Looking at a low mileage 2004 4cyl wrangler with manual transmission to use as a summer beach vehicle in south Fl. I have a full time 2017 JGC Trail Hawk with an 8 cyl that is my daily driver and for HWY use so this jeep would purely be a part time errand runner and Sunday vehicle. I've owned a bunch of Jeeps but my only 4 cyl was in an 82 Scrambler so kind of hard to compare with a more modern engine. My question for those that have experience is whats the real difference with in the 2.5cyl and the newer 2.4Cyl? And did the 4cyl in 2004 mean you automatically got 4/10 gears? If I'm not worried about serious wheeling or going above say a 31in tire, am I going to have adequate power? I don't have high expectations. Its just getting tough to find clean 4.0l Jeeps here with lower mileage for any price it seems.
Jeep Wrangler TJ 2 5 4-cylinder vs 2 4 4-cylinder
- Thread starter Dave Hirsh
- Start date
All 4 cylinder models with manual and automatic transmissions got 4.10 gears, with the exception that 4 cylinder models from 2003-2006 with automatic transmission got 4.56 gears. See here: Jeep Wrangler TJ Factory Axle Gear Ratios
As long as you do not plan on going over 31" tires, you will be fine with a 4 cylinder. You'll also want to try to keep weight down (don't go overboard with tons of armor, heavy bumpers, etc.) as too much weight will kill the 4 cylinder performance wise.
If this isn't your daily driver, than I think a 4 cylinder is perfect. I've driven them, and the only place they truly suck is on the highway, especially trying to pass people.
As far as any major differences in regards to power between the 2.5 and 2.4, there aren't any you would notice, I can tell you that for sure.
As long as you do not plan on going over 31" tires, you will be fine with a 4 cylinder. You'll also want to try to keep weight down (don't go overboard with tons of armor, heavy bumpers, etc.) as too much weight will kill the 4 cylinder performance wise.
If this isn't your daily driver, than I think a 4 cylinder is perfect. I've driven them, and the only place they truly suck is on the highway, especially trying to pass people.
As far as any major differences in regards to power between the 2.5 and 2.4, there aren't any you would notice, I can tell you that for sure.
@Dave Hirsh, i have a 97 2.5, bought in Nov, last year. 1st jeep, basically unmolested for the most part. It's an automatic, at 60 mph, it's turning 2700 rpm with 31 " tires so that is 3.73 gears. I have looked for signs like tool marks, etc around the rear diff and I believe the 3.73s are the original gears.
Mine has 164k miles, runs and drives great, but like you said, you won't be passing Ferraris on the highway. And forget it if you are going uphill against a strong headwind .. ugh :-/
But it just fine cuz it's a bleeping TJ jeep - a piece of history
Mine has 164k miles, runs and drives great, but like you said, you won't be passing Ferraris on the highway. And forget it if you are going uphill against a strong headwind .. ugh :-/
But it just fine cuz it's a bleeping TJ jeep - a piece of history
So what do you think this is really worth. 2004 4cyl SE with 1/2 doors and 49000 miles. Bone stock with one accident showing for Left front end. Looks like its always been in FL and probably Garaged most of its life. 3 previous owners. They are high but I'm not sure what is too high any more?
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/733041463/overview/
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/733041463/overview/
I haven't been around Jeeps enough to know values but a lot on here do.
Look for some to chime in
Look for some to chime in
TJ Jonny
TJ Enthusiast
That’s exactly what I have but with 54k on it now. For a cruiser, I have no complaints. I get in it and don’t expect to get anywhere fast. I just enjoy the ride.
Although, we are the original owners so I know it has maintained.
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My 05 2.4 came with 3.73's so not all come with 4.10.
The 2.4 has a bit more hp and tq. Both are reliable. One "benefit" of the 2.5 over the 2.4 is chain vs belt respectively.
I have no issues with mine, especially after regearing to 4.88, running down the hwy or around town. If it was a daily driver I would prefer the 4.0.
Running the SE (4 cyl) means keeping tire size reasonable, weight down, and rpm's up.
The 2.4 has a bit more hp and tq. Both are reliable. One "benefit" of the 2.5 over the 2.4 is chain vs belt respectively.
I have no issues with mine, especially after regearing to 4.88, running down the hwy or around town. If it was a daily driver I would prefer the 4.0.
Running the SE (4 cyl) means keeping tire size reasonable, weight down, and rpm's up.
I'm actually curious about this as a general question. What is the difference between them? Purely related to the wrangler. Is there any reason to get a 2.4L over getting a 2.5L?
I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but I didn't want to make a new one for a semi silly question. My girlfriend wants a wrangler because she likes mine and has always wanted one. It will not be lifted and will definitely not be on any tire larger than 31" probably just stop at 30". She just wants to take the top off during the summer and make it through snow to work during the winter. The price difference between 4 and 6 cylinder around here has me considering them.
I know I'm resurrecting an old thread, but I didn't want to make a new one for a semi silly question. My girlfriend wants a wrangler because she likes mine and has always wanted one. It will not be lifted and will definitely not be on any tire larger than 31" probably just stop at 30". She just wants to take the top off during the summer and make it through snow to work during the winter. The price difference between 4 and 6 cylinder around here has me considering them.
I can't tell you what the difference really is other than:
Most women don't like driving anything they think feels gutless and I bet it applies to every women that wants Jeeps and/or trucks.
I'm not saying any 4 cylinder engine in anything is gutless, just make sure she is doesn't think it is.
Most women don't like driving anything they think feels gutless and I bet it applies to every women that wants Jeeps and/or trucks.
I'm not saying any 4 cylinder engine in anything is gutless, just make sure she is doesn't think it is.
And I may get in trouble for this one but what the heck?
Pictures of her driving it to work in the snow would be great but pictures of her with the top off would be better.
Pictures of her driving it to work in the snow would be great but pictures of her with the top off would be better.
I would not daily a TJ in the snow. Short wheelbase, no ABS, traction control or stability control. I have respect for those that do.
Actually, ABS became an option on the "Wranglers" in 1993. Yes, it's a YJ, but my '98 TJ Sahara also has ABS. As for the rest of it, yes, those characteristics could make for an entertaining commute in the snow.
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Back before all the electronic nannies appeared it was just normal to drive a rear wheel vehicle in the snow. 2wd pickups were used to plow snow. And the roads had a layer of snow packed on them for months in the winter. Folks just paid more attention to what they were doing and not taking selfies on the highway.
Back in the old days you were expected to know how to check tire pressure, oil level, coolant mixture, and more. Now most young guys I know don't even know how to pop the hood open.
Back in the old days you were expected to know how to check tire pressure, oil level, coolant mixture, and more. Now most young guys I know don't even know how to pop the hood open.
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