I didn't mean that post to be as abrasive as it sounded. I really didn't.
If you go to
http://jeep2diesel.org/ There are a few guys that have already accomplished the cummins swap. A couple have even kept the dana 30 Now don't get me wrong i don't think it'd hold up in any hardcore rockcrawling but for the pavement pounders that lets be honest 80-90%of the jeeps out there are i think it'd hold up fine.
I honestly have nothing against the pasta mill but to me your wasting your money and an awful lot of adaptation time. Hell chrysler has teams of experianced engineers and they still couldn't get it right. I have no plans in the near future to get rid of my little liberty. It's great for getting my wife back and forth to work. Heck who knows if i put a couple grand into it it MIGHT live up to it's trail rated badge. In the mean time it does a great job of pulling my little camper, and handling the on-road nasty conditions we get in the near arctic northern michigan winter.
And whats wrong with the term "pasta mill" I don't have any negative feelings when i say it. I think it's kindof a good description.
BTW check this out
http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/showthread.php?t=112807
If the 4BTA is too heavy here's a pretty cool alternative to all the electronic headaches the VM poses.
My mistake about the columbus OH, I knew i read columbus somewhere I just always think OH when i think columbus. Same difference though they are still your neighbors, friends, family, etc.
Sorry about the HIJACK, I won't post in this thread again if anyone wants to turn this friendly conversation into an argument we'll take it elsewhere.
(EDIT) and just to clarify I have absolutely nothing against the VM it's a great little engine. I just don't think it's the best swap option.