91 Cherokee engine ??

Question

I am picking up an immaculate 91 cherokee with a blown 4.0 and am contemplating what to do for the engine. couple quick ?'s. For 91, was Jeep still AMC or had it been purchased out by Chrysler already. Also would it be better off re-building the 4.0 I6 (I have heard they are underpowered and prone to failure) Replacing it with a Ford 302 EFI or swapping in a Chevy 4.3V6. I know V8 swaps (especially 350 chevy's) into these can be a major pain but have also heard that a late 80's early 90's mustang 302 is the easiest to fit in due to the shape of the rear sump oil pan and low profile EFI intake. The jeep is an automatic and havent' been able to find anything for the trans as far as dependability, I've read all the reports about the manual transmissions not being up to par for even a mild 302 but nothing about the auto also an Inexpensive 2-3" lift to clear 31's Thanks

Answer 1

First, 91 is the Chrysler-ized version of the AMC/Jeep motor. So its the first year of the High-Output motor.

Whoever told you that 4.0l is underpowered and prone to failue is probably the last person you should ever ask a car related question to again, To put it bluntly they are idiots. Or Chevy dealers...
The 4.0l motor is powered perfectly for the Jeep, and is one of the most reliable motors ever built. Personally, I own 3 with more than 190,000 miles on them with nothing more than basic maintence.

Either of the engine swaps you ask about will be far,far,far,far more expensive and troublesome than rebuilding to perfect powerplant for this Jeep.
The AW-4 transmission is built very well, and is as durable as the engine.

A 4.0l and AW-4 in stock shape with regular maintenence is as close to bullet proof as a stock set-up gets.

Answer 2

I Own A 92 Jeep Cherokee With The Original Motor that I Am Driving To This Day And It has 350,000 Miles On It We have A Saying About The 4.0 straight 6 Motor We Call Them Tractor Motors I Also have A 88 Jeep Cherokee With 300,000 Miles On It too Still Runs Great. Go With The Jeep Motor Do Your Regular Maintence And It Will Keep You On The Road When Have You Ever Heard Of A Ford Or Chevy With That Many Miles

Answer 3

I agree with W_Howey. The 4.0l is a torque monster and normally very bulletproof as most inline sixes are. If you get into a motor and tranny swap there are a ton of things to consider even down to the fuel system (fuel pump, etc.), suspension so it will handle decent, gauges (speedo, tach if equipped), cooling system, etc etc. If you have all of the equipment and funding to get it done and done right, by all means chop away! However, before you start a major project like that do your homework or you'll be stuck in the middle getting a lot of custom parts made or even worse out of cash. It all depends on your budget and what you really want out of it and then your resources to make it happen. I would stick with the 4.0 and see what you can do for that to zip it up if you really want like a chip, cold air intake etc, and if you're going to lift it and put the big tires on look into regearing so it will still have some power and some bigger brakes to get you stopped. You'd have a bigger smile on your face I think if you did that than if you were stranded with custom parts broken. Check out some jeep forums and see what some other jeep-heads out there are doing and maybe even ask them what they did to make it work and how reliable it is. Good luck!

Answer 4

2 good answers out of 3 isn't bad. But 3 of 3 is excellent. I too am a firm believer that the 4.0L is plenty powerful for the XJ. Mate that up with the bulletproof AW4 trans and you have a vehicle that has been known to go way over 200,000 miles. (I've had 2 that went over 200k - one over 300k). So if you have money and time, sure, go for the swap. Otherwise, overhaul the 4.0L and enjoy!

Answer 5

I have to concur with all the answers so far.

There is nothing wrong with the 4.0 I6 motors.

I have a 94 JGC that I put 265k miles on before I got a weak cylinder and decided to rebuid proactively (rather than wait for it to completely fail me) since then I have put an aditional 20k on and tow a 26' cuddy cabin with it.

I spent about 1600.00 rebuilding mine, the investment was well worth it.

Answer 6

all the answer are right on. stay with the 4.0 overhaul it or
get a running one from pick a parts or othe good junk yard.
i hav ea 1983 AMC/JEEP EAGLE 4x4 with the 4.2(258cid)
I-6 and put 230,000 miles on it . it was the daily driver, off
road, rock crawler of choice until the head gasket let go.
i just might put the 4.0 in the eagle and have some fun with it.
if you need help go the www.bulltear.com and we can help.

Answer 7

i in basic terms offered an 88 no longer too some time past. i knew the guy that had it earlier me, and he performed with it lots. yet he additionally lied and informed me that he had mounted each and each of the subject concerns. i'm in basic terms happy i in basic terms paid six hundred for it. determine you examine each little thing out earlier you purchase it. i'll could desire to place 500 in it so i will get around appropriately. in basic terms be careful and determine you deliver a chum it is conscious of approximately automobiles. my engine and transmission are truly stable. in basic terms could desire to repair each little thing else under the hood. i wish you success.