My 2000 WJ had 253K miles in it and had started using a lot of oil and had a small rod knock on acceleration or under load. After replacing the shortblock, I pulled the #5 piston out just to see what the problem actually was. The upper bearing shell was down to the copper and the locking tangs were just about to collapse and allow the inserts to spin! The crank journal looks fine and not scratched at all. I haven't investigated the engine beyond pulling that one piston yet. The amazing thing is it was still holding a solid 40 psi at idle hot and 50 at 65 mph!

The new engine is another story and after getting everything taken care of, I will report back on that debacle.

 

Bah. Would have gone another 100k. Lol.