Re: Best 4.0 combo

["Jim Blair" <carnuck@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A: The ZJ drivetrain is okay (except the weak Mopar O/D trans which needs 
upgrading from the factory) but the wiring is a LOT tougher than XJ's setup. 
Only reason I am proceeding with the one I have is I need to get my '84 J10 
rolling by the end of the month (putting our house for sale and moving to 
the boonies) I just got the wiring diagrams for the factory alarm and remote 
start system (something I planned to add to my truck anyways) The BA 10/5 
was gone by 08/90. The AX-5 was used in MJ, XJ, TJ and YJ with 4 cyls, but 
the Dakotas ran mostly 2WD AX-15s with the AMC 2.5L 4 cyl. (that bellhousing 
is sought after for 4 cyl TJ upgrades)


From: farna@xxxxxxx
Subject: Re: Best 4.0 combo
To: mail@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Message-ID: <ADVANCES62NXRPmcarc00000056@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

96+ from a XJ Cherokee, since it's a five speed most likely a Cherokee 
Sport. DO NOT get one from a Grand Cherokee, or from one of the fancier XJ 
Cherokees with the security device. I don't think there are any "plain" GCs, 
though early models may not have the built in security. It's a pain to work 
around the security system unless you have the original codes -- ask Jim 
Blair (I think Jim's going to have to change to a basic computer). Those 
years will have the AX15 five speed. Of course you want a 2WD. The Peugeot 
BA 10/5 gets a bad rap though. It's fine for a street driven vehicle, but 
won't hold up to any serious four wheeling or speed shifting. It came in 
Comanche Eliminator and Cherokee Sports from 87-92 or so. Fours got the AX5, 
which in reality is about the same strength as the BA 10/5. I'm sure the 
Peugeot tranny was a supply deal with Renault -- part of the Chrysler 
buy-out included buying parts from Renault for a few years, apparently three 
since the HO computer and!
  several other Renault supplied items left for the 1990 model year. I think 
there was a total number on the Premier, so it continued for a couple more 
years.

There were some changes to the engine in 96 -- including the main bearing 
girdle and a change in the piston skirts. The cast iron header didn't appear 
until 1999, along with a different intake at least for the Grand Cherokee. 
Some like it better -- it looks more like the performance manifolds for the 
old slant six (more curved runners instead of "rounded end log" as used in 
previous models). There are no real problems with the tubular exhaust. They 
crack at stress points (the 87-90 is more prone to cracks than 91-98), but 
the easy fix is to install an exhaust hanger near the front of hte exhaust 
system -- right at the firewall is the best place. If you get a cracked one 
they are stainless and easily MIG or TIG welded. Just add a steel gusset or 
two to strengthen the cracked areas. Naturally the tubular is lighter than 
the late cast iron one. The 91-98 tubular can easily be split into duals, 
but a single 2.25" system is more than adequate even for a stroker. I only 
went 2.25"!
  instead of 2" because I want to eventually install a remote turbo. 2.5" is 
the max, and I think a bit on the large side unless you're racing at higher 
rpm. Mines a bit loud cruising with the 2.25" and Dynomax turbo muffler --  

you can have a conversation or listen to the radio, forget doing both!