limits of the 2.5L

[Mobius1]

Alright been pricing and looking at things all over. My questions are, how big can you go before its just useless to run the 2.5L. Meaning with a lift and over sized tires. Also my 2.5L 2wd will be 4wd before the end of 2008 and was wondering how well they perform 4x4 wise with just normal size tires (i'm running 30'' BFG A/T). If thats not clear try this, how well does the 2.5L do in a 4x4 MJ vs a 2wd MJ? I'm not sure how long it'll be until I do a motor swap if at all. So if you will, please give me as many pros and cons to each situation. If needed the tranny will still remain automatic and as for how big I was planning on going I hadn't thought about it just thought I would see who has done what and why.

[woody62]

it runs really good with the fourwheel drive i can't tell a difference when i have the it in or out

[bhorocks]

have the 2.5 renix injection with 33's and 4.10s manual transmission which i am assuming is the same as yours. 2wd currently but doing a 4wd swap this upcoming weekend.

 

I have no issues running with traffic although 5th gear has no nuts at all but i still use it at cruising speeds.

 

I am going to 4.88 soon which i am hoping will make it pretty close to stock. I also love the fuel economy! I drive a tj with the 4.0 also and the gas mileage sucks in that thing. my MJ uses 1/2 the gas as the tj.

 

Keep the 2.5. when gas gets to over 4.00 you won't think twice why you stayed with it!

 

I am also pushing 210,000 miles and it is still strong!

[bhorocks]

have the 2.5 renix injection with 33's and 4.10s manual transmission which i am assuming is the same as yours. 2wd currently but doing a 4wd swap this upcoming weekend.

 

I have no issues running with traffic although 5th gear has no nuts at all but i still use it at cruising speeds.

 

I am going to 4.88 soon which i am hoping will make it pretty close to stock. I also love the fuel economy! I drive a tj with the 4.0 also and the gas mileage sucks in that thing. my MJ uses 1/2 the gas as the tj.

 

Keep the 2.5. when gas gets to over 4.00 you won't think twice why you stayed with it!

 

I am also pushing 210,000 miles and it is still strong!

 

didn't notice you run the auto. I have one of those in the garage but decided to keep the 5 speed. not sure about the auto.. but i still love my jeep! regear if you go bigger and you will stay happy. 4wd won't make a difference to power if you don't go bigger tires.

[tjbliley]

I run a TJ with the 2.5MFI 5speed, 4.88, 35's. I still have 5th gear and it does fine on road and off. I run my MJ with the 2.5 TBI and the AW4 with 30's for now and 4.10's soon to go to 4.56's. It does ok and is very capable offroad. It is a little sluggish in traffic but it gets 20mpg around town and 28 on the highway. They are tuogh to beat when gas is high like has been said. My TJ sits alot and I drive the MJ just because of the MPG.

[feerocknok]

My 2.5 has the auto, but is an '86, which is a different auto than the other years, so the power is baaad.

But 4-Lo with my swapped in 4.56s and 31s... Ain't no stoppin it!

[ridergoatee]

I agree, no power on highway inclines, but runnin 32's with 4:10's in low 4x4, it will out climb my cherokee hands down!