I am looking to buy an older jeep. I was wondering what would be better, 4 or 6 cly? It's obvious the 6 has more power, but is it that much of a difference? I live in Utah and would be doing rock climbing and just having fun in the mountains with it. It would also be a daily driver. just wanting some imput on different engines sizes. Thanks for the help.

Go with the 4.0 six cylinder, make sure it is fuel injected. I have the 2.5 lt 4 cylinder and have blown the head gaskett for the second time about a month ago. There are alot of power mods and add ons you can get for the 4.0. It is a really well balanced engine.

also, what would be better, Automatic or manual? I'm really new to this stuff and not sure all directions to go with this vehicle. Tnak you!

I second the six - if you can score a good late model HO try to get
all the running gear and the computer - wiring - and the sensors - so
the transplant goes easy.

I have done this twice - once with a nice pull with no extra gear - and
once with a donar car - so I took every thing except the radiator. It saved
me about $500 and weeks of time running the right sensors and wiring down.
The lone engine is good if you already have a six.

You can find alot more after marke parts for the six - intakes - fuel injection
starters - alternators - etc - so the power may be more but the parts are
cheaper and more available.

No matter what the engine state - make sure you put a new high preasure oil
pump in and a new main seal. Do a good job on the pan seal - and get the
expensive $50 dollar valve cover gasket - it is worth it. Also put a new
FlowKooler water pump and performance 195 degree thermostat. All the other
stuff you can get too easily afterwards but this stuff has to go in when
the engine goes - to make it easy.


As far a manual vs. auto it has to do with what you know and how you use it.
I am a manual guy - and I like the extra mileage I can get with the manual
as well as the control a crawl speeds - I do use a thumb throttle - so I
don't have near the problems most people talk about with a manual.


Since the tranny is out when you do this spend the money and have it overhauled
if you can afford it - put a CenterForce performance clutch plate in - and
get new bearings for the shalt and a good clutch plate - it will save in the
long run.


If you go with an auto figure out how to get a external tranmission cooler and
filter on it - so it does not cook. Get a temp gauge also - its sorta of a must
have piece of equipment.