4BT conversion?

 

4 cylinder, 3.9L Cummins, of the 'B' family. The 'T' is for turbo.

It's basically the same engine as was sold in Dodge trucks from 89-2000something, but with two cylinders cut off of it.

It's tall, it's heavy, makes a lot of noise, some of the injection pumps are pretty archaic, and it tends to shake worse than Michale J Fox.


Edit. I don't know how well it fits in a JK. They're tall, real tall. I believe about 10" taller than the old Jeep 4.0L. I know there is a 4BT JK out there, but it's a big sumbitch. If you're not looking to build a big sumbitch of a Jeep, it's probably not a good idea. I've considered, and still am considering, getting a B3.3 crate engine for a special something project. It's a much smaller engine, and was designed to be a 4cyl, so it's not as bad from a harmonic standpoint. Also, a lot of the 4BT 'deals' out there are worn out engines, which you can rebuild, but it starts to get pricey depending on what they need.

 

I've got one, converted into a totally stock 2008 JKU with a blown factory engine. Fit in the engine compartment fine. Like most jeep addicts, change being constant, I changed to a built Dana 44 axel with a poly truss with only a 2" lift and 35's. I did have an issue with the truss hitting the oil pan on rough trails. I have since gone to a Teraflex long arm lift with 37" toyo's and have had no problems! This engine, along with the programable auto tranny is a low RPM torque monster. Noisy, yep you bet, but music to my ears, and judging by comments by the public, they seem to agree!

During this past Jeeptober Fest in Florida, I followed a Jeep with a built V8 and tons. He struggled through most of the course, having to back up multiple times, while I idled over the same terrain, or just "goosed" the throttle. That being said, nothing beats the sound of a built V8...except a Radial aircraft engine

4BT=good
LS=good too!

Oh yea, we built the 4BT with a larger turbo, injectors and an intercooler, so it makes power! Was not worried about "gas mileage".

 

I've got one, converted into a totally stock 2008 JKU with a blown factory engine. Fit in the engine compartment fine. Like most jeep addicts, change being constant, I changed to a built Dana 44 axel with a poly truss with only a 2" lift and 35's. I did have an issue with the truss hitting the oil pan on rough trails. I have since gone to a Teraflex long arm lift with 37" toyo's and have had no problems! This engine, along with the programable auto tranny is a low RPM torque monster. Noisy, yep you bet, but music to my ears, and judging by comments by the public, they seem to agree!

During this past Jeeptober Fest in Florida, I followed a Jeep with a built V8 and tons. He struggled through most of the course, having to back up multiple times, while I idled over the same terrain, or just "goosed" the throttle. That being said, nothing beats the sound of a built V8...except a Radial aircraft engine

4BT=good
LS=good too!

 

Did you do the swap yourself ?

Any pics or vids?

 

No, Bruiser Conversion in Clearwater, FL, using a new crate engine.

 

Really hoping some good info comes out of this thread. Shooting high since it'll be years till I can afford a swap but a 4bt swap has Always been a dream


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Matti,

I don't take many pics of the jeep, but follow this link to Bruiser's website for tons of Diesel conversion pictures.

http://www.bruiserconversions.com

 

These guys did one in this thing.
http://www.offroadpowerproducts.com/

 

This has been on my list of "wants" for a long time. My original plan was to put one into a built CJ8 Scrambler.

I've also looked at the Isuzu 4cyl diesel as an option because the 4BT is becoming increasingly difficult to find.

There is a shop in Colorado that does the swap into FJ40's, but has also done some Jeeps.

 

You can buy 4BT's all day long brand new in a crate! Although it would be nice to see some other offerings.

 

Yes you can, but they cost quite a bit more. Last time I priced one it was well out of what I'd be willing to spend on a motor.

I have spoken to a few shops and a few individuals who have done the swap all went the route of picking them up used at auctions. Basically buying a full Bread Truck, or in some cases 3 or 4 in a lot type sale. One guy picked up 3 at once, then parted out the trucks and sold the paneling for scrap and came out ahead before even touching the 3 motors. He rebuilt 2 of them, then sold the 3rd for a decent profit. In the end he had 2 free engines and cash in his pocket. These type of deals are what I was referring to as becoming more difficult to find with respect to the Cummins 4BT.