2005 LJR R2.8 build

1945GPW

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Finally started the Cummins conversion on my dads jeep. Had the engine for about a year and we were originally planning on putting it in his built cj7 but I talked him into getting an LJR for the comfort, extra room for camping/long trips and AC. So we found the right one last fall and he is happy he made the switch. He finally got the conversion parts on order and they will be here the end of this week. So far we have everything pulled and getting ready to start cleaning and making it all look pretty.


Day one



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What adapter/conversion stuff did you end up with or are you going to do a lot of the fab yourself? Are you on stock gearing?

Are you keeping stock gauges? Are you going to keep PCM?
 
I didnt want to source every little part needed for the swap and have more money tied up in trial and error so we went with Axis Industries complete kit. Seem to be a great group of guys and have everything needed for it minus exhaust and one hose for the AC system since there were two kinds for our LJ. Looking forward to getting all the parts tomorrow!

Stock gearing unfortunately, I was hoping we could get an auto and replace with a manual transmission for the 3.73s but it is what it is. Maybe a gear change down the road, will see how it does. Has 35” tires. Will use stock gauges.
 
Were they able to use an adapter or whatever it should be called instead of the PCM for the gauges? I assume you're keeping the manual? Is that the NV 3550?

I got the Axis kit and I'm happy with it. Is there stuff I'd tweak for personal preferences in hindsight, well yes, but overall it's a great kit. Soon I need to talk to them about an EGR delete.

I think you're going to be very happy when you finish and heck if you need to do a gear change it won't be that big of a deal but 35s and 4.10s will likely be acceptable too especially if you're pulling a trailer or something.
 
I’m keeping the Pcm for functionality of of AC, gauges, lockers, lights and so on. Yes keeping the 6 speed manual. I think RPMs will be slight high even with a trailer for mpg purposes.
 
Yeah I agree it'll be a little high. Technically you could go slower and that's a win win with less wind resistance. I haven't done the math but you'll be mid 20s probably on the highway. At 70 mph I'm around 1800 rpms so I have to do like 80 to be out of the sweet spot, but that's a lot of wind resistance.

Which tune does your 2.8 have? I have had both tunes but I went for the 306 ft lbs pretty quick.
 
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Going to be watching this. I think I'd like a diesel in my jeep but I'll probably never end up doing it.


There must have been a time
when we could have said no.
 
Got the parts! They are back ordered on the radiator but that is the last step in the install so it will give me time to get everything else together. I’ll post pictures as I open the boxes, To many parts to run away.

Today I removed the original flywheel from the 2.8 and replaced with the conversion along with the clutch off the old engine. Next I’ll have to lift the engine off the crate to install the transmission adapter, after that I’ll weld the engine mounts and clean up all the old wiring before I permanently install the Cummins.

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Not much visual progress today, just cleaning up the jeeps wiring harness getting rid of all the wires and connectors we won’t be using. All I’m keeping is oil psi, water temp, alternator a couple grounds and the AC connections.


Hopefully I did that right lol

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Also installed a block heater for the cold winters.

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Drivers side behind the blue heater hose

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Progress over the past couple of days. Changed the mega bracket out to accommodate the ac compressor.

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Remove the power steering bushing from the old bracket and install on the new one

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Removed old engine mounts

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Test fitting the engine and tack weld the new mounts to the frame

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I am so envious!!!! I have been drooling over this for a while, struggling with the $20,000 between the motor and the Axis kit.......... but man, what a cool set up!!!!!!! Thanks for documenting this!!