Adapters for the OM617. Ugh - Project Special Reserve Jeep Comanche Episode 2

In this video I go over the two available adapters for mating the Mercedes OM617 diesel to the Jeep AX-15 transmission for the Project Special Reserve Jeep Comanche. The two kits available as of now are the Doomsday Diesel and Mercedes Diesel 4x4 kit, and I discuss the contents and construction of both kits and explain why I choose to proceed with the Doomsday Diesel kit.
Jeep engine to transmission dowels P/N J4005148

[@doomsdaydiesel]

Good to know that the dowel sleeves are a chore to remove. They certainly are with the 3VZ-E, hence the reason I include new dowels for the R150. Adding them to future AX15 kits shouldn't be a problem. What is your honest opinion about my instructions? Anything you'd change or add? I don't send paper copies to conserve trees, plus I assume most people read off their phones nowadays.

[@2drx4]

I think the instructions with your kit are fine. I was going to mention there wasn't a printed copy, but I cut that from the video as it seemed minor. My disgust at the MD4x4's instructions being as garbage as they are HAD to be included though. More pictures are always better, and I'm sure you can add some as more kits are installed, or just include a picture library on your website if people want more material to refer to. Personally I like printed copies, and like to see them included, but I might be in the minority with that. Including the dowels in the future would definitely be appreciated, and might cut out some potential issues caused by people trying to reuse them.

[@DestDroid]

Could always make it an option when ordering. For stuff like this big color pictures are way better than anything on a phone (at least for a noob like myself).

[@doomsdaydiesel]

@@DestDroid excellent idea! Thanks!

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I prefer paper instructions for any automotive work. I do not like to touch my electronics (phone or laptop) with greasy hands. With paper instructions I can get them dirty and scratch notes on them as I go. Just my two cents.

[@eddieco]

I've got the Doomsday Diesel kit. Joe makes GREAT stuff, his customer service is top notch too.

[@jamieforrester7108]

Even though I'll likely never be in the market for either kit and wouldn't be doing the swap I found your break down of why one was good and one bad really informative and interesting. well worth watching

[@strictlyxjs8750]

Glad you posted a video please post more

[@wetoolow8750]

I watched this video 4 times. Thank you. An OM617 Jeep Wrangler is something I hope to take on as a project.

[@jerrymizar5065]

I just finished my diesel swap and I gotta say I was in the exact same situation. I originally bought the mercedes 4x4 diesel kit and then realized the issues before I installed it. Bought the doomsday diesel kit and hands down its the kit to go with. Joe provides a great product and support. Buy from Joe. Now I have a brand new mercedes 4x4 adapter kit that I dont feel right selling to anyone, but thats my problem. Thanks for the video, just wish I found it 6 weeks ago.

[@danielpothier9990]

I have really enjoyed your channel. I especially like how you teach Why something works and Why it won't. You do this without trying to be one of those "look at me I'm super cool dude". You have a practical and natural humor and when you make a mistake you own it. It is refreshing. Thank you for bringing quality to youtube!.

[@2drx4]

Thanks! I appreciate hearing it.

[@dondaughtrey7537]

Super important video, thanks so much. I am getting the doomsday for certain. Saved me some dough!

[@J20J20]

Nice work dude 🤘🏻

[@jordang1359]

Good to see some progress man! Maybe just some extra red loctite on those crank bolts of the first kit.

[@bigunone]

Thanks for the information

[@2drx4]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeremye21]

That first one was laser cut, more than likely with a 5k laser or 10k laser, tolerances are usually about .003 +- at the high end

[@Giraffefistfight]

Glad to see another episode. I'm debating whether I want to swap to an OM diesel or to a 3.4 V6 in my 86 Comanche. My only hold up on the diesel would be having to source a different transmission, since the GM powerplant in mine has a different bell housing pattern.

[@2drx4]

The transmissions used with the 2.5L and 2.8L typically aren't that good, I'd assume you have an AX-5. It probably wouldn't appreciate the power (specifically the torque) of the diesel. You're better off tracking down an AX-15, even if you want to go with the GM 3.4 as you can bolt one on with the Dakota bellhousing. You get a bigger clutch that way too. YMMV though, I know lots of guys just drop the 3.4 in place of the 2.8 and it seems to work out.

[@Giraffefistfight]

​@@2drx4 Actually I have an A904. And despite not having overdrive, from what I've read they seem to be a fairly strong transmission. I would like to stick with an auto and prefer to stick to a non-computer controlled one. If I went with the OM6XX I would like to go with a 700R4. At this point it really boils down to how much money I'm willing to throw at it. A diesel would be awesome. There is even a company local to me that produces bio-fuel for fairly cheap I could run it on. The other side of that coin is finding a F-body for a 3.4 swap would be easier and cheaper.

[@cmine615]

I also went with the same mercedesdiesel4x4 kit. I’ve been through three pilot bearings and the engine when it’s revved just feels..shakey. Something hasn’t been right since I did this swap 3 years ago. I put maybe 5000 miles on it in 3 years with 3 pilot bearings. It’s my first swap and I taught myself everything (especially since I was given those same instructions you got) so I’m proud that it moves but man has it been a pain in the ass. Now that I see doomsday diesel has this swap, it really makes me want to redo the whole thing

[@2drx4]

Yeah, it was a huge disappointment to me to see how bad the Mercedesdiesel4x4 kit is, and I didn't proceed with it because I was afraid I'd have the exact issues you have. The good news is the Doomsday kit fits very similarly, but the adapter plate being a little thicker will push your transmission back a bit. I'd say it's worth it to save your pennies and swap to the Doomsday kit.

[@TheRowdyJ]

damn, i just bought the merc 4x4 adapter without knowing. i dont know if they have even shipped it yet. joe didnt have any on the shelf. might have to make a phone call.

[@TheRowdyJ]

on 2nd thought, i went back and checked. im going merc-chevy. that adapter looks really good.

[@Beat98TJ]

#lsswap. :flipoff2:

[@joeyscleaninglady2877]

Doomsday looks like a real adapter kit that you would get from a company like advance adapters... Wonder how those Mercedes Diesel 4x4 guys can use the Mercedes name.... Asking for a lawsuit by Mercedes?

[@2drx4]

I think they've flown under the radar of Mercedes for a long time, or maybe Mercedes just isn't as aggressive about protecting their trademark as most of the other auto manufacturers are. Either way it's surprising given I don't think the product is something they would want their name on.

[@joeyscleaninglady2877]

@@2drx4 There was a story a few years ago about an online forum that was called "mercedessshop" Mercedes threatened a lawsuit and they were forced to change their name to "peachparts"...It is just a matter of time till they get a cease and desist... at that point they will likely go out of business as there is now a legitimate competitor

[@J20J20]

I watched the hole thing do I get a cookie 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@2drx4]

No, but I could give you an honourable mention in the next video... Which would then force you to watch that one to see if I actually did or not.

[@J20J20]

2drx4 I really enjoyed ur details showing whats not good with the first kit. I’m guilty of pulling the trigger on projects and ordering shit before I research also. Keep up the good work dude 🤘🏻

[@486kyle]

7:32stealing them pbb infos without any mentionjeez what a phony :flipoff2: fucking youtube formatting getting rid of my carriage returns I miss my typewriter goddamnit

[@2drx4]

That info was given freely by consenting adults! But you can feel free to submit a hurt feelings report to the Administrator. :flipoff2: