Would you buy a WJ with blown 4.7?

[troy]

I've been keeping an eye out for an XJ or WJ that needs a little mechanical TLC. I was hoping for a 4.0 since they are cheap and plentiful, but I've happened upon this:

'01 WJ limited, Inferno Red, black leather, 174K, original owner, AWD, Fully loaded, 10 disc CD, power moon roof, etc. Blown 4.7 engine. It is $1,250.

- new top-end on engine at 150K
- new tires with 12,000 miles

I spoke with him at length, and I believe it has been taken care of and is in good shape for 174K. Garaged all of its life. I believe it has a hole in the block from a rod exiting. I've started to look around and 4.7s are expensive.
I could get a junkyard with 30 day warranty from $1200-2,700. Rebuilts are about $4K.

Should I pass?

 

[theksmith]

if you're up to the task of an engine swap then go for it!

overall and XJ with a 4.0 would probably be a better overall investment for expedition rig... more aftermarket parts, a bulletproof engine, cheaper to maintain overall.

don't get me wrong, i love my WJ, but if having more room and more towing power wasn't a concern then i would have kept my XJ forever!

 

[silvergrand]

I have a 2001 WJ with a 4.7 and I love it...with that said If I were you I would hold out for a 4.0. It would just be less trouble for your situation.

If you really want this WJ, look for a lower milage junked one due to a rear end hit. Buy it and steal the engine and sell the other parts!

 

[troy]

Thanks for the replys. I currently have a '98 XJ, OME suspension, rubicon wheels, etc. etc, It has 210K and still going strong.

This would be an addition to the fleet. Engine swapping is not a problem. I'm more concerned witht the overall cost, and that is why I'd like the cheaper 4.0.

I thinking about looking at it to see the overall condition. I'm still on the fence if this is a good deal or not.

 

[adrenaline503]

IMO, stick with what you know.

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Personally I would not buy it. I think it you were to look around a bit more you can find a clean running WJ or an XJ for less than you would spend getting this one back on the road. For instance: where I word a guy is selling a 2000 or 2001 XJ with a 4.0, very clean with 78K for asking price of $4600. You look at you deal for $1250 + say $2500 for newer motor and you are already within a grand and you still have a lot of work to do, not knowing what else is bad and the vehicle still has 174K on it and who knows about the motor. Mine still has 1//2 the mileage and really about the same or less mielage and it's a whole lot easier to modify a an XJ than any WJ. I say skip the WJ. I wish I had when I bought mine and don't get me wrong, I did enjoy my WJ.

Pete Wilson

 

[BigDaveZJ]

I don't see any benefit to the WJ over your current XJ. In my opinion, the WJ is one of the nicest vehicles Jeep has ever put out though. We currently have 2 ZJ's (both far from stock) and an F250 tow rig, and I've contemplated an 03ish V8 Laredo as a DD at some point.

I would also spend some time really driving one with a 4.0 before plunking down the cash for one. It's a whole different world in a WJ than in an XJ. A 4.0 in a ZJ is a joke entirely, slightly better in a WJ, but neither come close to the power/weight ratio of a TJ or XJ.

If it's going to be an "addition to the fleet" as you say, what will its purpose be? Another expedition rig, trail rig, daily driver? What this rig will be doing plays a big role in what rig to get.

 

[BC Explorer]

I myself have thought about buying a WJ with the V8 instead of doing the V8 swap into my YJ. The truck sounds like a good deal and if you did hold out for a written off WJ that has been tagged in the rear and you could grab the engine and sell the rest and break even on the price of the write off. I just purchased a 2004 3/4 ton Ram with a Hemi for my swap for $3300 Cdn. and sold the rest for $2800. Now thats a cheap Hemi. I'd buy the WJ, it sounds like a good deal and see if you can work him down on the price more saying you have to take towing in to consideration.

 

[Root Moose]

I'll counterpoint just for the sake of being devil's advocate.

For the PITA factor of doing a engine swap is it really worthwhile to buy this Jeep? WJs aren't that expensive, especially now with everyone freaking out about the economy. You won't pay "big money" for a "gas-n-go" WJ.

Offer the guy $500 for the Jeep with the blown engine and go from there.

 

[BC Explorer]

I'll counterpoint just for the sake of being devil's advocate.

For the PITA factor of doing a engine swap is it really worthwhile to buy this Jeep? WJs aren't that expensive, especially now with everyone freaking out about the economy. You won't pay "big money" for a "gas-n-go" WJ.

Offer the guy $500 for the Jeep with the blown engine and go from there.

I agree they are cheap now and I also agree to try and get it for as little as possible. As for the actual swap its not that hard and its not like your doing something custom, you are just replacing the same type of engine which could be done in a day.

BUT

Something to consider is: cost of vehicle + cost of replacement engine + cost for your time to do the swap (your time is always worth money) = possibly the cost of a WJ (and you can drive it home)

 

[troy]

Thanks for all the input.

I went and took a look at it this weekend. It was in a little rougher condition than I expeceted for a one-owner, garaged vehicle. The guy had 2 big dogs and 2 kids so the interior was kinda trashed. No major body flaws, or anything. The inferno red / dark slate leather was a great color combo, and it had one of the better looking WJ wheels on it.

It was going to be a DD, and I wasn't concered about replacing the engine from a difficulty standpoint. It was the cost of the 4.7 that held me back. If I had the space to let it sit while I searched for a deal on a 4.7, I would buy it. Unfortunateley my neighbors and wife won't allow it.

I still think his price is good. He was willing to deal, and I think it could be bought for $1,000 or less.

 

[jagular7]

Location? LOL

I just did something like this. I purchased TJ#3 last Friday. Basic 97 TJ, 4cyl, 5-sp, 4wd, great red original red paint, 140k miles, top needs replacing, decent inside, newer wheels, 1yr old tires, good stereo, no rust, bad 4cyl engine. $2250. (Owner kept the door sliders)

I've already have a blue 97 TJ that I wheel. Its a 4cyl/auto and has been mod'd with various mods.

This past summer I used the excuse of my daughter almost driving to purchase a red 97 TJ. It's a 6cyl/auto and decently loaded.

It has its own problems but I've been working through them.

So total is 3 97 TJs, 2 red, 1 blue. I've got to Suzuki's (XL7, Forenza) as well with only 2 driver's in the house. My daughter doesn't turn to age till another year.

Looking to purchase something at a low cost is a blind purchase no matter how low and what's it is worth. However, if you take the purchase and plan to keep said vehicle for a 10 yr span, then the cost is minimal for the years. Many Jeep owners purchase their vehicle for a purpose and to perform. Many other vehicles don't have the aftermarket following as the Jeep models do in the US. So modding and resale of Jeep items is rather easy and can be cheap as well as profitable. What is actually wrong with the 4.7l? Maybe all it needs is a simple rebuild, maybe some slight boring. It looks like all you need is a lower half. Depending on your location, availability could be strong for that. The winter has hit hard in a lot of areas. Damaged and wrecked vehicles will be available. Being the WJ is not a typical 'red neck' vehicle, you will be looking at a reputable shop providing the necessary components. Many have 90 to 6 month guarantee. If you know people in the recycling business, they could purchase on your behalf. So what is the plan for the WJ?

My plan for RTJ2 is to make it a streetable 4wd for my kids to take to high school. The RTJ1 (6cyl) will be getting larger axles, 37-39's, doubler, and will be trail ready. The BTJ1 will be getting a little lighter in weight, doubler in the tcases, and will be competing in RRock Stock Mod series in the spring. I have friends doing it in a Tracker (RubberBelly Racing) and its a lot of fun to watch.

 

[getlost4x4]

can you buy a reman block from somewhere, clean the heads up, and reinstall the motor?

i would get it. i love my 4.7 V8 in my commander. i think its one of the best V8's i have driven.
:rockon:

 

[troy]

can you buy a reman block from somewhere, clean the heads up, and reinstall the motor?

i would get it. i love my 4.7 V8 in my commander. i think its one of the best V8's i have driven.
:rockon:

If it was in better shape, I would have snagged it. I also have too many projects as is, and this would just add to the pile.

It is in MN, I found it on craigslist if anyone is interested. I'm pretty sure it has a hole in the pan or block judging by the oil on the ground and what the owner described.

Thanks