3.4 swap into 1985 Jeep Cherokee questions?

[Canyonero]

You will need to use the 4x4 oil pan. Best to get a new oil pump and pickup. The parts I used for the Trooper's oil pan were MEL-M134 (standard volume oil pump) and MEL-245S (4x4 pickup). I can't tell you for certain that the Jeeps used the same oil pan though. With the SFI swap, I kept the donor serpentine system, the Trooper system (which was also serpentine) wouldn't have cleared the intake. The downside was that the new alternator location interfered with my battery. So I needed to relocate the battery and saw away part of the battery tray. Again, I don't know if that is applicable to a Jeep.

Also, now that I am going with the SFI set up what am I going to need to use from my old 2.8 engine? Would I still need to swap the oil pan/pick up? I am guessing I can just run the serp. belt now instead of the V belts. What am I missing?

[cardana24]

You will need to use the 4x4 oil pan. Best to get a new oil pump and pickup. The parts I used for the Trooper's oil pan were MEL-M134 (standard volume oil pump) and MEL-245S (4x4 pickup). I can't tell you for certain that the Jeeps used the same oil pan though. With the SFI swap, I kept the donor serpentine system, the Trooper system (which was also serpentine) wouldn't have cleared the intake. The downside was that the new alternator location interfered with my battery. So I needed to relocate the battery and saw away part of the battery tray. Again, I don't know if that is applicable to a Jeep.

Does the 4x4 have different baffles set up? I am just wondering why it would need to be changed since the both hold the same amount of oil.

[Canyonero]

The 4x4 pan is shallow in the front to clear the axle but has a very deep sump at the back of the engine. See the attachments (borrowed from another member's Trooper swap). Again, I must say that I don't know for sure that Jeeps are the same way. I just know that Troopers and 4x4 S-10s are.

Does the 4x4 have different baffles set up? I am just wondering why it would need to be changed since the both hold the same amount of oil.

[geoffinbc]

Yes Jeeps with a 2.8L use the same 4X4 pan as the S-10 and Trooper.

[cardana24]

okay thanks for that information, I am getting a junkyard parts list together, I should be able to make a run next week.

I have seen information about people putting 4.3 throttle bodies on their 60 degree engines. Is this an option for me? Is there a 4.3 throttle body that is a direct bolt on that I can use? I understand i will need to port the plenum neck, I just want to know if there is a TB that is a bolt on.

Also I have looked into getting a manual ecm, and it looks like there are lots of different GM products this ECM was used in. Are you guys aware of any being any better than others or certian ones that will not work as well?

You guys keep saying the oil pick up, is that the same as the oil screen? Here is a link to what I think you guys are talking about.

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=MEL&MfrPartNumber=240S&PartType=1272&PTSet=A

[Canyonero]

Melling MEL-245S pickup/screen is the one you need.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=MEL%2D245S

Good idea to get a new oil pump too, cheap insurance. Melling MEL-M134.

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=MEL%2DM134

There is a high volume pump available too, MEL-M134HV. The folk here hate them, but I already had one for my engine so that's what I'm using. My machinist says there isn't much benefit to a high volume pump, but having one won't do any harm.

I'm thinking the part number you posted is the correct depth, but a 5/8" pickup for the 2.8L original oil pump instead of the 3/4" used on the 3.4L oil pump and the Melling pump I referenced. Use the bigger pump and pickup.

[geoffinbc]

Yea use the bigger pickup for sure. Yes the pickup is sometimes referred to as the screen.

You cannot put a 4.3L Throttle Body on the 60 degree V6 you are talking about. The swap is only for TBI vehicles.

[cardana24]

I figured out the throttle body stuff in my other thread. I did not know that was only for the TBI.

As for the pickup/screen I already ordered the stock one. Will that be fine? I know a larger one may be better but would the stock one work as well?

Yea use the bigger pickup for sure. Yes the pickup is sometimes referred to as the screen.

You cannot put a 4.3L Throttle Body on the 60 degree V6 you are talking about. The swap is only for TBI vehicles.

[Canyonero]

Return it and get the bigger one. I think it's important.

[cardana24]

Return it and get the bigger one. I think it's important.

the one you posted is not even listed as fitting my jeep

[Canyonero]

It doesn't fit your JEEP, it fits your ENGINE. It's the Jeep's depth with the Camaro's pickup diameter.

Trust us, we've done the swap.

[cardana24]

and you are sure of this? I see it is listed to fit your trooper. Also will the larger pick up fit the stock oil pump that I ordered for the jeep? Or will I need a different pump as well?

Now my issue is I cannot get the keepers off of the valve springs...what am I doing wrong? These things are not moving anywhere.


Also I think I have everything right as far as timing for cylinder 1 TDC. I will post more pics of the work later but I want to make sure you guys agree in the timing.

[geoffinbc]

You need to have a matching pump and pickup. I too would order the larger pickup and the pump with the larger inlet. Its a small hassle now but it a wise investment.

Your valve timing is good. You get a socket that will fit over the valve stem and locks but will contact the retainer and then smack it with a hammer. Do this to every one it will break it loose. Then use the spring compressor, But make sure your right down with the arms. You need to grab as many coils as possible and will have to collapse it right closed until the coils are contacting.

[cardana24]

You need to have a matching pump and pickup. I too would order the larger pickup and the pump with the larger inlet. Its a small hassle now but it a wise investment.

Your valve timing is good. You get a socket that will fit over the valve stem and locks but will contact the retainer and then smack it with a hammer. Do this to every one it will break it loose. Then use the spring compressor, But make sure your right down with the arms. You need to grab as many coils as possible and will have to collapse it right closed until the coils are contacting.

I went ahead and orderd the oil pump and pick up you guys suggested. For anyone else who is looking that pump is $53 at Advanced rather than $80 thru summit. I see that they are a press fit with the pick up, how can I press it at home or do I need to take it somewhere to have it pressed?

I am going to go work on the valve spring right now..I'll let you know how it goes.

[Canyonero]

I took mine to the local machine shop, they had the official Melling tool to hammer the pickup in. The guy charged me $5, and talked at me for about a half hour about oil pan baffles and the history synthetic oil.

One of my manuals has instructions on how to make a tool to drive the pickup in, I haven't tried it. I'll try to get a scan of the page later today, but you might just want to call your local machine shop and ask. It's a simple job and using the right tool is usually the way to go...