So I have found some random forums online of people doing this, has anyone on here completed one. I have a 02 liberty with a bad 3.7l but in really great condition. also have a 02 Durango looks like crap and has a lot of rust but runs and drives well. So iv decided to swap the engine, underhood electricals, and fuel systems. I'm sure I'll incounter some issues. If anyone has some real tips to share that would be great.
02 Liberty V8 Swap
- Thread starter Bent
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dougmac
Full Access Member
I'll get my ass beat on again for being mean etc
But a lot of these have been started, then never heard from again only one that has really ran and from the sounds of it there are still some issues
I'd sell the truck and just buy a 3.7, you're not really going to gain anything
Sorry just truthful
At least you're not like the guy on FACEBOOK who wants to install a straight 6 out of a Cherokee :ROFLJest:
But a lot of these have been started, then never heard from again only one that has really ran and from the sounds of it there are still some issues
I'd sell the truck and just buy a 3.7, you're not really going to gain anything
Sorry just truthful
At least you're not like the guy on FACEBOOK who wants to install a straight 6 out of a Cherokee :ROFLJest:
lazychris2000
New Member
What's wrong with that? I'm genuinely curious
4x4kayak2112
Full Access Member
Well for one thing, the 4.0 will not fit. Just too long.
lazychris2000
New Member
With a big enough hammer and enough astroglide, you can make anything fit 
It's not a 4.0 it's a 4.7. And I've read the hole 2 year posts from Honduras I hope to have mine done sooner seeing how I have the whole Durango as a doaner, and I live in the USA.I plan on building mine to play with I have to 2 vehicles, why not? And there was also something on his posts about the transmission inspection plate, that's wasn't very clear on how he over came it if anyone know anything that would be great, I plan on dropping in the engine tomorrow I'll post pics and issues.
CactusJacked
Full Access Member
Online, I've seen as many successfully done ones as the ones you never hear from again. So you need to tip the scales in favor of doing the swap. Do it, looking forward to the progress!! I was "nuts" too, when I put a 350 V8 in a Datsun pickup, and 4.3 V6 in a Samurai.
You're not being mean. I totally agree.
Had I been able to complete the SFA build like I had originally planned, I would've been a happy camper. But I didn't and now I've basically ruined a perfectly good Liberty. Nobody will buy it down there as gas is nearly $5/gal.
It's not worth it in the end.
I took some pictures of the v8 in tack in the Durango but can't seem to get them to upload from my I phone, but neither vehicle works well on its own so I'm going to proceed with the process tomorrow the engine will be removed from the Durango and cleaned up for installation in the liberty
tjkj2002
Full Access Member
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They make bolt in kits to put a 4.3 in Sami's.
CactusJacked
Full Access Member
Not back when I did it, I blazed my own trail.
EDIT: I just looked up the R.R./Suzuki Lightning conversion kit. Lol, I didn't even spend anywhere near the $3k they get for the "advanced kit". And that was with a rebuilt automatic trans, machine work on the block/crank/heads/rods, new pistons, bearings etc., and me assembling the engine. In addition to swapping in front & rear Jeep Dana 44 axles. For all of what was involved that I did and fabricated, R.R. gets over $6k.
Before I even got the idea for the engine conversion, I installed a 2" body lift, 3" suspension lift and 31" tires. The body lift ended up helping trans to tunnel clearance, and the suspension helped the diff to oil pan clearance. Junior (in the drivers seat) who was 3-4 yrs old at the time, is now 25.
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TheBlueKJ
Full Access Member
Wait he's still at it? What happened to the 350 swap?
This is a new guy I think, even though everyone is telling him the disadvantages and why it won't work he is still forging ahead .......for now:happy175:
Damn you should start us a new thread for that one, I don't have a facebook but I'd like to see that one!
Ok sorry I haven't updated I got the engine out of the Durango, when I got it out I noticed a few things I want to take care of before I put it in the kj, can anyone give me a tip on how to post pics from my I phone I don't have a computer
John3seventeen
Full Access Member
You can use the photobucket app, copy the image tag
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Like 99% of the rest of them I assume..............
