(04-25-2015, 06:02 PM)zeeman Wrote: Your easiest and most reasonable solution would be to go with the 617 motor. Change over to a Jeep bellhousing which will bolt up to your AX-15 transmission and use mercedesdiesel4x4.com adapter and your done. Just have to change to the shorter Jeep input shaft. The 606 will be a tight fit and would require a rear sump oil pan ect.......

Looks like this is happening sort of by default - I found a mechanic-owned, "pre-tuned" 617 (better turbo, higher pump volume, no smoke) complete with car for $800, which I can't beat with a stick. The plan for the 606 was to buy a parts car for $2500 and "reinvent the IP wheel", so to speak. I don't have the AX15 in this truck, but the better-built Dodge NV3500, which at 230K miles is smooooth - 4x4 Labs has a comprehensive kit for mating the 617 to GM NV3500 transmissions, so I'm looking about for one of those (*&%^&^ integral bellhousings!) to make it a simple bolt-up, otherwise I get to make an adapter plate all of my own for the Dodge!