Diesel Swap? Why Not! - Project Special Reserve Jeep Comanche Episode 1

In this episode I introduce you to my latest project, the Special Reserve Jeep Comanche, which will I will be swapping a Mercedes Benz OM617 diesel into. The Comanche is stripped to be ready for the swap, with the engine, transmission, and gas tank removed, a fuel sender function check is conducted and explained, a trailer hitch is built to help move the truck around, and lastly the donor car is brought into the shop and stripped.

[@TriggerHapySheep]

Honestly the quality and in depth explanations of these videos is great! you deserve more subs and views!

[@2drx4]

Thanks! I appreciate it, and I appreciate everyone that watches or subscribes!

[@redsapples1]

Totally agree so kool you have these trucks and are bringing them back to life

[@mikeshort5366]

Where's the rest of the series.was a really good video. Be nice if you finished the video uploads. Thanks

[@roberturban2934]

I truly like your videos! I stared with watching the bumper video! Looks cool ! Keep filming.

[@georgechambers3197]

Cool project. I've thought about swapping one into my XJ. I'll be watching closely! Definitely, like the tow hitch. Thanks for the video!

[@THEFIREMANDAN91C]

We need episode 2 . This is good stuff!

[@AlfonsLC]

Really good through job. Good editing too.

[@johnadgate3346]

I've just watched all of your videos. They are amazing. Idk what your day job is or your background but please keep making more. These are some of the best I've seen. Cheers.

[@xXBocephusXx]

Looks like an awesome project so far! I'm looking forward to seeing more of this and your XJ build as well.

[@JakeRawSon]

So glad this video popped up in my feed today. Awesome job man. Really nicely done. Can wait to start on my MJ

[@randyphelps3041]

we need episode 2

[@wandamardiah4632]

where episode 2? ^_____^

[@AJEdwards86]

These videos are great, keep it up, I'm looking forward to the next one

[@2drx4]

Thanks!

[@joshthomas6373]

This is just the video I was looking for, glad I ran across your channel

[@JimmyHinton]

I had a 1987 model that same color. It was a good truck back in the day.

[@Captain-Awesome]

I just found your channel and am looking forward to following all of your projects!!!

[@bruceklassen8261]

Over head welding is not the kind of fun I plan for myself 🤣

[@w0wsuchdoge]

damn i cant believe this was the only episode this was awesome

[@thecherokeechannel688]

I like where this MJ is going. One day I hope to be able to work on mine but with 2 XJs ahead of it seems like its gonna be awhile.

[@2drx4]

I'm hoping I'll be back at this with another episode for everyone... But like you say, there's things in line ahead of it.

[@kululv]

loved the video. But can't find episode 2. does it exist? thanks

[@2drx4]

Unfortunately the project was stalled due to serious issues with the adapter I purchased. I am not interested in working on it until a reliable adapter solution is available, which should be fairly soon. I plan to do a video on what was wrong with the original adapter when I have the new one in hand for comparison.

[@ChasWG]

You do a great job with these videos. Your sense of humor is a great touch! Very interested in this project. Not that I want to do a OM617 conversion into our XJ, but maybe something else and I want to see how you deal with all the wiring from one system to the other to make it all work. Thanks!

[@2drx4]

Thanks! The wiring will be covered, and it *should* actually be fairly simple, but I've completely redone wiring harness for XJ/MJs and various other vehicles before, so I'm not scared of it.

[@TheRowdyJ]

love it. i am building a 71 cj6 om617. early chevy nv4500 (low granny), dana 300 4:1. dana 44's w/4.56 on 35's. going to be a helluva trail rig with crawler capabilities. 85 300td in the driveway about to go the way of the dodo bird...like yours did. =)

[@davidlampe4153]

Looks like a good idea the execution is going to be hard since you are removing the bell housing and starter motor you need to fabricate the replacement and then decide what transmission to install. The 5 cylinder diesel is a tried and true platform and spare parts are plentiful. I’m wondering why more car manufacturers didn’t follow the same design in either gasoline or Diesel engines for their small pickup trucks. I think I remember another brand sold a five cylinder engine some years ago but it didn’t have the popular appeal like the Mercedes engine.

[@TheOffRoadCorner]

Another great video! I had 86 long bed 4x4 with a 4 cyl. It was so gutless! subing for ideas for my XJ

[@2drx4]

Yeah, the 2.5 is just so lackluster, reliable though. Thanks for subscribing!

[@danielpothier9990]

These videos are great! Thank you Sir!!

[@jordang1359]

Great video! I'm surprised how big the benz enginge is. Looking forward to more special reserve. "Nothing more permanent than a temporoary solution that works" AvE

[@2drx4]

Yeah, the Benz engine is not built light. Surprised me a bit too, actually, and I'd done some research before stating this!

[@AlfonsLC]

its been a long time since you uploaded. hope all is well. i enjoyed your project. finished mine.

[@DrBobJeeper]

I'm working on an 86. Rusted floorboards are par for the course.

[@2drx4]

Yeah, it's not my first rodeo with Fred Flinstone floors in these things... I'm not upset about it as I'm likely going to need access to inside the un rail for other reasons anyways.

[@codybrookehanson2346]

Those window cranks.... HAHAHA

[@jeepXstreme]

Cant wait to see this!

[@ccis2cunning]

Liked and subscribed. More please!

[@quiquemorales6099]

This man Amazes me every time, Im sure he's not telling us He graduated from M.I.T

[@2drx4]

Thanks! Really appreciate hearing it.

[@adrianll8289]

Great stuff, I'm planning to do the same in my XJ, will be a bit easier tho as I already have factory diesel in there. Still debating about the engine choice, was thinking more about OM606...

[@2drx4]

If they were more readily available, I think the 606 would have been the route I would have gone. More power to start with, no V-belts, various other updates, etc. I didn't research it much though as the cars they come out of are still worth a lot of money in this area.

[@adrianll8289]

It is the opposite here, your donor has already big "classic" tax applied, and W210 is just an old German taxi, plus they are rust buckets so you can score them for cheap sometimes. BTW Shouldn't you be uploading another part instead of reading comments? :D

[@deepbludude4697]

Nice I just picked up a project, 1998 ranger sitting on a 54 ford chasiss with an OM617 in it, but I recently also acquired a 70 W200 Dodge hmmmmmm….

[@ohsee1346]

Not sure exactly what you have planned for this project, but i'd love to see a custom rear end...

[@2drx4]

Axles are a bit of a tossup so far. I'm looking for some things now. Assuming that's what you mean by rear end. First priority is getting the engine in and clearing everything though.

[@billybob81067]

@@2drx4 You and I both know he wasn't talking about an axle...

[@TravelingTexasFisherman]

Make sure to contact Mercedes4x4 they have adapter plates..motor mounts and the custom oil pan you will need! ..they are awesome..made my swap soo much easier !!

[@2drx4]

I have his adapter already. Not going to use his motor mounts or oil pan, at least that's not the plan for now.

[@bildough2775]

Keep these videos coming! Very detailed and very interesting!

[@Creekbreezy]

More jeep builds please

[@ericeaklor1300]

I did this 2 my CJ5 not sour about gearing

[@joef5008]

Frank the tank!

[@MrELIAN602]

Where's the rest of the series

[@blownhatch1]

There is a clip you pull back and that hood on the mercedes will stand almost straight up, just fyi for next time. You can pull everything without removing it.

[@2drx4]

I didn't know that, but it doesn't really matter. The hood design blocks too much light for filming, and I regretted not pulling the hood off the Comanche (also only 4 bolts) as the lighting would have been better if I had. If I need to strip another one off camera, I'll do it that way.

[@om606ram6]

It honestly bugged me that you removed the Mercedes hood instead of putting it in service mode.

[@SalvagedCircuitry]

How did you lock the steering on the comanche? I didnt know there was a steering lock option. Thanks!

[@2drx4]

It's a GM column so it *should* lock the steering with the key turned to off or removed. However they often are broken or removed.

[@Alderonn10]

Awesome!

[@n4120p]

should have kept the car as it was , ditch the truck, and be happy

[@dustinshadle732]

best and only use for doughnut spare is GO KART!!

[@joemoore1433]

If I only had more time

[@miguelsoriano4846]

What have you done with the interior?

[@Roman-lc4wf]

You should make more videos

[@Chadlistentome]

Any updates?

[@nickomoyle1492]

think a new jeep truck would be sweet with a 0m648 cdi

[@717Jeepin]

Any update?

[@2drx4]

Still on hold while I track down some more tools to overcome some of the problems I've run into. Sorry, I really wish I had more done and could publish another video.

[@geoffreyhawn1816]

It a shame that truck isn’t 4 wheel drive, but at least your mind is in the wright place to take a older luxury car with a-lot of life left in it to bring some life into what was probably destined to be a scrap yard lost Comanche

[@leonelplascencia2990]

4 cill 2 wheel drive 🥲😅😅

[@doedecaheedron]

WHY IN THE WORLD DID YOU REMOVE THE MB HOOD IT'LL STAND STRAIGHT UP ON THE HINGES!!!!

[@2drx4]

Lighting.

[@MSU585]

Why?????????

[@ValleyRock13]

A 5 cyl ??

[@2drx4]

Yes, 5. It's the number after 4, but before 6.

[@vqt7611]

You're really crazy. Beautiful Mercedes. Why are you sticking its engine in this junk?

[@486kyle]

ditch the GP controller, just run a solenoid to a button on the dash

[@2drx4]

I might well do that, but I saved it to keep my options open.

[@jacquescousteau7696]

Why would u rip up a Mercedes for that shitbox truck when any other swap would work better? RWD diesel cars are a rarity in the states!

[@MAN1UAL2]

Helicopters are over rated! (phipoff!)