I’m curious about what relationships there are between the KJ’s component systems and those of other Jeep models or other Chrysler models. Mostly this is just curiosity but it might also be helpful in borrowing parts on the trail, finding parts for lower prices and in making modifications.

For example, I understand that the KJ’s 3.7L gas engine is a descendant of the Grand Cherokee’s 4.7L. If that is true, which of the components are the same? Do they use the same oil filter? Same spark plug wires and distributor cap? Fuel injectors and rails? Same fuel pump?

How about other systems on the KJ? Where did the IFS design come from, did they build it from scratch or use some other model to start?

As far as parts go, they’ve been trying for decades to get more common parts across models to save on manufacturing costs. Sometimes the results are strange, like several parts on Cadillacs that can be replaced by identical parts used on lesser models for half the price.

A couple examples of Jeep parts mods or price savings – on the XJ, it supposedly used an oil filter that was identical to that of a certain Ford truck model, but which cost less. Another Ford truck used a filter with the same fitting but was 50% larger, so some used that filter to get more capacity.

On the KJ itself, I’ve heard (haven’t verified) that it uses the same iPod adapter cable for the 6-disc-CD changer cord as the Dodge Durango, which costs less than the one sold for the KJ.

_________________
06 Sport stock so far

Some components from older 4.7's convert to the 3.7.Oil filters are different,no plug wires or distributor on a 3.7 or 4.7.Different injectors and fuel pump.

The KJ's IFS is unique,other Jeeps have a similar design but no shared parts.

There's not much you can convert from other vehicles to the KJ,rear shocks is one(stock Durango shocks for lifted KJ only).The rear 8.25 diff can use many parts from the aftermarket but the axles can not be shared between different vehicles,gears and LSD/Lockers can as well as diff covers.

does that mean I can replace the worn out shocks in my '04 with the shocks from a stock Durango to give me the ride height of a pre-lowered '02 KJ? If so does that work for both the front and rear shocks? I there anything else to it? Or did I just read that all wrong and this can't be done.

_________________
'04 Liberty Limited - 245/70/16 Firestone Destination AT's, Mopar tow hooks, Draw-Tite Class IV hitch, Skid Row Engine & Transmission Skids, Mopar T-Case & Gas Tank Skids, Extended Breather Tubes, Red Top Optima, Sylvania Silver Star head lights, Hella 500FF bumper mounted driving lights

No reread it,
first shocks do not give lift only springs give lift, second the Durango shocks are the extended ones to use when lifted in the rear only. Front still uses the same as stock KJ

_________________
MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

Hmm, didn't know that. "Individual ignition coils" the FSM says. What will they think of next? Looks like changing out the spark plugs might be a little tougher, but at least no danger of mxing up the wires.

Overall, I'm kind of surprised there aren't more common parts. I thought that was the big trend in Detroit, common parts to reduce manufacturing costs. And it looks like absolutely nothing from the Cherokee made it in the KJ, except the name for European use.

_________________
06 Sport stock so far

as tjkj said, some of the 8.25 aftermarkets are shareable


the transfer case itself is common as is the ax15 straight drive tranny

_________________
03 Renegade (Black)
177k miles 3.7L gas - 45RFE
Command Trac / 4.10s
Lift: ft. 790+ rr. JBA4+
The last of the TrailReady Front&Rear Bumpers and TR Rock Rails
Jarhead Offroad light covers
31x10.5R15 RedLetter Grabbers on Blackrock Dunes
L.O.S.T #KD098632

The KJ does not use the AX15,the KJ uses either the 45RFE or the 42RLE auto trans.The 231 and 242 t-cases are also unique to the KJ only since they have no speedo port on the rear output in the KJ.

Actually it is not tough at all to change out the plugs, 15/20 minutes is all it takes, lot easier than 3/4 of the vehicles out there! Almost takes longer to set the gap as it does to change them!

_________________
MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

didnt realise we didnt have any straight drives thats odd but thanks tjkj, and isn't the speedo port just plugged??

_________________
03 Renegade (Black)
177k miles 3.7L gas - 45RFE
Command Trac / 4.10s
Lift: ft. 790+ rr. JBA4+
The last of the TrailReady Front&Rear Bumpers and TR Rock Rails
Jarhead Offroad light covers
31x10.5R15 RedLetter Grabbers on Blackrock Dunes
L.O.S.T #KD098632

No, the tailhousing part of the KJ transfer case just doesn't have a provision for a speedo pick, its just not there, nothing plugged.

Also, the manual trannies found behind the V6 were the NV3550 and the NSG370.

_________________
http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

.....so we're drivin "the red headed stepchild" of jeeps, eh......

_________________
05 BLACK KJ - 42RLE & NP242
Skids, Hooks, Bent Rock Rail, Lifted, A/T's, etc.
NY and PA and Florida ONF Special Custom Organic Trail Rash