I am rebuilding a 2000 WJ, but I want this thread to include all Cherokees with a 4.0. I started to notice a little blue smoke and she had been knocking for a while so with 212,000 on the clock I decided it was time for a rebuild. I found an old Jeep 258 for a donor and decided to build her into a 4.6 stroker...using the 258 crank and con rods. I spent 200 bucks on the 258 crank and rods. Machine work will cost aprox. 800.00. It is now time to buy a Master rebuild kit or piece one together. And here is where I want some opinion. I have called Clegg, Titian, Hesco, RPM, and my local parts store.
A master kit should include
Pistons
Rings
all bearings
Gasket Set
Timing Set
Cam
Lifters
Oil Pump
Freeze plugs
So far I have gotten back about 800 bucks from all of them except the local shop said 900.
Doesn't this sound high? am I missing something/someone?

 

I thought about going with a master rebuild kit before but the thing is. When you buy a kit with everything in it you really have no idea of the quality of the parts your getting. The best thing to do is buy all the parts individually from the best brand of each part. Most of the time its cheaper not to buy the kit anyway. Researching on Jeepstrokers.com will answer about any question you have as far as what brands to choose. What parts you need to replace. $800 isnt bad for machining costs. You can save quite a bit of money by searching for deals on Ebay. Good luck with your build.

 

Thanks. I am going to piece one together from Rockauto.com. once I do I will post what I find.

 

Rockauto.com sells their rebuild kit for only ~ 365.00. But it does not come with an oil pump, timing set, or cam. So I think I'll add the Clegg stage 1 cam kit for ~327.00
all together this kit will cost 691.00. But I dont know much about the parts. I'll keep looking and post what I find.

 

If you're going to buy separate parts, I'd buy Clevite 77 bearings. I've always had good luck with them, even in drag cars. Perfect Circle piston rings are great also. Just my personal favorites.

 

I went with the Master kit from Rock Auto. It was 320 bucks. DNJ engine Components. I still need to find a timing kit, cam , lifters, and an oil pump.

 

Good luck with that. Never heard of the rockauto kits but don't be surprised if you get crappy bearings or gaskets. I hope for your sake that that's not the case but literally with a kit you have no clue what your getting. I just don't recommend skimping on something that could be the difference between your engine running another 200,000 miles or another 300 miles.

 

I have used Rock Auto for years and I've never had a problem with Quality. But I get your point. I have already sent an inquiry about the head gasket thickness and I'll write up a report when I get the parts. Wish me luck

 

I just heard that DNJ head gaskets are cheap rip offs. Repeat...Dont buy a DNJ gasket kit. They are cheap and made in Taiwan. I just ordered a fell pro set, but in order to return the head gasket I had to return the whole kit. oh well. it had not shipped yet so it was a simple refund. I will piece my kit together using names like Fell Pro, Melling, and Clevite.