I'm looking at a 1986 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4x4 2dr with only 101K original miles. It is in excellent condition and it's equipped with the 2.8 engine and automatic transmission. Are the 2.8's good engines? and how many miles do they usually last?

 

The V6 was a boat anchor and not worth much at all. They have limited life expectancy and are expensive to maintain. Just telling it like it is. Sorry to disappoint you.

 

I hope you have a boat for that anchor

 

Roughly 101K

 

OK guys we have all been pretty rough on this guy and he just got the XJ so lets show him some CF hospitality. This engine is the reason that Jeep started with the 4.0L the next year Bill. Sorry if we were harsh but we have never thought too highly of those engines. You would have been better off with a 4 banger.
I know we just went over this and suggested replacement engines but can't recall just which ones right now. Anyone remember which engine/tranny was recommended to replace the V6?

 

How hard would it be to pop in the 4.0

 

Looking at.

Perhaps we can help him avoid buying an XJ with factory boat-anchor, and steer him towards a Cherokee that will give him many more miles of use.

 

Firewall massage and this is a carbed engine so no electronics and no FI. Pretty difficult to do from scratch.

 

That stinks.

 

I just stumbled across a 1993 Cherokee 4.0 but the drivers front fender needs replaced. Are they welded or bolted on?

Thanks

 

there bolted on and real easy to take off.

 

The 2.8l was a stinker of a motor. GM re-engineered them to get over their problems. The TBI-version they used in the S-10 and mini-Blazer was actually a pretty decent motor.

Jeep used them for 3 years, because the 4.0l wasn't ready. They didnt devolp the 4.0l because of the 2.8l. AMC was short on devolpment money and simply didnt have the 4.0l ready in 1984 for the XJ debut.

3.4 RWD version(TransCamaroBird)and the 4.3(truck/blazer) are the two most common replacement engines. Others have gone even more exotic and used 3.8's and some others.

 

Thanks whowey I knew we just talked about this about a week ago. The 4.0L was a derivitive of the 258 that was in the CJ if memory is correct.

 

Look for a 3.4L V6 from a rear-wheel drive chebby. Late 80s and early mid 90s. Camaro or S-10. Search google for 2.8 to 3.4 swap as some guy has a step-by-step with pictures on how to do it in one day. I had a 2.8 and I was considering the 3.4 swap but I sold the XJ to finance my '99. Guess it's dead simple too! Keep your intake, exhaust and accessories. Slap in new 3.4L and attach your old goodies. TONS more power and way more reliable from a mechanical standpoint. I had a lead on a 92 Camaro with a 3.4 for $300 for the complete motor from the junkyard. I guess the throttle body and injector rail are eBayable for some folks too.

If you can source a 3.4 and have the friends, why not make a weekend of it? If the body and other items are in good shape on the XJ then why not?


BTW: You cannot cram the 4.0 into your XJ.. AMC extended the nose and firewall slightly to make the 4.0 fit in the next "generation".

 

RUN AWAY, as fast as you can, and please don't look back. There are much better options than the 2.8L. I would even rather you buy a Toyota than this POS.

Happy to help as always.