CAEMI

I've got a general engine question...

I have two 258's that need rebuilding.

I have 4.0 in my '94 XJ that has a baaaad case of piston slap - sounds just like somebody shaking a metal coffee can with a couple golf ***** in it - but the motor otherwise runs excellent. It makes good power and has had Mobile One all it's 208,000 mile life.

My question is which is the better way to go...yank the 4.0 and build a stroker using a crank & rods from one of the 258's???

OR, buy a parts XJ with a good motor, swap good for bad and haul the remains to the nice lady at the recycling yard.

My GOAL is just a solid runabout. The 94 is a California XJ with zero rust, unmolested, never hit, and a Locker in the rear differential. It is a good Jeep...with a noisy motor.

I'm open to suggestions, ideas, etc. I've heard the piston slap issue in 4.0's is common but have no experience with it - don't know whether the block will be damaged beyond repair, etc. Don't know how long I can expect the fuel injection system to last, etc. And I've never built a stroker. Anyway, that's my situation - could use some advise.

MonacaYankee

If you want a sure piece of mind rebuild it with new parts.

CAEMI

For the most part, I agree. But a good crank really should not have a reason to fail. Same with good rods. If I rebuild, I'll go new pistons, valves, guides, camshaft, oil pump, and other such stuff but I'm thinking the rods and crank ought to be fine.

zedpapa

if the body is in good shape i say go for the stroker since you have the parts you need. if you can't have it down long then find a used motor to put in it while you build the stroker.

zedpapa

Bustedback

Check the torque converter bolts and flexplate before you tear into the engine and find nothing wrong.

CAEMI

Is there an easy way to do this without pulling either the engine or trans?

Bustedback

The torque converter bolts, yes, just remove the inspection cover and put a wrench on them. The flexplate, not so much. Remove the inspection cover and shine a flashlight up in there and look for cracks and metal dust around the hub portion of the flexplate.