Eagle Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 Awhile ago I picked up an '88 MJ shortbed with 2WD, and the mighty 2.5L engine with 4-speed manual tranny. The body is in decent shape but the engine has 219,000 miles on it and the clutch is gone. My options: 1. I could just replace the clutch and see how long the old engine would keep going. 2. I have a 1986 XJ 2.5L 5-speed, 4WD. The engine in that is a rebuilt with only 30,000 miles on it. I could freshen that engine up and throw it into the MJ. 3. I also have a wrecked '87 XJ with a 4.0L 4WD automatic, with a bit more than 100,000 miles on it. I could freshen that engine and swap it into the MJ. I'm not planning to sell this MJ, I hope to keep it as a weekly (not daily) driver for normal household, weekend warrior type jobs. What would you do? Why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted June 23, 2015 Share Posted June 23, 2015 I'd put the 4WD drivetrain from the '86 in the '88. It would be the quickest swap & the engine has very low miles. Also the rear axle that's in there now can stay. The 4 banger is somewhat challenged at highway speeds but it doesn't sound like you're planning to drive cross-country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 For me I'd take the 4.0/AW4 route. I'd also swap the 4:10 axles out of the 86 and lift it and throw some 32s on it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Warrior Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 I'd follow your options, in the order listed. 1. 219k? We know the 2.5L is a survivor. Clutch and go! 2. I think about that motor with nearly 200k fewer miles and my mind wants it, along with 4wd. 3. I'd only consider the 4.0L swap if no running 2.5L can be had. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Swap the clutch and go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 ^^^ Si. If your goal is "to keep it as a weekly (not daily) driver for normal household, weekend warrior type jobs" that's all that's needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeepman Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 Id Vote just install a new Clutch and drive it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjeff87 Posted June 24, 2015 Share Posted June 24, 2015 X3 on clutch and drive. My old 2.5 had near 200K on it when I swapped it out with a 4.0. Ended up swapping it into PingPong's MJ, and he drove it for another 20K or so then sold it. New owner ran it for 2 years, give or take, and it FINALLY died when a welch plug started leaking and the owner kept topping off the system with water only (no coolant). One cold VA night took it's toll and the block cracked. <<sheds tears>> The only thing I ever did inside that engine was pull the lifters and clean/reinstall them. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnj92131 Posted June 25, 2015 Share Posted June 25, 2015 I believe in KISS - Keep it Simple. You are talking about a Home Depot truck. So do a decent clutch job, and run it for a few years. Deal with the rest in a few years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86FUBAR Posted June 27, 2015 Share Posted June 27, 2015 I agree , I'd slap a clutch in it and be on my way ! And if the 2.5 ever gets completely worn then I'd just do a clean and simple rebuild on the original block and be on my way again. No need to complicate things and I'm sure you have plenty of other projects to attend too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanche County Posted July 5, 2015 Share Posted July 5, 2015 Clutch, while the trans is off drop the pan and do the rear main, and slap in a set of bearings and a new oil pump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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