I have been looking at some ads for jeeps near me and have been shying away from those with the eight cylinders.I have always tried to stick with six cylinder motors for a few different reasons (not just Jeep motors). However, I think it best to ask those in this forum with an informed opinion to compare longevity and problems with 4.0 inline six and the 4.7 V8( or any of the other V8's available). I may be passing up some decent deals through my ignorance..

 

I wouldn't get a 4.7 but the 5.2 and 5.9 Magnum v8s are great engines.

 

XJ's never came with V8's, only the 4.0L (the best) and a 2.8L on older models (which I haven't heard anything good about). Also, I believe there was a 2.5L 4 cylinder diesel available on and import version. The V8's would be on Grand Cherokees (ZJ), which you might find more opinions and information on the ZJ forum.

 

Agreed. 4.7s just disintegrate without warning.

 

If buying a Jeep I think a 4.0 is the only way to go . The best part about the XJ is the is the simplicity. They’re basic , parts are cheap and just about anyone can handle a majority of repairs with a little help. Avoid the 4.7 like the plague . PS: the next best part about the XJ besides the engine is the AW4 transmission . It’s arguably the best auto trans they’ve put in a Jeep and tough as nails . Pair those with a 29 spline 8.25 and you’ve got yourself a prime rib dinner !

 

black Jeeps with the 4.7 V8 was a favored pimp/drug dealer type vehicle some time back, but they are all broken down now lol

my mate has some horribly bodgy sounding fix that involves fitting timing chain tensioner parts (I think)...but from another make of engine!
Presumably that has to be done before they have detonated

he told me to avoid them and the 2.5 Diesel like the plague

its unbelievable how little he does to refresh a 4.0, the guy worked as an engine rebuilder for over 10yrs, so he knows whats what

 

The 4.7L V8 has major problems with timing chain tensioners. It the cams go out of timing, the valves strike the pistons and the result is an expensive boat anchor! They also have problems with warped heads, blown head gaskets, dropped valve seats, stuck valve lash anchors which cause the rockers to come off the cam, and cam bearings which are actually the aluminum of the head. The cams run directly on the aluminum and without oil supply fail quickly. The 3.7L V6 is just a shortened 4.7L as well.

On the other hand, my 2000 4.0L has 248K miles on it and is getting tired. It needs a piston and a set of rings and it should go another 100K with no problems. The bearings are good and holding 40 psi pressure at idle hot. Who could ask for more?

 

On thing my mate did tell me is that one end of the conrod bushes (cant remember whether it was big or small end) was relatively small in size, and would always be well worn

I did see him pull the engine to replace one piston, hone & re-ring, dont know what else, it was a customer car that didnt want to pay to get it fixed..he sold the vehicle