johnnyd

Hey all,
Need some advice/pep talk/inspiration. Blew head gasket. Can get same yr motor for $200 but have to do swap myself. Never done it! How bad is it to do and any tips to make it easier?
Info: '98 sport. 4.0. auto. A/C. 3" lift. 33's. front disconnects. should be easy to clear front out yeah?

fishtaconc

Replace the head gasket, $40-50 for the Victor Rienz Head gasket, new intake/exhaust gasket (sp), AutoZone or Adavnce will rent a torque wrench to you (For Free). If the engine needs to be swapped its fairly straight forward if you have somewhere inside or at least concrete to work on. Take plent of Before pics from all angles for reference, and masking tape and a sharpie are your friend here. Get a Manual Haynes or Chiltons. An E12 Socket for the top 2 bolts on the transmission and basic hand tools, and hoist of course. A couple of buddies can be done in no time. If you do swap, before the new engine goes in, replace the water pump, thermostat before installing. If its an auto take the torque converter loose from the flex plate and leave it on the trans

johnnyd

I thought that if you replace head gasket you need to have head machined? And if that $100/150 i'm up to the new motor. I'd rather the easy/cheap way, (unemployed at moment) but need long-term so want to do it right. Have 200K on old motor, can get used with under 100K.

fishtaconc

I would do engine swap then regardless of the money if it has half the miles, I want to add Spray PB Blaster on the intake/exhaust studs multiple times before trying to remove them.

freegdr

same year motor and youve heard it running correct?

johnnyd

No, not heard running. From jeep yard. My friend used to work there. 30+ day warranty. Mech friend said to floor it from the start and if it's gonna go, it'll go then. Crapshoot but wtf?

cruiser54

The Jeep 4.0 is one of the easiest engines I have ever removed and replaced.

DrShaggford

I STRONGLY suggest pulling the E12 bolts before you pull any of the other bolts that mate the engine to the trans, it will make your life much easier. Had to grind the entire head off of the passenger side one with a dremel once because I made that mistake.

cruiser54

Excellent advice^^here!!