[DEERE G]

Hello all,
I have been searching for a TJ in all the usual online places. The 4 cylinder TJ's are everywhere . Would I regret buying one with a 4 cylinder for running around in and some off roading? Really want a 6 but the 4's are priced right. IMO

 

[DEERE G]

I guess what I'm asking is, does the 4 cylinder have enough umph?

 

[RSC17]

I have a 4 cylinder and for what I do it's definitely adequate. Would I like a 4.0? Sure I would. Regear a 4 banger and it'll go anywhere a 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, etc. will go.

 

[Owen_TJ]

I have a 99 4 cyl 5 speed and love it...it isnt a speed demon or anything like that but it does just fine with the 4.10 gears and manual.

Theres a 4 cyl thread here somewhere, i'll try and dig it up. They do just fine off road and just fine on road...the main downfall is when you start running tires bigger than 32" when you'll notice more of a sluggish start.

I'm going to be running 31's in the next 5 months or so (pockets arent deep enough yet haha) and it'll still be great for what i do.

 

[RSC17]

I run 33x12.50's and I'm still fine with acceleration. Just realize you're not driving a ferrari. I do find myself using 4LO a lot more when I'm climbing stuff offroad.

 

[T2000J]

I got a 2000 2.5L it's not bad like RSC said just regear it . Only reasion I got a jeep with a 2.5 is the price was good . Jeep is in real good shape and only had 89k miles paid $3000 a year ago

 

[DEERE G]

Thanks for the input so far. I only have so much cash for the initial purchase. The 4 cylinder jeeps will leave me some $$$ to put into the vehicle.The TJ will be a third vehicle.

 

[Trib]

I have owned a 4.0 in the past, and the wife has one now. I was driving a 4.2 YJ, but the engine blew up. With that I went out and bought a 1998 2.5. A friend has one and he loves it for knocking around, and as you said, the price was right for mine. I must say it isn't as zippy as the 4.0, but it does what you want it to do. I'm told the PO of mine was a trail leader and used this Jeep to do it.

 

[oldskool71]

I bought a 97 2.5 a little over a month ago...like you said the 4.0's just weren't in the price range...just wanted a Jeep to DD to work and back...and drop the top...mine has 179k...and engine was replaced about 50k ago...runs great...already had 2" lift...bumpers...interior...31's...was a killer deal...now waiting on my wheels to get here...from what you are saying sounds like a 4cyl will do for you...good luck...and remember Just Empty Every Pocket...

 

[DEERE G]

RSC17 , did you re-gear for that tire size? If yes, what gears ?
For those of you that have re-geared a 4 cylinder TJ... What gears did you use for what size tires? Good results ?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Got 4 Lo]

my 4 banger has done me great on and off-road

 

[Atthehop]

My YJ and my current TJ are both 4cyl. In fact I had to special order my TJ in a 4cyl. While it's no powerhouse I wanted it that way. Toooooo many speeding tickets and now I am the guy in the right lane on the interstate. When I drive the wife's turbo Mazda I catch myself doing 80 and weaving past everyone. I would rather have my license intact, not have to pay thousands in fines for points on the license, and keep my high insurance bills as low as possible.

Plus I get there when I get there.....too bad.

 

[jvc]

I have both a 6 cylinder and 4 cylinder.

The only time that it becomes apparent is on long drives and the Highways.

The 4 cylinder definitely gets slightly better gas mileage but it depends on your driving habits.

the 4.0L 6 cylinder may retain its value longer and have a higher resale price.

The engine compartment looks empty with the 2.5L !

 

[MCE Mike]

4 cyl. owner here! I bought my '97 (it's actually a '96) Jeep in 2000 with 55,000 miles on it. Now it's at about 160k. Off-road it's just fine, and has probably helped keep me from breaking more parts. In deep snow, I very occasionally wish I had more power to keep the tire speed up in 3rd gear, 4-low. But I have never been denied any trail or obstacle because of lack of power. The blasts through deep snow are usually just for fun, I have had better luck crawling and staying on top. (although some friends in Canada have even better luck with 500+hp and 46"+ tires )

Around town it's just fine, but I do wish I had more power on the freeway in the hills or with head winds. Especially with 35's and the higher 5th gear of the NV3550 transmission. But with correct tire size and gear ratios as well as keeping the Jeep light, it is very liveable in my opinion.


With all of that said, I will some day swap in a 4.0L or Magnum V8. I think the project would be fun and it would be nice to have more power on the freeway, as I live in a mountainous area. But, then again, it is kinda fun to put it to the floor and power up an obstacle in the mud or snow, and surprise everyone that didn't make it that your Jeep only has the 4 cyl. (even though the engine size had nothing to do with it)

 

[DEERE G]

Thanks

 

[Trib]

(even though the engine size had nothing to do with it)

That's what she said....

 

[MCE Mike]

That's what she said....

Can't say I didn't walk into that one, LOL!

 

[97flexy]

I run 33x12.50's and I'm still fine with acceleration. Just realize you're not driving a ferrari. I do find myself using 4LO a lot more when I'm climbing stuff offroad.

did ya gear up when ya changed to 33's?

 

[adkjoe]

did ya gear up when ya changed to 33's?

you mean gear down? I have 33's and a 2.4L and I can't complain at all. I also have an XJ 4.0 and both are fine. A re gear for the 4 cyl. is not on my short list it drives fine with 3.73 and 33's.

 

[Walkingstick]

you mean gear down? I have 33's and a 2.4L and I can't complain at all. I also have an XJ 4.0 and both are fine. A re gear for the 4 cyl. is not on my short list it drives fine with 3.73 and 33's.

Your 4cyl came with 3.73 gearing? My 2.5 came with 4.10 gearing. Why did they change the gearing?. And yeah I noticed the same thing. My Jeep drives just fine with 33x12.5s