today a lady on facebook said that after 220,000 miles the 4.0 in her Grand Cherokee finally died on the highway. Everyone acted as if 220,000 miles was a lot but i always thought i would get to atleast 280,000. If there were no 4.0's available, what other engine would you drop in your cherokee? a v8?

 

Let's look at this thread.

First part: "...a lady on facebook..."

That sorta makes me think of a lady who knew squat about her vehicle, did not keep it maintenanced correctly, and got upset and fumed on FB when her motor did finally give out. Also, it may not be dead, but need a minor repair that she is oblivious to.

Second: "...the 4.0 in her Jeep Grand Cherokee..."

Again, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a bit more bulky, and put more of a load on the 4.0. Plus, there are some differences in engine setup between an XJ and a Grand. However, I refer back to the top as to the failure, because Grand Cherokees can do their thing if they're taken care of.

Third: "...but i always thought i would get to atleast 280,000..."

If you take great care of you engine, keep it serviced, and use quality parts and equipment, I have heard of 4.0's reach as high as 400,000 miles before anything internal or major gave out and caused the engine to die. take good care of your 4.0, it will take good care of you.

Fourth: The answer to your question.

If I had not other 4.0 to toss in my XJ, I would totally go with a Chevy V-8. I can't remember if it's the LS1 they've used, but I've heard MANY good things about a good Chevy engine/tranny combo in an XJ.

Hope this helped!!

 

I totally second the SBC. Snag a mid 80's 350 and 700r4 from a Chevy K10 Short Wide 4x4... call it a day. Or... Drive the Chevy

 

I would try to find a Cummins 4bt to throw in it.

 

Ls2 with 4l60e trans but it would be hard not to choose the 4bt. But if I couldn't have those maybe a rb25dett but that engine might be impossible to adapt.

 

I really wanted to go the 4bt route when I replaced my motor. Couldn't find one anywhere for less than 2500 tho.

 

gen 2 (ish) 3.8L vin code B out of a GM full size car for the 92-98 years... But honestly I think that I would find a way to make another 4.0L I6...

 

detroit 4-53t

 

4.6 golen

 

Chevy 350, Its just another long lasting engine but has more power than id ever need to get the XJ though anywhere. Id couple that with a Dana 300 transfer case, front and rear E breaks lets you lock the rear an turn on a dime. Still dont know what tranny.