392 out of a Wrangler into a 2021 gladiator.

[Stingray77]

I’m looking for any advice or maybe tips to what I’m trying to do. So my plan is to buy a wrecked 392 Wrangler from an auction, and swap the drivetrain into my Gladiator. If everything works like I think I should be able to take everything out of the Wrangler engine bay including Battery, engine, reservoirs, radiator, etc and put it into the gladiator. I know I’ll have to get a new drive shaft unless I the stock gladiator one works, but I kinda want a beefier driveshaft than the stock one. But since the engine bays are the same lay out of each other just different orientation of everything it should work right? I would definitely do the AMW swap but I don’t have anywhere near that kinda money laying around. Anything helps thanks.

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[Wheelin98TJ]

What does a wrecked 392 JL cost? It can’t be cheap.

 

[CrazyCooter]

I would think salvage on a Hemi JL is more than the swap parts unless its trashed and then a lot of the oarts you need wont be usable.

Can't hurt to look for one and see though!

 

[Stingray77]

What does a wrecked 392 JL cost? It can’t be cheap.

I’m hoping to pick one up with a salvage title relatively cheap from an insurance auction. Then part out and sell what I don’t use.

 

[dos0711]

I’m hoping to pick one up with a salvage title relatively cheap from an insurance auction. Then part out and sell what I don’t use.

Was 77 the last year for a Stingray in the C3?

 

[Florida Mojave]

I think you're going to find the market to be very costly for the wrecked 392. Depending upon the damage as to how much money you can recoup from selling parts (and the hassle of dealing with boneheads).
But then you don't know the maintenance/care history...Copart is probably close to the largest auction house and they only have 1 for sale.
Best of luck - keep us up on your progress, I love the idea but don't like the odds...

 

[PuddleJumper]

I’m looking for any advice or maybe tips to what I’m trying to do. So my plan is to buy a wrecked 392 Wrangler from an auction, and swap the drivetrain into my Gladiator. If everything works like I think I should be able to take everything out of the Wrangler engine bay including Battery, engine, reservoirs, radiator, etc and put it into the gladiator. I know I’ll have to get a new drive shaft unless I the stock gladiator one works, but I kinda want a beefier driveshaft than the stock one. But since the engine bays are the same lay out of each other just different orientation of everything it should work right? I would definitely do the AMW swap but I don’t have anywhere near that kinda money laying around. Anything helps thanks.

you'll lose the t-case u got for the awd or 4auto selec in the 392. not sure if thats important to you but i like having forced 2wd. AMW does make an adapter bracket to mount non rubi diesel t cases to the 392 trans. not sure if they'll sell it tho. U could ask if you can get a discount if you supply the motor and trans and are willing to void your warranty. They quoted me 38k all said in done for a 392 swap. just waiting for my factory warranty to expire now. They also said they can work with your insurance to do the swap, if you accidently "blow" your stock 3.6. insurance can cover 28-30k and you can uotta pocket or finance the rest. there's option is all im saying.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I’m hoping to pick one up with a salvage title relatively cheap from an insurance auction. Then part out and sell what I don’t use.

I don't know if you have parted something out before, but if you haven't, be prepared to be paid less than expected and to hold on to stuff longer than expected. There are some things you'll never be able to sell. Interior trim pieces for example.

 

[Stingray77]

Was 77 the last year for a Stingray in the C3?

No I believe it’s 76, I’ve just nicknamed my jeep stingray

 

[Stingray77]

you'll lose the t-case u got for the awd or 4auto selec in the 392. not sure if thats important to you but i like having forced 2wd. AMW does make an adapter bracket to mount non rubi diesel t cases to the 392 trans. not sure if they'll sell it tho. U could ask if you can get a discount if you supply the motor and trans and are willing to void your warranty. They quoted me 38k all said in done for a 392 swap. just waiting for my factory warranty to expire now. They also said they can work with your insurance to do the swap, if you accidently "blow" your stock 3.6. insurance can cover 28-30k and you can uotta pocket or finance the rest. there's option is all im saying.

I’ve tried contacting them about stuff in the past and never did get a response back. I’ll try again about getting a bracket or a possible discount. Thank you for the info because 2wd is important.

 

[Stingray77]

I think you're going to find the market to be very costly for the wrecked 392. Depending upon the damage as to how much money you can recoup from selling parts (and the hassle of dealing with boneheads).
But then you don't know the maintenance/care history...Copart is probably close to the largest auction house and they only have 1 for sale.
Best of luck - keep us up on your progress, I love the idea but don't like the odds...

I’m hoping maybe to get a rolled one or one that has a bent frame to be able to salvage at much as possible, while keeping the price down. But im getting sick of selling parts on marketplace.

 

[Stingray77]

I don't know if you have parted something out before, but if you haven't, be prepared to be paid less than expected and to hold on to stuff longer than expected. There are some things you'll never be able to sell. Interior trim pieces for example.

I’ve parted a couple things in the past and I know not everything sells but, I’m just hoping to sell the higher money items and then scrap the rest if it comes to that. I just don’t wanna lose a lot of money on it.

 

[Benbean66]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe you will have to cut off and reweld the 392 motor mounts onto the JT frame. I've contemplated this same swap, and I would want to do it the same way as you are, with a wrecked 392 JL.

 

[MPMB]

But then you don't know the maintenance/care history...Copart is probably close to the largest auction house and they only have 1 for sale.
Best of luck - keep us up on your progress, I love the idea but don't like the odds...

I see 5 available right now.

I don't think anyone really cares about maintenance history if you're doing a massive project like this, with modern equipment. Unless the owners are complete idiots and haven't changed the oil in the 45,000 miles they've owned it. Hard press to find people that dumb that can afford a 392.

 

[Hootbro]

There is a lot of risk there in the financial math not adding up, let alone everything off the donor being right and tight with no issue.

One problem you are going to run into is finding that Goldilocks total salvage donor with minimal drivetrain and engine bay damage. Everybody else that sees it is going to bid it up also to a premium.

Unless you have done like projects before, conceptualizing the idea is easy, the execution is the pisser part.

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