I am kinda leaning towards a rebuild and keeping it. (The trans has been rebuilt about 2 years ago)
Once I do the front and rear suspension and the steering components I think it will be good as a DD for a while, as long as I can get it to pass smog

The brakes and other stuff look easy to do.

But... Anything can happen

 

So, Ive been calling around for prices on having my current engine rebuilt.
Im getting quotes between of $2500 to $3000 removed, rebuilt, installed including machine work.

I can also get it rebuilt for $1500 If I remove it and take it in.
I am leaning towards the 3Gs to just have it done asap and not mess with it myselft because I would take forever to remove it and install it.

The shop/owner is reputable and they have been doing work on my other vehicle for a long time.

 

Those prices seem kinda high if it's running good I would keep running it till it dies in the meantime I would find a used one and rebuild that. Once your engine craps out you'll have a rebuilt one waiting to be dropped in and that way you won't be out of a jeep too long either. Just my .2 cents and I wouldn't dump that kind of money in a 2wd jeep unless it had some kind of sentimental value. For the money they're charging to rebuild you can get yourself another jeep!

 

Those prices are square on with what it costs to have a shop to an engine. Not high at all. Very average.

If you do the work yourself, you'll pay half of that.

 

Im in Southern California and those prices are pretty common.
I bought this jeep because I read that they are cheap and really easy to work on and so far I have found that to be true.
I want to keep it as a DD and keep it running as long as possible, The Trans has already been rebuilt a few years ago, new starter, radiator, water pump and hoses, new (old) computer, new shocks, new muffler, new catalytic converter. Some the PO did Some I did. Once I do the engine, Leafs and springs and a few other minor components I think it will be good as a DD for a while.

 

This. Get a motor from a scrap out, JY or CL.

 

That is an option and it actually does run pretty good but........ before oil pressure builds, it sounds like a diesel, not kidding and it has got worse in the last month. I dont want to throw a rod and then have a non rebuildable block or worse.