I'm looking into swapping an Isuzu 4JB1T (not the 4BT, this is a smaller engine that came in non-US Troopers and Rodeos):



There's a protrusion on the pan that would poke right into the traction bar mount on my 81's front axle. Otherwise, everything looks like it'll fit, and this is supposed to be a great engine, so I want to see about solving this one clearance issue.

I know some people run without a traction bar, but I want to keep mine. Any ideas about relocating the mount? Maybe shortening (somehow) the traction bar and moving the mount forward on the axle housing? Anyone ever made a custom one?

 

i'm missing something here... why? because it's diesel? i would think a late-model 22r-e would be less expensive, or even a 22r-et. (sorry if you have a separate swap thread, haven't found it yet)

could you possibly move the traction bar to the other side? or would it interfere with the axle/something else?

in any case, subscribed

 

Yes, it's a 2.8L direct-injection one-wire turbodiesel with replaceable cylinder sleeves and available gear-driven timing. I can get one with its own 4wd transmission and t-case for about $2500 shipped. That's less than a 2L-T2 or VW TDI, a lot less than a 1KZ, and way less than a rebuilt OM617. My impression is that it's at least as good as any of those engines.

The front driveshaft and diff are on the other side of the axle housing, and with this engine, so is the exhaust manifold and turbocharger.

 

I'm pretty sure if you are going to do a swap you should be able to relocate the traction bar. Just cut it off and weld in a new one.

 

Know of any aftermarket ones?

 

Why move the traction bar if you can just modify the oil pan? or is there something in there? Moving the exasting TB over a few inches shouldn't be an issue...would it?