gilbertxj466

Next week I'm going to pick up an '04 jeep CG limited with 120k miles. I have chosen the '04 model since it seems to be the best year made. However, it seems the timing chains on the 4.7 V8 engine wear out quickly. Is this something any body has had experience with?

dave1123

If you are asking MY opinion, stay away from the 4.7 entirely. JMHO. A 4.0 will last longer than the rest of the jeep. Also, the 242 is the best t/case jeep ever used.

gilbertxj466

Yeah I think you might be right on that. The v8 does offer more power but will cost me more in maintenance than the inline 6. So with that I just may go with the inline 6 model instead. Thanks for your input.

andrewmp6

The 4.0 is old and they worked all the bugs out of it,The 4.7 was brand new to the wj body in 1999.The 4.7 isn't all that bad but it comes down how it was taken care of.If it was used and abused its gonna give up the ghost on you.If its been taken care of it should be fine.

dave1123

That's the trick with the 4.7. It's a high tech engine that needs TLC. It's not a bad engine by any means and if taken care of will last long. The point I was making was what kind of treatment did it get BEFORE you got it?

I grew up thrashing small block Chevys without mercy. The 4.7 will not take that kind of abuse.

rizmonkey

I agree.......... go with the 4.0 and you'll be glad you did. The 4.0 will be better on gas, has plenty of power and is a torque monster. It should live forever with the normal maintenance.

RIZ

dave1123

That's why the old timers call it the "tractor" motor. The torque output curve is a straight line up until 3000 RPM, then it drops off quickly.