3.7 to 2.8 CRD conversion

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Simon Martin

New Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Location
Holmes County Ohio
Hi y'all, I'm new to the forums, this being actually my first post. Just wondering, is there any way possible to swap a 2.8 diesel into a 3.7 gasser? I'm not too familiar with the CRDs, what are they like for power/reliability and how do they preform with mods/tunes etc.? Or maybe they aren't worth swapping? As you can see, I'm not a pro about this kind of stuff. Thanks in advance!
 

Billwill

Full Access Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2009
Messages
2,193
Reaction score
669
Location
White River, South Africa
Much too difficult to do. As far as I can recall on a LostJeep post the CRD has a lower cradle under the engine as the engine needs to sit lower.

Then engine mounts would be different, all wiring harnesses and PCM/TCM/BCM/FCM etc. need replacing.

ABS system is different and I would not like to know how to connect the various transmissions up.

Large Bosch injection pump up front needs to be fitted, Vacuum Pump and special Alternator with over-run pulley needs to be fitted.

Much as I love my old CRD, this is Not a robust engine....Rubber Timing Belt.. and Diesels are becoming the main target of the Bunny Huggers....ie. Tunes have been outlawed!

Not that I have anything against Clean Air or Bunnies!;)

Post your question on LostJeeps and I think you will get your answer!
 

turblediesel

memberable
Joined
May 31, 2015
Messages
3,405
Reaction score
1,134
Location
Alaska
You'd need to go crazy first. But if you're already there... Or that's where you want to go...:D
 
Last edited:

65Corvair

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 1, 2015
Messages
150
Reaction score
276
Location
Iowa
I own both a 3.7 and a 2.8 CRD, as mentioned above, you pretty much both vehicles at the same time for all the harnesses and fuel system changes to be sure nothing is missed.
BillWill is right, lostjeeps is better for the CRD.
 

David13

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 12, 2020
Messages
251
Reaction score
117
Location
Central Utah Rocky Mtns
The main thing also is the computer. And the computer for the transmission. It just can't be done any more.

Once upon a time things like that could be done.

Back in the 1960s I converted a 1958 Chevrolet Bel Air automatic transmission to manual transmission. It could done in those days. No longer so. The computers wouldn't allow it. And I suppose they cannot be reprogrammed to do it. They would have to be replaced.
dc
 
Top