V8 Conversion

Alrighty guys I need some help. I have an 05 Liberty and was thinking about putting a Durango 4.7L V8 in it. I know that my transmission isn't compatible so was wondering if you guys have any suggestions on what year, and out of what vehicle, I should take a 4.7L V8 out of and what type of 4x4 automatic transmission would work with that V8 and also fit with my Liberty.

At first the swap may seem simple, but it is not. Most of the problems that people encounter are with the electronics and getting computers to talk to each other. The transmission you will want to use is a 45RFE or 545RFE.

I give you 2 weeks tops until you're no longer on this site. :rofl:

dude1116 said:

I give you 2 weeks tops until you're no longer on this site. :rofl:

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If history is any example, yep.

Not to be one to discourage anyone... (so go for it if you want), but I'm pretty sure this has only been completed SUCCESSFULLY twice, maybe three times. At least one of those, guy lives in Singapore or Indonesia or some such country, and I don't recall seeing too much in terms of a how-to on that. And once it was finished, we got a crappy youtube video of him driving up and down a road and backing out of his driveway, then nothing, no info, no posts that I could find on the internet, seemed like him and the truck disappeared. I looked...

That being said, if it's the 30 extra hp you're after, or the increased torque, it's better all around, and makes more financial sense to just go buy a used GC with the 4.7HO.

But, if it's just to be unique, and you don't mind potentially blowing thousands and thousands and THOUSANDS of dollars, give it a shot.

If you are going to do a V8 swap at least do something like a 5.3 Vortec lol. Or a 632 BBC haha.

As has been stated a few have tried but none really / fully have shown us a fully operational going up and down the road legit one.
PLUS if wanting more HP then I would also suggest beefing up other things as well, like front diff etc. Plus something besides a 4.7 that has more.
Then suspension wise since these things have the worst stock suspension there is.
If you are anything like me I would want to be trying out the extra horse power and torque all the time so reason for upgrading the diffs, etc :gr_grin::gr_grin:

Just my 2 cents worth which isn't worth a penny

Save up/ and show us how its done

If you put any kind of v8 in there and put JBA's new full IFS lift kit you would be my hero. But of course, pics or it didn't happen

Do it!

idea.gif How about an S/C Hellcat KJ? :Insane:
Or buy one of these..:gr_grin:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/jeep-grand-cherokee-hellcat-production/

Honestly, it is my opinion that the KJ/KK Liberty is a bad candidate as a host for a v8 engine. Period.

If I wanted to build a custom v8 powered Jeep, on a short wheelbase, I'd find a used CJ/TJ or older Wrangler to build into. Actually, go find an 87-95 4cyl YJ for dirt cheap, grab the 5.0HO v8 from a 97-01 Ford Explorer/Mountaineer (they had GT40 heads and Cobra intake) and associated electronics, get the adaptor plates and brackets that are specifically made for this, put a Mustang cam in it and enjoy close to 300hp. Mod other parts as needed or when broken. Done.

I appreciate all of the replies. I have two Liberty's that I'm thinking about doing this to. I have an 02 Liberty that is completely blown up and needs a new engine anyhow so that's going to be my guinea pig. If that works out well, I'm going to completely overhaul my 05 with a new transmission and, of course, the 4.7 V8. I won't be active a whole lot because I'm very busy; however, when I go toe to toe with this monumental challenge I will update you guys with pictures and quick briefings as the projects develop; with both Jeeps. I don't know for sure when this project will be in full swing but when it is wish me luck, I'll need it!:gr_grin:

Also, keep the replies coming! I love to see everybody's opinion on this matter and every suggestion matters!

Brennen said:

I appreciate all of the replies. I have two Liberty's that I'm thinking about doing this to. I have an 02 Liberty that is completely blown up and needs a new engine anyhow so that's going to be my guinea pig. If that works out well, I'm going to completely overhaul my 05 with a new transmission and, of course, the 4.7 V8. I won't be active a whole lot because I'm very busy; however, when I go toe to toe with this monumental challenge I will update you guys with pictures and quick briefings as the projects develop; with both Jeeps. I don't know for sure when this project will be in full swing but when it is wish me luck, I'll need it!:gr_grin:

Also, keep the replies coming! I love to see everybody's opinion on this matter and every suggestion matters!

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I have literally 0 faith. Sorry. I'm a realist.

Prove me wrong.

dude1116 said:

I have literally 0 faith. Sorry. I'm a realist.

Prove me wrong.

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Challenge accepted:sawzall:

If I were to do a major mod on a KJ and money was not a concern I would want a 2003 Renegade with the 2.8 CRD and a 6 speed manual.

CalcityRenegade said:

If I were to do a major mod on a KJ and money was not a concern I would want a 2003 Renegade with the 2.8 CRD and a 6 speed manual.

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Why's that?

Here we go again lol...if you have an 02 as your guinea pig, then you're ahead of the curve initially. 02 auto trans in the KJ is the 45RFE, which is what was behind the 4.7 in other vehicles (in 45/545 RFE forms). You will need the beef the front suspension a bit most likely, as well as running exhaust, etc. As stated, biggest headache is the electronics. If you're serious talk to hotwireauto.com. Keep in mind, most compatible 4.7's you will find (not counting the 08+ or the HO) are only 230-240hp, which isn't much above what the stock 3.7 has (210/215 depending on year). More torque yes due to the inherent displacement increase, but not as much as you'd think. You'd need to hot rod the 4.7 to really make it worth it. If you don't have that 4.7 pushing at least 300hp it isn't worth it, you could upgrade to 4.10's with your 3.7 and would probably work as well. One guy down in Honduras was pretty good with photos on a thread here, you might check that out and contact him.

04Liberty said:

Here we go again lol...if you have an 02 as your guinea pig, then you're ahead of the curve initially. 02 auto trans in the KJ is the 45RFE, which is what was behind the 4.7 in other vehicles (in 45/545 RFE forms). You will need the beef the front suspension a bit most likely, as well as running exhaust, etc. As stated, biggest headache is the electronics. If you're serious talk to hotwireauto.com. Keep in mind, most compatible 4.7's you will find (not counting the 08+ or the HO) are only 230-240hp, which isn't much above what the stock 3.7 has (210/215 depending on year). More torque yes due to the inherent displacement increase, but not as much as you'd think. You'd need to hot rod the 4.7 to really make it worth it. If you don't have that 4.7 pushing at least 300hp it isn't worth it, you could upgrade to 4.10's with your 3.7 and would probably work as well. One guy down in Honduras was pretty good with photos on a thread here, you might check that out and contact him.

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Thank you:gr_grin:

Brennen said:

Why's that?

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Turbo diesel. Have seen some great tuning done on the KJ CRD (Common Rail Diesel).

If I was going to spend the time and money to install a V-8
It would have to be at the very least a 150-175 HP more with at least that much torque as well to make it worth while
Then either SFA or possibly try JBA steel diff just cause I have a heavy right foot
Of course complete upgraded suspension / transmission gone through and beefed up ( a lot )
and the list goes on.

But secretly, I would love to find a 2 wheel drive.
then of course I have very deep pockets in my dream so a
Pace LS3 550 hp crate engines
Specifications:
Power: 525 hp at 6,300 rpm, 489 lbs/ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
Displacement: 376 cid, 6.2L
Bore x Stroke: 4.060-inch x 3.620-inch
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Block: Cast Aluminum with 6-bolt cross bolted main caps
Camshaft: Steel hydraulic roller tappet
Cam Lift: .525-inch Intake / .525-inch Exhaust
Cam Duration at .050-inch: 226 degree Intake / 236 degree Exhaust
Lobe Separation: 110 degree
Cylinder Heads: Aluminum L92 style ports
Reluctor: 58X
Maximum GM Recommended rpm: 6,600
GM overdrive transmission
JeepinByAls complete new long arm kit with 35s
and go have some fun
Who needs 4 wheel drive ?


BUT to go to all the work( and money ) installing a V8 for 25-50 more HP, not even worth it

The '02's 45RFE will handle the 345hp 5.7 HEMI so that's a non-issue behind a 235hp 4.7.


Besides that good luck,you will need it.I'm pretty sure we will never see or hear from you again once you start this project so thought I'd get that out of the way.