Found Replacement Motor, But Will it Fit??

[DuaneGerous]

Hi everyone, I've been using this forum to get me out of trouble with my TJ for quite a while, but this is my first post. I've scoured the web trying to get a definitive answer on this, but have so far just confused myself. I hope you guys can help.

I recently had a bolt shear off my piston connecting rod resulting in a big ol' hole in my block when things starting breaking apart, so I need a new engine.

This may have happened at the best possible time (depending on what you guys say), as my boss is upgrading his '91 YJ engine to a V8 and offered me his complete engine, t-case, and tranny for next to nothing. He barely ever drove the thing and only has about 12k miles on it, plus he takes good care of his stuff. I'm hoping I can use this engine in my rig.

I drive a 2004 Jeep TJ. We both have the 4.0 L I6 engines, but will one from a '91 YJ fit my '04 TJ??

I've found references that suggest they are not interchangeable, and others that say the engine didn't change from '89-'06. So I don't know.

Apologies if there is not enough information here, I really do not know what questions I should be asking. If you guys can steer me in the right direction I sure would appreciate it!

Thanks,
DuaneGerous

 

[Rook]

Do yourself a favor... DO NOT get that engine from the YJ. Tthe wiring and everything is entirely different. You will be opening a can of worms and then some, believe me.

In order for it to work, you'd need the entire engine from the YJ, the wiring harness, the PCM, transmission, etc. The later model 4.0s had more sensors, more emissions, and completely different wiring. You need to source out an engine from a later model TJ such as a 01-06.

 

[DuaneGerous]

Thanks for the quick reply!

That's a bummer. The local mechanic wants 3k to put in a junkyard engine that "he's going to go through top to bottom". the boss wanted $800 for a good low mileage engine, t-case, and tranny.

But the last thing I want is to open a can of worms!!

 

[Chris]

You can get a fully remanufactured engine for around $2000 that will drop right in. $3000 to put in a junkyard engine is a joke.

I paid $1800 for a remanufactured 4.0 for my 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. I got it from LKQ and it was basically brand new. They even give you a 30k mile warranty I believe it is.

I installed it myself, but a number of shops told me it would be around $1000 for labor, give or take. That's for a brand new engine though, not a junk yard engine.

 

[DuaneGerous]

Thanks for that, I knew that was high, but didn't know it was that high!

I was also considering putting it in myself, with my daughters help, she's 17 and loves wrenching on jeeps! I've never done an engine, but know my way around a toolbox.

I'll look into a remanufactured engine

 

[Chris]

Yes, check out remanufactured engines for sure! The 4.0 is a very common (and cheap) engine, so there are tons of places out there who remanufacture them. Buy one with a warranty on it and you'll be fine. I know @billiebob did something similar with his as well (I'm sure he'll chime in and let us know who he got his engine through).

Replacing the engine can be done yourself with your daughters help. I did the engine on mine and it took me a week, but I was moving at a slow pace and taking my time, which made things much less stressful and relaxing.

 

[cliffish]

https://accurateengines.com/remanufactured-engines/jeep-engines/4-0-liter-jeep-engine/

http://www.jeep-engines.com/engines/jeep4.0literengine1998.htm

 

[DuaneGerous]

I'd be fine with spending that money on a like-new remanufactured engine for sure. What about having my current one redone, is that an option or is a hole in the block a deal-breaker?

I'm in no hurry either, I think I'd prefer doing it myself, it's not easy getting a 17 year old girl to hang out with her dad. I have a truck to drive in the meantime (although it's almost deer hunting season here in Michigan and I do like jeeping out to deer camp).

Thanks again

 

[DuaneGerous]

https://accurateengines.com/remanufactured-engines/jeep-engines/4-0-liter-jeep-engine/

http://www.jeep-engines.com/engines/jeep4.0literengine1998.htm

Thank you!

 

[Chris]

I'd be fine with spending that money on a like-new remanufactured engine for sure. What about having my current one redone, is that an option or is a hole in the block a deal-breaker?

I'm in no hurry either, I think I'd prefer doing it myself, it's not easy getting a 17 year old girl to hang out with her dad. I have a truck to drive in the meantime (although it's almost deer hunting season here in Michigan and I do like jeeping out to deer camp).

Thanks again

You could certainly have your existing engine redone, by all means. Any reputable engine builder or machine shop would be able to do it for you. I had this done a long time ago on a VW engine.

Taking your time is the way to do it. Rushing jobs like this only makes things more complicated. As someone with two daughters of my own, if you can get them to hang out with you, even better!

 

[LukesfirstJeep]

Is it possible to use the YJ short block and install your TJ heads,intake and exhaust? Do YJ's have a hole in the block for the OPDA?

 

[Chris]

Is it possible to use the YJ short block and install your TJ heads,intake and exhaust? Do YJ's have a hole in the block for the OPDA?

I don't believe that will work. The YJ engine while still the same in terms of size, has a lot of differences when compared to the 4.0 used in the TJ. For instance, no OPDA provision.

 

[Mike_H]

I'd say use the short block, but you'd have to check it over carefully first. Like pull the existing engine and put it on the stand next to the YJ engine. They are similar for sure, but I don't know about exact. Someone mentioned about OPDA...I believe the OPDA is driven from the place where the distributor would have gone (when TJ's HAD distributors). So, it really comes down to doing a careful check. May just be easier to find a reman engine from Jasper or something.

 

[DuaneGerous]

OK, follow up question. The best price I can find on a remanufactured 4.0L (when considering shipping, core, and engine combined) is through S&J motors, its $2394 delivered.

Buuuut, they also have a 4.7L Stroker for $3127. Is it worth the extra $700 for the stroker?

 

[DuaneGerous]

Do yourself a favor... DO NOT get that engine from the YJ. Tthe wiring and everything is entirely different. You will be opening a can of worms and then some, believe me.

In order for it to work, you'd need the entire engine from the YJ, the wiring harness, the PCM, transmission, etc. The later model 4.0s had more sensors, more emissions, and completely different wiring. You need to source out an engine from a later model TJ such as a 01-06.

I'm pretty much convinced that I should get the crate motor, I especially like the warranty and zero mile engine. But for further discussion, the wiring harness, PCM, tranny, t-case, and everything else would be coming with it as he is going to a V8 and wont be using any of it... for $500.

thanks

 

[Chris]

OK, follow up question. The best price I can find on a remanufactured 4.0L (when considering shipping, core, and engine combined) is through S&J motors, its $2394 delivered.

Buuuut, they also have a 4.7L Stroker for $3127. Is it worth the extra $700 for the stroker?

Yes, the stroker would be worth the extra money, no doubt about it! That will give you a lot more power.

 

[ohiopatriot]

What about having my current one redone, is that an option or is a hole in the block a deal-breaker?

A hole in the block is catastrophic, non repairable.

But for further discussion, the wiring harness, PCM, tranny, t-case, and everything else would be coming with it as he is going to a V8 and wont be using any of it... for $500.

It can be done, but why? You can find a used 4.0 from a TJ for that.

Buuuut, they also have a 4.7L Stroker for $3127. Is it worth the extra $700 for the stroker?

Yes, do this!! Drop in and go. Reading through your posts doesn't seem like the cost is the major concern. I mean we all like it as cheap as possible, but it doesn't sound like you won't have groceries by upgrading.

Figure out the pros and cons of YJ vs Stroker.

The only con i see to the stroker is cost. I mean it drops into the TJ, increases power and has a warranty.

On the other hand the YJ seems like a headache made up of old parts, not to mention the effort to make it work.

 

[Mike_H]

OK, follow up question. The best price I can find on a remanufactured 4.0L (when considering shipping, core, and engine combined) is through S&J motors, its $2394 delivered.

Buuuut, they also have a 4.7L Stroker for $3127. Is it worth the extra $700 for the stroker?

3300 bucks for a stroker reman? I'm going to have to work harder at blowing up my engine!

 

[DuaneGerous]

Thanks for the help

 

[DuaneGerous]

3300 bucks for a stroker reman? I'm going to have to work harder at blowing up my engine!

Lol. Just lone it to me for the weekend, I seem to have a gift for blowing engines!!