Jeep Comanche Eng Swap...5.9 ltr fr Gr Cherokee

Another swap time...last time I put a Chevy small block in a Toyota PU.

Now its time for a 5.9 (98 Gr Cherokee donor) to go into my tired 88 Jeep Comanche. Advise swapping the body onto the 98 Grand chassis? (to keep it basically intact?).
I know I would have to shorten the bed...but thats no problem with my cutting and welding resources.

Bottom line, should I switch the Comanche body to the grand cherokee rolling chasis or try to swap the engine, trans, T/C to the Comanche?  thanks  

I easier swap would be a AMC 304 or 360 (or even a 401) as it will bolt in with little fuss. Bellhousing is the same and that chassis came with a AMC V8 option thru early 80's. Nice thing is it would still be a real Jeep too. (I have a thing about keeping a old Jeep a Jeep as they are rapidly loosing their roots)  

I believe you are referring to the full size PU. Mine is the mid-size Comanche made from 84? thru 1992. Is the AMC 360 or 401 a viable option for these?

I too would like to use one of these AMC engines if it were a good option...

(I have the auto tranny, dana 30/35 axles...which is why I was considering the rolling chassis option of the Gr Cherokee running gear)

thanks  

I believe you are referring to the full size PU. Mine is the mid-size Comanche made from 84? thru 1992. Is the AMC 360 or 401 a viable option for these?

I too would like to use one of these AMC engines if it were a good option

(I have the auto tranny, dana 30/35 axles...which is why I was considering the rolling chassis option of the Gr Cherokee running gear)

thanks  

Yes I stand corrected, I was thinking a CJ actually. You will have to do some serious chopping to fit it in. Engine compartment was never designed for a V8. Also since there is no frame, too much engine could twist body. One more thing, I do not recall if Comanche ever had inline six. If not then there will be length issues too because they were never sized for a longer engine otherwise.  

Run the 4.0 inline currently...lots of measuring and studying is in my future...THANKS!  

Jeep Comanche is the same front substructure as an XJ Cherokee. 1984 - 1986 had a GM 2.8 V6 in them. In 1987 when the AMC 4.0L was installed Jeep had to redesign the Firewall to fit a 4.0L in it. The engine bay is plenty big enough to fit a chevy or Dodge V8. There is a lot of custom welding for engine mount. You biggest consern is the stress a 5.9L will put on the body. Should be nice tire burner thow!