4 banger YJ

[darb]

So what is the word on the 4 banger YJ?

I am concerned that it would be a little underpowered for the vehicle and thus it is over worked and mileage and life expectancy drops accordingly.

This would be my first jeep purchase and am just looking for a vehicle that I can perhaps put to use on weekends occasionally as well serve as a regularly commute vehicle.

 

[jeeperwilly]

My $.02, it's a great little engine. As long as you don't go to big for tires, the 4 little hamsters will turn the wheels just fine. I had a 92 with 31's,1 in shackle lift, scarped the rear track bar, and fabed some homemade disconnects for the swaybar. That little jeep could hang with guys on 33's and 4in of lift. It's all on how ya drive it. Downside, sucks on the highway(anything over 65).

Anywho, a 4 banger is a great starter jeep. Best of luck

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Not bad if you know what you're getting into, the lower gearing helps level the playing field a little. Given the choice between the two, get the 4.0L, but don't discount the 4banger. I've done quite a few HP mods to mine and I believe it is fun to drive. I like the simpler lighter engine, easier on parts when wheelin and easier to work on/around than the crowded 6cyl.

 

[jfrabat]

I have the 4 banger and I run 31" tires just fine. I do have some problems with my engine (I think I got some rust on the tank, and since the previous owner NEVER changed the fuel filter, I think my fuel injectors are done for, butI will be working on that problem this week; I also need to clean out the TB and intake manifold, as it is filled with dirt, and I will take the opportunity to replace the 2.5L TB with the 4.0L one, which I already have), but even with these, it turns my wheels just fine.

When you hit 65mph, it is like hitting a brick wall, so it's tough going past it. And the fuel consuption is defenetly not the best (after all, a Jeep DOES have the aerodynamic characteristics of a BRICK!), but it is a lot of fun to drive around. I actually like the fact that there is a lot of room in the engine compartment, which makes it easy to maintain. And I also like the cheaper price tag!

If I would have to do it all over again, I may opt for the 4.0L, but I do not regret my choice at all. So if you have a choice, and costs are not so significantly different as to make it beyond your budget, I would go for the 6 cylinder. But if not, I would defenetly get the 4 banger.

Just read up on all the mods you can do to make it a bit more powerful. There is no one mod that will give you a lot of power, but a lot of little mods might make it worth the time and money. Hey, after all, there are some folks out there runing 33" tires on the 4 banger with no gear changes, and they say they dont have any problems (except for not using 5th gear)...

Just my 2 cents.

Felipe

 

[Green97TJ]

I've owned a 4 cyl. and a 6 cyl. TJ. I know your looking at YJ's, but I think these points will still apply to you:
1. If ya get the 4 banger, dont get the auto trans.
2. Don't plan on hurrying too many places.
3. Pretty much what the others said. If its 4cyl or no jeep, you'll be fine. You might feel a little underpowered, but you'll still have plenty of fun and love the jeep. But if you can, get the 6.

Nathan

 

[currupt4130]

The 4 banger is a great engine. I routinely put mine through its paces much worse than anyone here, it turns my 38's all day long. Hell, it even ripped a hole in my rear Dana 60 axle tube when I dropped second gear at 3 grand going up a hill and ripped off my traction bar. I can't kill the damn thing, even after being upside down several times, and on its side countless others. It doesn't spit oil in off camber situations either. It's a great engine, I won't swap anything else into my Jeep until this one is dead.

As long as it's geared correctly for the tires, it'll be just fine around town.

 

[Wrangl3r93]

I love my 4banger! Went to Kentucky over christmas break a 2 hour trip. The towing trucks were all on E when we pulled in and the 6's had all used half a tank(we cruised at around 70). My tank never read less than full(thanks to the 20 gallon mod) and i made it all the way up there on only 6 gallons. Filled up before we hit the trails and made 3 days of wheeling still read full then drove the 2 hours home and then 2 more days to work before i filled up again. O yeah and i'm running 33's with stock 4.10 gearing. The first night wheeling we hit some pretty ridiculous muddy hillclimbs and i outrode almost every one of the 6's. It wasn't till lunch the second day they found out i even had only a 4banger. One of the dads there said he was looking at a 4banger but heard it was underpowered and i let him drive mine and he bought it the day he got home.urple: