I'm with you. I put a replacement motor in my YJ for less than that, but that's just me.

 

I'm with you, it's way less than that to take it to a machine shop and get the head done then reinstall yourself, but now I know what to charge next time I do it for someone else

 

Hopefully it comes with a good warranty

 

Lifetime Warranty of the entire vehicle.

 

Picked up my block today, $457.77



.030 bore, hot tanked, New freeze plugs, New cam bearings, pistons pressed.

 

Took out my thermostat
Apparently "fail safe"

 

Found out f150 center caps fit my stock wheels pretty good

 

Ha. Love the sticker.

 

Well, It is up to my circumstances, I have limited access to tools and a garage. I am not good at diagnosing and repairing engine specific problems. I can do the drive train, wheels, bearings, suspension, and simple electronics. My jeep has more money invested into it than it is worth for sure. My overall repair costs alone could have bought at least 2 cherokees like mine, i.e. I totalled it hitting a deer. I also fabricated a front bumper, rear bumper, and top hat rack which makes it mine and therefore a sentimental attachment begins.

Kelley Blue Book values my vehicle at $5400 therefore $1700 repair is only 1/3 the value of my jeep. Haha

Its hard not to get attached to a cherokee... But when you do, you might as well give your credit card to a hobo because thats how much money you could be spending on repairs.

 

Not trying to attack you or start an argument of any sort but I find it hard to believe that you are capable of fabricating bumpers and roof racks but not capable of doing a head job. You can pull the head with a pair of pliers and a standard socket set. Pay a machine shop 100 bucks to resurface the head, grind the valves and install springs, $75 for a head set and bolt it back in. Add coolant and you're done.

I just hate seeing people getting robbed at dealerships simply because they're afraid to give it a go.

 

This I agree 100%, it's why I buy repair manuals for every vehicle I get.

 

We grind heads as cash side jobs. Like $25-$50. One guy just walks in with his heads and gets them done for free because he is friends with another grinder lol.

Shop around and offer cash. Small shops will most likely do it off the books for a little payment or a case of beer.

 

I know, I probably could have done it myself, but honestly if I cant diagnose the problem then its off to the repair shop. Yes this costs more money but it sure gets done faster than me trying to do it myself knowing nothing about the problem. Therefore, to me, it is worth the extra buck to get it done quickly and right the first time.

Dont worry, i have more to do on it, needs a new differential and im going to do it myself.

 

Head gasket is easier than doing gears

 

Replaced the thermostat and housing.