2.5L reviews/discussions from members

[bigmistake]

I made a post a while back about the 2.5l swap, and it was brought up that the engine is actually pretty good and might not be worth swapping.  After looking into it, swapping a 2.5l to 4.0l really isn't an option for me at this time... but I still want a Comanche, and expanding my search to include the 2.5l would open up my options.

 

I'd love to hear personal experiences from CC members - how do these little engines do in your trucks?  How do they manage being at highway speeds?  Do you DD them?  How long do the engines last?

 

I look forward to the discussion!

[Pete M]

they are essentially 2/3rds of a 4.0 so they have all the longevity of their big brother.    gearing is extra important to accommodate any increase in tire size.  

[bigmistake]

Thanks Pete!  I found a local truck that has almost 200k miles on it, but is running and rust free for a good price.  I think I might pull the trigger...

[Minuit]

Just like the 4.0, 200k is absolutely nothing for a well maintained engine. the ~120hp the Renix version makes isn't much by today's standards, but back then it was one of the most powerful 4 cylinder truck engines you could get. Won't be a great highway cruiser but it'll get you around.

 

One difference from the 4.0 is that the 2.5 has a timing chain tensioner.

[FrankTheDog]

I have a 2000 2.5 5 speed 4wd XJ that I daily drive. I’m running 225/70/15’s on it and it’ll do 70 on the highway but it doesn’t get much better mileage than my 98 and 99 4.0 auto cherokee’s when run that hard.

If I stay on secondary roads and keep it under 55 it’ll get better mileage.

 

I like it because it handles better and feels more balanced weight wise than the 4.0’s.

[Swampy]

I have a 2.5l comanche too. As far as I can tell its a great little engine. I don't have as much experience with it as other members and I haven't really driven my comanche on the road but it seems to be great especially if it is running properly. 

It is the same as a 4.0l with the middle 2 cylinders removed. The main reason people dog on them is that they most probably don't have the correct gearing for the tires they want to run. 

the only downside is to get any real increase in power you have to stroke the engine. other than that it seems like a great little engine

[88whitemanche]

I love mine, 

not the best in gas mileage with bigger lift and tires and with the taller gearing with lockers but I don’t baby it either....

most reliable engine ive had so far after doing cruisers renix tips and refreshing the sensors and parts....

[dasbulliwagen]

I have one too. Youll be fine with it as long as you keep your expectations low, and your tires not too big. My 2.5 has over 200,000 on a Jasper rebuild done by the original owner. Its about the only thing on my truck that hasnt been touched other than maintinance in the 10-11 years Ive had it. I did eliminate the engine driven fan and installed an electric one, and did a "cold" air intake, as well as gutting and sleeving the cat and a flowmaster 50 series muffler. 

[mnkyboy]

I really like my little 2.5l, i used my MJ as a daily for years before i decided to go crazy with it, it has always been very reliable.

 

[bigmistake]

I joined the club!  I picked up a 2.5l - will post some details later... I'm excited!

[WyoCherokee]

I ran the Tar out of my little 2.5. got great mileage, hauled firewood, and wouldnt die. Great little engine, just don't expect to win any drag races.