Eagle Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 I have a 1988 MJ SWB with a 2.5L engine and 4-speed manual tranny, in 2WD. The internal slave ruptured, so it has not been driven for a couple of years, and the engine has 208,000 miles on it. I would like to get it back on the road this summer, but with a change to 4WD. I have some options -- enough to have me unable to decide which route to go. 1. I could rebuild the 2.5L, keep it as a Renix, and swap in a 5-speed AX-5 with transfer case to make it 4WD. 2. I also have the parts to convert the 2.5L to an AW-4 automatic in 4WD. 3. I have a 100,000 mile 1987 4.0L AW-4 4WD drive train I can swap in from a complete XJ donor vehicle. 4. I have a '95 YJ 2.5L engine and 3-speed auto with the MPFI parts on the engine, but no wiring harness or computer. I could get the missing stuff from a junk yard and upgrade to the newer 2.5L setup. I'm not looking for a heavy-duty off-road beast (I have an old XJ for that), and I'm not looking for a street rocket. Gasoline will top $4/gallon by the end of this week (a couple of local stations are already above $4). I'm looking for a reliable and economical MJ to replace my '88 XJ as a daily driver. What would you lads do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freakjeep93 Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 polls arn workin so i my as well post. id keep it renix 2.5L and convert to the 5 speed. i say this becasue the 2.5 is there as is the wiering harness and automatics suck. also you want good on gas so the 2.5 would be better if you had proper gears. just my 2 cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 If I were building a fuel-wise MJ, I would have to add an option to your layout. Find a MFPI 2.5L XJ, and swap the entire drivetrain in. Bonus if you can do it from a '96 for OBDII abilities. Have the somewhat better mileage of the 4 cyl, the bonus of Multiport, the help of OBDII for troubleshooting, an AX5 (hopefully), the 231, and a stout runner. I had the chance to do that, but the member who's shell I was buying bailed, and I let the '96 XJ go after stealing the axles for my MJ. Rob L. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejndssn Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 :agree: i would Convert to MPFI 2.5L engine with a 5spd unless time is not on your side then i would go stock and upgrade to 5spd. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW86 Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 id go with option 3. then lift it 2 inches throw on some ATs, you've got it made good looking stance, enough height/flex to do a little something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jons87mj Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 :agree: thats what i would do. and it would look goood :brows: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddzz1 Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Option #1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 I'd keep it a 2.5, with an external slave 4wd AX-5 and try to track down some 4.10 axles for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Option 3, but thats just me I guess. I have never dabbled too much with the 4 cyl world cause I was always happy with the mileage I pull from the Renix 4.0L setups. If you go this route, you'd also have 4.10 gears (assume) under your 4.0L drive-line. Not the best for gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geonovast Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 If you go this route, you'd also have 4.10 gears (assume) under your 4.0L drive-line. Not the best for gas. Truck's originally a 4 speed. It should have 3.55. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deziped Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 I'd go with #1 and bolt up a 242 to it while your under there & run it that way until (if & when) I decide to add a D30 in the front. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cody4359 Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 4.0 with aw4, then get a cheap commuter car for mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnkyboy Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Option #1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Swap in the '95 YJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 I would probably do the 2.5 MPFI with the AW4, if possible. Although, if it was my truck I would find a 97+ 4cyl XJ donor and swap everything over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted March 9, 2011 Author Share Posted March 9, 2011 If you go this route, you'd also have 4.10 gears (assume) under your 4.0L drive-line. Not the best for gas. Truck's originally a 4 speed. It should have 3.55. And it does. I have 3.73 axles available to swap in, but not 4.10s. And it ain't gettin' a lift. This is going to be a daily driver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Bruchal Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 Why not swap for the HO with 5 speed... Its what I would do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted March 9, 2011 Author Share Posted March 9, 2011 Why not swap for the HO with 5 speed... Its what I would do. I have a couple of AW-4s with transfer cases. I don't have a 4WD BA 10/5 or AX-15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
COMJNUT Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 I'm looking for a reliable and economical MJ to replace my '88 XJ as a daily driver. What would you lads do? Option 5! :shake: I'd keep it the way it is, just repair the clutch slave, You'd get the best mpg out of the setup you have already, 2wd and the 2.5l...less drive train % loss to the tires. and during winter conditions, get the xj out driving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akula69 Posted March 9, 2011 Share Posted March 9, 2011 If I were building a fuel-wise MJ, I would have to add an option to your layout. Find a MFPI 2.5L XJ, and swap the entire drivetrain in. Bonus if you can do it from a '96 for OBDII abilities. Have the somewhat better mileage of the 4 cyl, the bonus of Multiport, the help of OBDII for troubleshooting, an AX5 (hopefully), the 231, and a stout runner. I had the chance to do that, but the member who's shell I was buying bailed, and I let the '96 XJ go after stealing the axles for my MJ. Rob L. :cheers: I agree with Rob, or go with option # 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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