Newbie Questions / Advice needed

[mdg]

1056920

I have owned tow CJs in the past: '72 CJ5 (258), and a '76 CJ5 (304), but after I flipped the '76 doing 20 mph and dang near killed myself, I swore off CJs and went to a Toyota.

Well, after five years I'm catching the Jeep bug again (it just won't let me be!), but need some info to help me with my decision on what to get. I can't decide whether to get a CJ, or get a YJ.

I would like to get a hard top YJ that I can use as a daily driver, but I'm not sure about getting a 4-cylinder engine. Can any of you with a 4-banging YJ (or TJ) enlighten me on how you feel about them as far as reliability, overall power, gas mileage, etc. - particularly if you run 33" tires.

Like everybody else, I would prefer the I-6, but I read somewhere that the new I-4s have more HP that the old 258s do, so I'd like to hear from some of you who drive them.


Thanks in advance for your input.[addsig]

 

[Jeeppicus]

1056925

DO NOT get the four banger with 33 inch tires, unless you regear. The four banger won't die even if you try to kill it, but it's still underpowered. If you're used to the 6 cylinder, the 4 banger will seem a lil wimpy. My top speed with 33's is 75mph, without regearing. I plan to go with 4.56 or 4.88 gears this summer, but til then I'll keep puttin' along. I'm not sure if the new 2.4L in the Wrangler has more HP than the 258 but it does out perform the older 232. [addsig]

 

[idrthrbfishing]

1056932

I have a 97 with the 4 banger and love it. as said it won't die(knock on wood) the gas milage is better than the 6 for a daily driver. But if power and speed is what you want go for the 6. I have 265/75/15 on mine almost the same as a 31. and at times it does bog a little- 4 adults, up a hill into the wind, forget to put it in 4th trying to pass, 2 feet of mudd in 4th, 2feet of soft sand with 2 adults two kids etc. if your not worried about having to down shift a 4 banger is great, but I would stick to 31's and nothing larger. [addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1056934

The MPFI 2.5L has more HP than the carbed 4.2L, but WAY less torque.

I have a 2.5L YJ, and like it a lot. There are a lot of 4Bangers that wheel with 33" and stock 4.10 gears, so it can be done. Just a little more riding of the clutch to get going, and too fast a crawl speed. Regearing to 4.88 is appropriate with the 2.5L and 5spd.

I've owned a 6, and probably won't go back :-O

The 2.5L is:

• Lighter
• More reliable
• Easier to work on
• Less expensive to mod and tune-up
• Easier on drivetrain components
• Fun to wheel the same places as the high HP dogs :-O

[addsig]

 

[Tug-n-pull]

1056942

2.5 L high output is my motor of choice. It may not be the fastest, sound the best, and it lacks a bit of power beside the other motors out there, mine has never failed to get me home. When you are in 4 low you could just about run a lawnmower motor and go. You are less likely to break parts with a 4 due to less stress on the parts. If you want to go to 33"s you will need to regear as has all ready been talked about but unless you are going to do real hardcore off roading and or comp. with it 31"s are my tire of choice. Smart driven will get you much futher on the trail than the 1 extra inch of clearence that the 33's will give you. That is my 2 cents on the little engin! Best of luck in buying a new Jeep Tug[addsig]