Builds The Mule: My OM617 swap and other improvements (3 Viewers)

[jstncse]

SOA will soften the ride for sure.

I'm not sure it will do as much for you as good seats

 

[Kris]

I think I would be looking for a softer set of springs (read: less spring rate) and/or shocks that have adjustable dampening. Or you could rip out the stock suspension and replace it with a 4-link and 20" coil-overs.

It would be pretty sad to see you sell the Mule after all the work you've put into it - especially since I'm not close enough to buy it off of you.

 

[DPV7070]

Just an update...still rocking the 40! Other than a little bit of oil leaking and a slow leak from the transfer output shaft the Mule hasn't missed a beat. I did adjust the valves the other day, but that's SOP for the OM617.

Next big mod:

Cupholder!!!!

 

[franklin40]

i've been going through your tread again and again as i'm finally moving along with my swap again. you said your OEM oil cooler did work out for you. do you have any shots of how you have it set up? you are using the fj40 radiator right? you've just modified the fan shroud is that correct?

 

[DPV7070]

I'll get some pictures for you this weekend. Honestly, I think my oil cooler placement could be better, but it is what it is. However, I haven't had ANY problems running it hard in any conditions, even 115* temps here in the summer....

Stby for pics

 

[DPV7070]

After 18 months I had what I'd consider my first "failure." I converted my Orion transfercase to a twin stick kit and I guess I forgot to use some thread locker on the spherical joint that connects to the HI/LO selector stick to the HI/LO selector on top of the transfercase via linkage. When stopped at a intersection I heard a "new rattle" and pulled over to check it out. Here's the guy that backed out:

I really hope I can work it back in there without having to drop the trans/transfer.

Other than that it's still running like a raped ape.

 

[davegonz]

Awesome. Glad it's working for you.

 

[franklin40]

I'll get some pictures for you this weekend. Honestly, I think my oil cooler placement could be better, but it is what it is. However, I haven't had ANY problems running it hard in any conditions, even 115* temps here in the summer....

Stby for pics

do you have any pics of your oil cooler set up? i'm still trying to decide how i want to do it and more ideas are better if course

 

[DPV7070]

I totally forgot, I'll go get some right now...

 

[DPV7070]

Probably does not get as much airflow as the OEM set up, however Space was at a premium. I've kept my eye on the oil temperature after freeway drives with him infrared temperature gun, and the temperatures did not seem obscene to me. That said I can't remember what those temperatures were, ha ha. I think 180-185ish

 

[franklin40]

thanks a bunch. i like how clean it is. i agree about air flow. i'm still trying to decide if i use the OE rad or put in an aftermarket one with a build in puller fan.

 

[Ferntucky]

Howdy,
Did you have all new oil cooler and steering pump lines made up? If so, any issues with connecting to OEM threads?
I am in the process of putting my OM617 back together, and would really like to get rid of the old hoses.

 

[cruisermatt]

Probably does not get as much airflow as the OEM set up, however Space was at a premium. I've kept my eye on the oil temperature after freeway drives with him infrared temperature gun, and the temperatures did not seem obscene to me. That said I can't remember what those temperatures were, ha ha. I think 180-185ish

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You could build a pretty sweet rear shroud for that with an under-side scoop, looks like there's an opening below it.

 

[DPV7070]

Howdy,
Did you have all new oil cooler and steering pump lines made up? If so, any issues with connecting to OEM threads?
I am in the process of putting my OM617 back together, and would really like to get rid of the old hoses.

For the power steering high pressure line I took the pump to the shop that made the lines so they could verify the threads. I estimated the length using some wire then just straightened it out for the overall length. For the low pressure return side I again used Aeroquip socketless fittings and hose.

The oil cooler is a Mishimoto all aluminum deal with -10AN fittings I believe. I used Aeroquip socketless fittings and hose here as well and just plumbed it like you would anything else.

In other news I was able to get the Hi/Lo transfer case linkage all squared away. I guess I forgot to use thread locker on it when I put it together, but I used red Loctite this time, so it shouldn't vibrate loose.

After that we took it to get the Christmas tree!

 

[DPV7070]

 

[mattv94]

There are very few threads that I've read with such enthusiasm as yours. Well done on your build.

Few questions:

Given cost not being a factor would you go with an H55F?

How difficult would making room for a 2nd battery be under the hood?

Any plans to use a Dieselmeken setup?

 

[DPV7070]

There are very few threads that I've read with such enthusiasm as yours. Well done on your build.

Few questions:

Given cost not being a factor would you go with an H55F?

How difficult would making room for a 2nd battery be under the hood?

Any plans to use a Dieselmeken setup?

I would go with any transmission that doesn't have gear splits as wide as the NV4500, but I got mine for $800, rebuilt, so it's what I went with.

You could figure something out for a second battery, but you're definitely going to lose the OEM heater. I probably could mount my power steering cooler, or delete it, and put another battery there but I don't have a need for it yet. You could also do something where you mount a battery somewhere else in the vehicle, but you'll start dealing with voltage drops, etc.

No plans for Dieselmeken setup as I just don't have the time or money to mess with it. PLUS I'm having too much fun driving it.

 

[Chris98TJsport]

I would go with any transmission that doesn't have gear splits as wide as the NV4500, but I got mine for $800, rebuilt, so it's what I went with.

You could figure something out for a second battery, but you're definitely going to lose the OEM heater. I probably could mount my power steering cooler, or delete it, and put another battery there but I don't have a need for it yet. You could also do something where you mount a battery somewhere else in the vehicle, but you'll start dealing with voltage drops, etc.

No plans for Dieselmeken setup as I just don't have the time or money to mess with it. PLUS I'm having too much fun driving it.

I've been reading your thread and not sure if i missed it but do you have more pictures of making the adapter plate for the NV 4500 transmission to the om617?? I've got a 98 jeep TJ i am really thinking of doing this to, motor still runs good but want to learn all i can because i maybe able to get a om 617 turbo for free.

Thanks
Chris

 

[DPV7070]

I've been reading your thread and not sure if i missed it but do you have more pictures of making the adapter plate for the NV 4500 transmission to the om617?? I've got a 98 jeep TJ i am really thinking of doing this to, motor still runs good but want to learn all i can because i maybe able to get a om 617 turbo for free.

Thanks
Chris

I bought my engine adapter plate from 4x4 Labs

 

[warpdriv]

Just reread this again. How's it rock'n?

I'm running 35s so I'm thinking 4.88s since you have 4.56 on 33s. What do you think?