Opinions on the 4 cyl. TJ

[mightymike]

We are going to look at a low mileage 2000 Jeep Wranlger tomorrow for my son. If you have or had a TJ with the 4 cyl, does it have enough power? Will putting 31" tires (narrow) be too much for that motor? This is for a high-schooler who will be off to college soon and ecomony is important. Most likely will never need to tow anything or haul heavy loads. Thanks-

 

[sdjeep]

I had an older Wrangler (89) with the 2.5 in it. It was pretty underpowered even when stock. I later ended up swapping a 4.0 out of a 98 cherokee into it(should have done a v8). There really wasn't much of a difference in fuel mileage between the 2 motors. I think the reason is because the 6 cyl didn't have to work so hard to move the vehicle around. But, a 4 cyl Jeep is better than no Jeep The 4.0 is also buletproof and can easily see 250,000 miles or more before a rebuild if maintained right. I would always go for the 6 cyl if i can, but if the 4 banger is what's in the budget i still say go for it.

 

[computeruser]

Stick or Auto? If it's a stick, I think you'd be fine IF you make sure that the gearing is proper for the tire size you're running. If it's an auto, hell no - my 4.0Auto is sluggish enough, I can't even imagine an auto with the 4cyl!

If it's a clean vehicle that has been properly maintained, AND if he has no intention of hooking heavy trailers to it, I'd give the 4cyl consideration even if I had no intention of re-gearing. I suspect that 31" tires would probably be happiest with 4.88 gears and a stick, but the stock 4.11 should be OK for most driving, though he'll be downshifting a fair bit on grades.

 

[1speed]

Agreed, stickshift only and don't put anything over 31" inch tires on it. They are great little Jeeps and should give you years of service. We had a 97 TJ 4cyl stick. Other than replacing the crappy stock radiator we never had a problem with it. I bought ours with 14,000 miles on it and we gave it to my father in law with 65,000 miles. I put the stock tires, wheels and flares off my Rubicon on it along with a new Hartz cloth Bestop and he loves it. He enclosed his carport just for the Jeep and polishes it every day. I think he's going to rub the paint off of it!

 

[CA-RJ]

If it's a stick then you should be fine. I ran mine with the stock gears and 32's for a trip from Anchorage, AK to Los Angeles, CA and it was a little under powered but okay. The 4 cylinder on 31's will be fine. He'll be able to do 65. It's not fast, but it doesn't need to be. The 2.5L is also a bullet proof engine.

 

[98dango]

my 88 and 90 yjs had 2.5 4cyls did just fine even with 34 ltbs

a buddie has a 99 with 4.56 gears and 33 mtz he is hard to keep up with i have a 93 4.o 33s and a 3.07 gears

youll be good with it there are up grades also

i would look for a 6 but if u can get a good deal on a 4cyl id go 4 it

 

[Taz]

For a High Schooler it will be just fine, and probably keep him out of getting in too much trouble..............

 

[98dango]

dont know if id say that

a 90 4cyl on 33s will pull the left front tire in a stright line if u use 4low i got a ticket to prove it


20 dollar bet i couldent
250 ticket to prove it

driving a 78 pinto wagon for 3 weeks

priceless

 

[jagular7]

I've got a 97 2.5l/auto that I have mod'd and wheel. I've had it for 6 yrs now. It was not optioned at all other than radio.
For my high schooler(s) coming of driving age, I picked up a cheap another 97 TJ this past summer. This one is a little better optioned with 6cyl/auto, ac, stereo, hard doors, and other newer items on it.

Biggest thing you will face with a high schooler is the peir pressure to do something stupid since its a Jeep. It will be small compared to other potential economy-style cars available. Being a convertible, things will be stolen and top/door damaged to get to them. Being a kid, music is usually played loud and with the convertible, everyone will hear it, even the theives. Jeeps are easily stolen as well, so if you do purchase, take the necessary precautions.

However, if your kid is responsible enough, understand the troubles it could bring, has a good head to make proper decisions, then I don't see a problem. The 4cyl will do good as he'll be hard to get speeding tickets. Do make sure he understands it will also not corner like his friend's Honda. The 5-sp (AX-5) are prone to loose their synchros above 120k. The D35 rear axle is good for basic street and trail use. There is a large following for them, replacement parts and upgrades are readily available, they are easy to work on for yourself/beginners, they are utility style so getting wet inside won't completely destroy it. Clubs are also a good way to get involved with wheeling as well as understand the Jeep and its capabilities.

 

[mightymike]

I really appreciate the input from everyone.

He has been driving for about 9 months already, no tickets or accidents, very responsible. He is driving a '92 Wrangler now that he paid for completely on his own with a part time job, but it is pretty ragged out and has over 150k miles. It has the 4 cylinder engine which has been reliable but seems down on power. The Jeep we are interested in has a hard top, which he likes so he can lock things up, quieter for longer trips but not too much trouble to take off. It also has full doors and roll-up windows and is a five-speed..

I am going to drive it tomorrow and check it out-I will keep everyone posted.

 

[RedDog]

My 05 TJ SE has the 2.4L DOHC 16 valve (147 hp) and I don't mind it at all. I'm on 31's with a 2" lift and get around just fine, although passing on the highway requires some careful planning at times.

You DID mention economy though so be aware that the 4 cyl in my case was rated at TWO mpg better city and the SAME mpg hwy as the 6 cyl. I went this route for a modern, efficient engine and because the price was right. It was certainly not a decision to be based on fuel economy.

 

[luk4mud]

If you post this question on jeepforum, jeepsunlimited etc, you may well get a different consensus answer. I have a 6, and it is certainly not overpowered with 33" tires, 4.56 gears and a manual. I would not want the same setup with a 4. While there may not be alot of difference on the trail, on the street it makes a big difference. I would definitely go for the 6, just my 2 cents.

 

[SGV]

If its not enough power, I suppose you can bolt on a Neon Turbo.