
 

Roy14

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I’m a Cummins guy through and through. There are other good diesel options, but the 4BT, 6BT, and Big Cam 855 are motors that outdo all other diesels in their class. Bar none, end of conversation. But for a “compact” vehicle swap, after a lot of research on the topic for my own interests, I have to give my .02.

A 4BT, though an excellent engine, would lack real world application in a Jeep sized vehicle. Much too heavy... look the specs up, comparing to a same displacement gas engine, the weight just takes it out of consideration for me. Even in 6BT 1 ton pickup swaps, going into trucks made in the early 90s or earlier, people are having to box the frame to keep from causing damage. Also, the 4BT has become REALLY pricey lately, and unless you find a deal, you’ll pay more than you would for a 6BT, and there’s way less aftermarket swap support. The slight increase over a 6BT in MPG is overshadowed by the lack of power that it has compared to its big brother. They were great in industrial settings, being the power plant of most 90s Case equipment and outshining all competitors in cheap power, reliability, and longevity; their use for vehicle swaps just doesn’t impress me the way the 6BT does. For an engine bay too small to handle the 5.9, usually the frame and size of that vehicle will be in a class where a small, lightweight inline 6 gas burner would be a much more appropriate, if not simply safer and more reliable solution.

You’ll be hard pressed to beat the 4.0 6 cylinder Jeep made. Plenty of 350 swaps out there doing great but I’d still rather have the 4.0. The Ford 300 and Yota 2JZ are also exemplary inline 6 gasoline motors, but Jeeps 4.0 has a great reputation for a reason.
 

HoLeChit

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I’m a Cummins guy through and through. There are other good diesel options, but the 4BT, 6BT, and Big Cam 855 are motors that outdo all other diesels in their class. Bar none, end of conversation. But for a “compact” vehicle swap, after a lot of research on the topic for my own interests, I have to give my .02.

A 4BT, though an excellent engine, would lack real world application in a Jeep sized vehicle. Much too heavy... look the specs up, comparing to a same displacement gas engine, the weight just takes it out of consideration for me. Even in 6BT 1 ton pickup swaps, going into trucks made in the early 90s or earlier, people are having to box the frame to keep from causing damage. Also, the 4BT has become REALLY pricey lately, and unless you find a deal, you’ll pay more than you would for a 6BT, and there’s way less aftermarket swap support. The slight increase over a 6BT in MPG is overshadowed by the lack of power that it has compared to its big brother. They were great in industrial settings, being the power plant of most 90s Case equipment and outshining all competitors in cheap power, reliability, and longevity; their use for vehicle swaps just doesn’t impress me the way the 6BT does. For an engine bay too small to handle the 5.9, usually the frame and size of that vehicle will be in a class where a small, lightweight inline 6 gas burner would be a much more appropriate, if not simply safer and more reliable solution.

You’ll be hard pressed to beat the 4.0 6 cylinder Jeep made. Plenty of 350 swaps out there doing great but I’d still rather have the 4.0. The Ford 300 and Yota 2JZ are also exemplary inline 6 gasoline motors, but Jeeps 4.0 has a great reputation for a reason.
From what I have read, I have found that:
Stock 4.2+t5 tranny: 565lbs
4bt-750-800lbs+163lbs for NV4500.
So we’re looking at adding 400lbs putting the 4BT combo in.
From what I have read I can upgrade the turbo, intake, intercooler, and turn up the fuel a little and be sitting at 200 reliable horsepower and tons of torque, while looking at a top speed in the upper 70s and getting 25-35mpg. I just don’t see that happening with any other power plant, at least gasoline powered. The 6bt to my understanding is too long to fit, and adds a ton more weight. I can also rebuild the Cummins easily and with confidence, with the tools I already have. The simplicity of the swap is appealing too. Linkage, hydro boost, and a fuel shutoff wire, as opposed to a computer and stuff with a vortec 4.3 or something like that. A 350 would just be less power, more noise, and less fuel economy
Yeah, there’s a significant weight increase there. Prior to leaving the trade, diesels were life for me too. I don’t know squat about carbs or distributors really.

I am concerned about price, those used 4BTs are going for performance crate motor prices. But I figure if I could find a deal on one, it might be worth it. I do like the jeep i6 motors, and would definitely keep it in the truck til it died, but the thought of an efficient diesel in there keeps getting stuck in my head.
 

HoLeChit

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I've always wanted to build a lightweight Jeep. All aluminum body and perhaps a V6 with aluminum block & heads, then back it with at least a 6 speed trans. That way it would get decent mileage for what it is, and as long as you don't drive so fast the brick-like aerodynamics work against you. LOL
That would be sweet!
 

Roy14

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6BT is too long, I was just using it to compare performance of 4BT and swap issues with frame strength. If you feel good about the swap even with those issues, like I said, Cummins hung the moon in my opinion and I’d love to see it work out for someone. It just ended up not working for me in a smaller vehicle, so I decided to stay with the 6BT and vehicle options that work for that, and stay gas on a Jeep.
All my research specific to this started with the thought “what if I put a 4BT in a samurai?” So it’s not like I don’t like the idea!
 

raeken45

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I'm not sure what the prices or availability are but what about an '80s model Toyota 4Runner? They're small and some have removable tops.
 

Profreedomokie

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If anyone wanted to build a sleeper, a friend has this 1955 Fiat 600. It is pretty rough but, with a Suzuki Hiabusa 180 hp motor on a custom built frame it would be a rocket. You can pm me for his phone number, it is for sale.
1955 Fiat (3).JPG
 
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