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Engine Rebuild or ?


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So about to pull the trigger on getting a complete rebuild turn key install that's going to cost around 2400$ With my injury and schedule trying to learn how to pull the motor after getting all the tools then fumbling through a rebuild just isn't an option. Still waiting on a few more quotes but so far this guy seems legit. Worse case scenario is the 2400$ and the price will come down depending on what doesn't need to be replaced (radiator, throttle body, water pump etc) since most that stuff was replaced less than a year ago. Anyway, to the point. I started poking around and everyone is suggesting to stroke it out. I don't know anything about stroker motors so I figured I'd hit up the forums and ask you guys. Titan sells a prebuilt motor that's not a stroker but its for higher performance. Trying to figure out if its worth even bringing up to this machine shop or just leave it alone and get the 4.0 HO over hauled and call it a day. Thanks

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I've been running on 4 and a half cylinders since I've had the truck so not really sure. The only healthy 4.0 I've own was an LJ Rubicon. Talked to him about putting in a new 4.2 cam since it'd cost maybe 100 more if even that. I appreciate the response probably a dumb question hahaha.

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You wouldn't happen to have a suggestion for 70/30 on/off road. Mostly want it for the street but the build is going toward loading up a moose in backwoods Alaska and hauling it out. Not too overly worried about MPG since its a jeep but fresh motor either way shouldn't be getting 8mpg. Basically looking for a mild stroker build that is going to last a couple 100k miles with good maintenance.  

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If I read it right, you need to re-build/replace your failing 4.0.  Some of your goals are to drive it to Alaska for back-country moose hunting, and you want it to last a few 100 thousand miles.

 

A stroker might not be your best option.  They do give some extra power, but they aren't known for longevity.  Plus they cost more from the get go and will put more stress on things like the trans, transfer case, gears, suspension, etc.  It's not a TON more stress, but it would add up over the years.

 

$2,400 is a lot of money to spend on an old engine.  Have you considered replacing it with a newer 4.0 from a Cherokee?  You could find a nice donor XJ and have a shop swap the motor over for about the same price.  Depending on your current truck, you might also get an upgrade to your cooling system, axles, transmission, transfer case etc etc.  

 

A few years back, I bought a wrecked, low mileage 99 XJ for $500 and paid a shop $2k to swap everything into my MJ.   I did pay a few extra hundred bucks to have them do a full tune-up of the engine when they put it in .... new seals, gaskets, plugs, hoses etc.

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If I read it right, you need to re-build/replace your failing 4.0.  Some of your goals are to drive it to Alaska for back-country moose hunting, and you want it to last a few 100 thousand miles.

 

A stroker might not be your best option.  They do give some extra power, but they aren't known for longevity.  Plus they cost more from the get go and will put more stress on things like the trans, transfer case, gears, suspension, etc.  It's not a TON more stress, but it would add up over the years.

 

$2,400 is a lot of money to spend on an old engine.  Have you considered replacing it with a newer 4.0 from a Cherokee?  You could find a nice donor XJ and have a shop swap the motor over for about the same price.  Depending on your current truck, you might also get an upgrade to your cooling system, axles, transmission, transfer case etc etc.  

 

A few years back, I bought a wrecked, low mileage 99 XJ for $500 and paid a shop $2k to swap everything into my MJ.   I did pay a few extra hundred bucks to have them do a full tune-up of the engine when they put it in .... new seals, gaskets, plugs, hoses etc.

Yeah the price seems pretty high but that's pulled and installed turn key. Anything that doesn't need to be replaced knocks the price down. I'd try to do it myself but I still can't move my right arm above my shoulder from the truck dropping on me. If I could I'd get a brand new one and just install it.

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I did decide on just going with a standard rebuild. I don't have any need for the extra power. She doesn't even see the highway much

 

Good decision, IMHO.  It will get you up and running reliably, and the stock power level is really quite decent.

 

I would still suggest just swapping a known good motor in, even if you can't do the work there might be a local Jeep club that would be willing to help?

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