Bonkers Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Hey guys. I'm planning a restoration on my 88 Mj Gracie. After which i plan on driving her cross-country, and possibly towing a car to the track. Not planning on lifting, and i will NOT add a diesel or V8 - she will see some light off-road, but I'm building a factory-esque grand touring truck. That being said, when i asked a few years ago about building a 4.6 or swapping in an HO, the general consensous was that the 4.0HO would be a far more reliable and long-term motor. On that recommendation i bought a donor 91 Mj with plans to rebuild the motor and swap everything over... So i plan to start the teardown process in a few days and asked some questions on the FB page, and now the general consensous has gone the opposite direction - build the 4.6 and forget the HO. I need to start making long term plans so i need some good info - logically i think a 4.6 would be better at towing and xcountry travel, but I'm worried I'm not going to see the 100k+ miles of dependabilty id expect from the HO. I'm now also doubting the HO will have the bump in power i was initially hoping for. Please help me find direction here. I want to build the right jeep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankTheDog Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 What do you plan on towing? Also gearing will help make the 4.0 pull well. Especially if your truck is a standard. I had 4.10’s in my stick XJ with 31’s and 32’s and it had plenty of power. Stock sized tires a set of 3.73’s would be a good choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkers Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 I was thinking 3.55s since those are the highest gears ARB makes a locker for AND will be the most forgiving (fuel effiecent) for 2000+ mile treks. I don't plan on towing more than 100 miles, maybe 2-4 times a year so its not the primary focus... however the stock renix is definitely not up for the task. It can't even climb a steep hill empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 what size tires? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 5 hours ago, Bonkers said: I was thinking 3.55s since those are the highest gears ARB makes a locker for AND will be the most forgiving (fuel effiecent) for 2000+ mile treks. I don't plan on towing more than 100 miles, maybe 2-4 times a year so its not the primary focus... however the stock renix is definitely not up for the task. It can't even climb a steep hill empty. Where'd you get that information at? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Go with the stroker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 34 minutes ago, Jeep Driver said: Where'd you get that information at? Farcebook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 If you're looking for power, the HO swap will disappoint you. If you're gonna build an engine anyway, go stroker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 1 hour ago, Eagle said: Go with the stroker. Go with an HO stroker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 27 minutes ago, HOrnbrod said: Go with an HO stroker. That wasn't one of the options presented. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 1 minute ago, Eagle said: That wasn't one of the options presented. The best of both worlds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Just now, HOrnbrod said: The best of both worlds. Says the guy with "HO" in his screen name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 I'm no fan of the 4.0, no fan of the AW4........that said- Our XJ will pull 3-4K uphill with no problem. Braking is another matter. Over 250K miles. See link below- I've gone through my engine harness, eliminated the C101, improved my grounds, replaced all sensors.....etc........ Last weekend I replaced my fuse block, all new connectors. Truck had not been started in over a week, turned key and to my surprise it fired up immediately. What the fuse block has to do directly with the ignition circuit...IDK, however, with every improvement I've made to the electrical system the engine runs better, starts faster. I read all the complaints regarding lacking of power, and the standard answer is- throw a stroker at it. If you have a problem, it's mechanical or electrical. See his experience- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 7 minutes ago, Eagle said: Says the guy with "HO" in his screen name. After thirteen years with zero problems, I can't complain. And amazingly, all HO parts are still readily available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine1Texas Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Just my 2¢ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 2 hours ago, Noriyori_Kudo said: The 4.0 its self is rated around 220 area for torque give or take a bit. Now the 4.6 stroker makes around the 300 ft lb torque which is way more than a built HO can give you. Where do you guys come up with this crap? How do you know you make "around" 300 ft lb? From your super accurate butt dyno? You Renix guys are all yak - yak with no proof. About the only thing I believe above is your "I have never owned a HO..." statement. C'mon Nori, you're normally a sensible guy with excellent advice and not prone to raving. HO peak torque @ 3K RPM = 340 ft lbs, dyno run back in 2008 below. And it's better now. Check it out. Show me yours. https://www.jeepstrokers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=387&hilit=comanche91&start=15 Just my 2¢... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marine1Texas Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 typical HOrnbrod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 I don't believe what any engine manufacturer claims, Nori. I have to see it to believe it. Making statements like "Now the 4.6 stroker makes around the 300 ft lb torque which is way more than a built HO can give you" is an irrational statement mate. Delete your account if you must. Jeesh.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkers Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 6 hours ago, Jeep Driver said: Where'd you get that information at? ARB told me when i asked about lockers for the 3.07s. They told me the highest ratio kits for the D30 and D44 had to be at least 3.55/6 but preferrably 3.73+. Clearly I'm no mechanic, but when the guys who build the product tell me it doesnt exist, i tend to believe them. Also, i was under the impression that there was no difference in stroking a 4.0 renix vs 4.0HO. So do you think stroking both the 91 HO motor AND swapping in the components would be the more ideal choice? Or are you saying to swap in a stroked 97 HO (which would be a huge PITA since I'm not changing the interior to that crummy soft-edge look.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 12 minutes ago, Bonkers said: ARB told me when i asked about lockers for the 3.07s. They told me the highest ratio kits for the D30 and D44 had to be at least 3.55/6 but preferrably 3.73+. Clearly I'm no mechanic, but when the guys who build the product tell me it doesnt exist, i tend to believe them. Also, i was under the impression that there was no difference in stroking a 4.0 renix vs 4.0HO. So do you think stroking both the 91 HO motor AND swapping in the components would be the more ideal choice? Or are you saying to swap in a stroked 97 HO (which would be a huge PITA since I'm not changing the interior to that crummy soft-edge look.) You'll have to change carriers to go to say 4.lls.........IOWs, you cannot use your 3.07 carrier to run a taller gear than 3.55. I guess you know you are planning on spending a S---load of money? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 1 minute ago, Jeep Driver said: You'll have to change carriers to go to say 4.lls.........IOWs, you cannot use your 3.07 carrier to run a taller gear than 3.55. You can if you use a set of "thick" R&P gears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 Just now, HOrnbrod said: You can if you use a set of "thick" R&P gears. I'm just pointing out that is sounds like he's getting some bad info and he needs to inquire more thoroughly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted April 7, 2018 Share Posted April 7, 2018 1 minute ago, Jeep Driver said: I'm just pointing out that is sounds like he's getting some bad info and he needs to inquire more thoroughly. Agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkers Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 Which is why I'm asking. I'm a driver, not a gearhead so i know exactly what i want, and i know its well within the realm of possiblity, its just getting there... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonkers Posted April 7, 2018 Author Share Posted April 7, 2018 15 minutes ago, Jeep Driver said: I guess you know you are planning on spending a S---load of money? No, I'm planning on spending a $#!&load of money on this build. I already have more planned on the rear axle than i originally spent buying the entire truck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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