'04 LJ, auto, 120k miles
Lately my engine has been sounding more like a diesel then a proper 4.0L. Did some research and it looks like I'm one of the lucky ones that has something going on in terms of a piston skirt breaking off or a rod bearing.
Obviously we won't know until the oil pan gets pulled and a proper diagnosis can be done.
A friend of mine is an A++ mechanic (actually used to work on the electronics of the Apache helicopters and had his own shop) and he is willing to do the work (paid) and has rebuilt about six of these engines in the past.
At the end of the day it comes down to $$$$. He said we can crack it open and the pistons could be fine, the crank shaft not scored and simply find a bad bearing. That would be the best case and he said at that point we'll just replace all the bearings put it together and off you go.
Worse case, crank is scored, cylinder walls are scored, piston skirts cracked, etc...
Personally he said if things are really bad (if it were his) he'd completely overhaul the engine; remove the block, tear it down, have it machined 10% over, new pistons... the works. That way it's' a brand new engine.
Also could get a stroker $$$$$$$ or simply throw a low mileage junk yard engine and pray it doesn't have the same problem.
Obviously I'm praying for option A - the cheapest and quickest. Has anyone been down this road and can offer any advice? I also asked "how much longer do I have"? His response was if this was a book you're at the last chapter or two and the last chapter describes how the engine blew :/
I will keep this thread updated.
Guess my crappy uncomfortable driver's seat is now a distant second place to be dealt with.
Lately my engine has been sounding more like a diesel then a proper 4.0L. Did some research and it looks like I'm one of the lucky ones that has something going on in terms of a piston skirt breaking off or a rod bearing.
Obviously we won't know until the oil pan gets pulled and a proper diagnosis can be done.
A friend of mine is an A++ mechanic (actually used to work on the electronics of the Apache helicopters and had his own shop) and he is willing to do the work (paid) and has rebuilt about six of these engines in the past.
At the end of the day it comes down to $$$$. He said we can crack it open and the pistons could be fine, the crank shaft not scored and simply find a bad bearing. That would be the best case and he said at that point we'll just replace all the bearings put it together and off you go.
Worse case, crank is scored, cylinder walls are scored, piston skirts cracked, etc...
Personally he said if things are really bad (if it were his) he'd completely overhaul the engine; remove the block, tear it down, have it machined 10% over, new pistons... the works. That way it's' a brand new engine.
Also could get a stroker $$$$$$$ or simply throw a low mileage junk yard engine and pray it doesn't have the same problem.
Obviously I'm praying for option A - the cheapest and quickest. Has anyone been down this road and can offer any advice? I also asked "how much longer do I have"? His response was if this was a book you're at the last chapter or two and the last chapter describes how the engine blew :/
I will keep this thread updated.
Guess my crappy uncomfortable driver's seat is now a distant second place to be dealt with.
I don't know any good shops that have rebuilt engines for the Jeep, sorry man. Maybe one of the OG guys can help you out. Let us know what you find when you get the pan off.
