What are your future plans with the Jeep? If you want to wheel it as is then go for a 6cyl. If your planning on a large build i.e. engine axles etc. start with the 4cyl. The 4 banger will be quite a bit cheaper. So you have more $ up front for future builds. For the question of model you will want to raise the hood anyway so you can see what it has.
86' CJ7, 258,T18,D44's 4.56 f/r, Detroit front, Warn shafts, CTM joints, rear spool, 4wheel disc, SOA w/ wagoneer springs, custom shackle reversal, 38"tsl, Allied Beadlocks,8274-50 Warn, Custom 6 point cage, custom bumpers, and still building.
Posts: 464 | Location: Ackworth, Ia | Registered: December 07, 2002
It all depends on your needs is it a daily driver, weekend warrior rig or what? I have the 2.5L and although a V6 swap is in the distant future the 4banger suits me fine. There are alot of folks around here in the NW that run 4 bangers with alot of MODs to their rigs.
My YJ has a SOA, SYE, REVO Shackles, 4:56 Gears, Rear D44, ARB Front & Rear, and yeah it has a 2.5L 4 banger and it does pretty good on the trails and I have'nt broke anything...yet.
So I think it all depends on your needs.
Posts: 68 | Location: Marysville, Washington | Registered: March 10, 2003
Ahh, I should have supplied more info, my apologies.
It will most definately be a daily driver, 25 mile commute to work through backroads in farming country. It will probably sit stock for a year or so before I get started with some basic mods. It will never be a full on rig, at most the occasional trip offroad through flat south georgia. At the most, I might see the occasional mud and maybe once a year I'll get up to tellico.
Thanks for the replies guys...
John 16:33
Posts: 107 | Location: Bethlehem, Ga | Registered: August 09, 2001
I'd go with the 6 cuz in Ga you will possibly want a/c and I don't believe the 4 will have the nads to pull the a/c at highway speeds. This way you'll have 1 less thing to change later. You'll want fuel injection for gas milage and the power to pull larger tires. However in the end it's your choice. Good Luck
86' CJ7, 258,T18,D44's 4.56 f/r, Detroit front, Warn shafts, CTM joints, rear spool, 4wheel disc, SOA w/ wagoneer springs, custom shackle reversal, 38"tsl, Allied Beadlocks,8274-50 Warn, Custom 6 point cage, custom bumpers, and still building.
Posts: 464 | Location: Ackworth, Ia | Registered: December 07, 2002
If I luck up and find a good used yj with a 6 cyl what engine, at what point do these engines show their age and need a rebuild? The majority of the ones I've seen have 100+K miles on them, can I get another 50k 75k with normal maintenance. I'm sure it depends on the engine.
If I were to do a tune up myself, what might I expect to pay for normal tune-up parts? $500? more? less? I would like to do this myself, and learn along the way.
John 16:33
Posts: 107 | Location: Bethlehem, Ga | Registered: August 09, 2001
After purchase you want to get 2 books a Chiltons and a Haynes manual. I have both and I find that between both they cover most everything. For $500 you will be able to get all the parts for a tune up and a few mods along the way. While your out shopping for a Jeep keep an eye out for different Jeep clubs as well. These are great ways to meet people and a wealth knowledge for cheap parts in your area. Good Luck.
86' CJ7, 258,T18,D44's 4.56 f/r, Detroit front, Warn shafts, CTM joints, rear spool, 4wheel disc, SOA w/ wagoneer springs, custom shackle reversal, 38"tsl, Allied Beadlocks,8274-50 Warn, Custom 6 point cage, custom bumpers, and still building.
Posts: 464 | Location: Ackworth, Ia | Registered: December 07, 2002
If i were you i would look for a 4.0 6.The 2.5 is good for stock jeeps to run around town.I have a 2.5 i run 33s 4.56 gears and its gutless i got it on a trade.I rev the sh*t out of it too get up too highway speeds.
A 6 cylinder is optimal for your purpose, howerever if you find a nice, clean 4 cylinder don't over look it. You can easily turn 33's (with 4.88 gears) on the highway with the AC on.
i have a 4 cyl 95 yj its nice i dont want a bigger motor either it will do 70 just fine but i dont like to drive that fast it has 5:28 gears in dana 44's frt and rear with 37' mtrs oh and it wheel with the best of them and the great thing is all those v8 and big 6 motors use alot more gas than i do
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stock rock crawler with crawling type stuff
Posts: 387 | Location: coalinga ca | Registered: July 09, 2003
You maybe disapointed with the 2.5L. Go with the 6 cyl. However It seems to me that my 87 wrangler with the 4.2L has more pep and my RUBY with the 4.0L but it could just be the tire size. I have had good luck with the 6 cyls.
Yeah I've got the 2.5 and shes ok I mainly run to and from school and work, Then offroad all weekend. Its a decent little engine for having 114k on her.
i have a 2.4 tj, 33x12.50s. runs great, definantly not fast but it goes as fast as i would drive it if i had the 6 in there. as for offroad, no problems at all. 4-lo will never have you running out of power. Most of the places i have to put the wrangler in 4-lo all my buddys with 6 cylinders do too. i'm located in ga also and i drive to school an hour each way other day, no problems at all
Posts: 37 | Location: Alpharetta, GA | Registered: February 06, 2006
