how much horse power can a stock 1988 xj handle before it breaks? if this has been answered before point me in the right direction please?

 

They break right at 191hp.

 

What part ?

A lot of guys put GM V8s in them, dunno what trans they use, the AW4 can be beefed up

The axles, especially the rear D35 is not a strong unit, and would be best replaced by a Chrysler 8.25 or Dana 44

Have a look at some guys builds on this forum

 

The questions I have to ask...
How much power are you hoping to get out of the engine?
how are you planning to build the engine to make extra power?
what parts are you concerned about breaking?

 

i have a 1988 on stock drive train, She has the stock high output from a 1991 xj in her now. The tires and wheels I have on her make her sluggish but she does not get stuck in the mud though. I was wondering if I went with a stroker 4L and got 200Hp or a little more would I start breaking stuff? i think at this moment she has roughly around 100hp. {if}

 

A stroker would be fine.

 

Larger diameter tires will make the jeep more sluggish. The fix is to alter your differentials gear ratio so that you restore the stock engine rpm and vehicle speed ratio.

If your big tires got you out of the power band, the solution is gearing, less costly than a new motor. Even a more powerful motor may not cut it for you if the gearing is way off big time.

What diameter tires, what gearing do you have?

have fun always.

 

Thanks Rob!! Couldn't have said it better!!