My 94 is climbing up to the 190k mark. Its given me a lot of trouble over the 3 years I've had it, but I still love the beast. My wife has even taken a strong liking to it. The issue that I finally decided to pull it off duty over is a rusted out windshield. Apparently the redneck DIY windshield replacements by the previous owner covered up instead of sealing the roof from rust up front. I'm not willing to do the cheap fix with it having shifted to my wife for daily driving.

So... I've decided its time to replace it. My plan is to buy a high mileage jeep in good running shape in the $1,5 to 2k range and rebuild the engine, and keep my 94 for parts. I just need 2 important pieces of information before I commit to the hunt.

The 1st is that I don't solidly know what years are most compatible with my 94. I know getting into the late 90s there were a lot of differences and for sure a 91 might be the oldest... I'm wanting to get as close as possible.

After I have this new one and the engine is rebuilt, I won't be parting it out or leaving it in the yard. I will be tearing it down. I'm getting pretty excited about that part. It will be the best way for me to get in there and figure out what everything is, how to get to it all, etc.

So, yeah, after figuring out what model years I'm looking at, I will have to track down a reliable and experienced jeep engine rebuilder in my AO.
Thanks guys! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the plan, and advice on the model years.

 

I think through my reading your pretty safe with 91-95. I'm sure there are going to be some differences but I believe that those model years will have minimal differences.

 

The 4.0 can go for many, many miles. Just find one that runs good. I wouldn't plan a rebuild unless its really necessary.

 

X2

A lot of 'em go over 300,000 without a rebuild!

 

Thanks guys! The plan is to go for something up near that. I'm seeing some in my area as high as 298k selling for around $1,200-$1,500. The way I see it, I can spend 4k on something that hasn't already been run til everything's breaking down already, trading in my 94 in the process, or I can go this route and always have transportation, spare parts, and a good block for a lot less. I'm hopping back on craigslist and taking another look.