Engine swap
 

Hey everyone

I am fairly new to the jeepin community and have a couple of questions I own a 2000 TJ with a 2" suspension lift, 31"x10.5"x15 MT Baja MTZ, 2.5L 4 banger,everything else is stock.

I would like to know is it worth while to do a engine swap (ie 6 cylinder or v8) or is better to sell this one and look for one with a 6 cylinder. I plan to play in the mud and do some climbing with it as well as use it on the highway. Or should I just change my gear ratio's and leave the four banger in?

Also how can I tell what my gear ratio is right now?

Thanks for any input.

Re: Engine swap
 

Doing an engine swap on a 4 banger is an extensive and expensive venture, I'm not saying it can't be done but you will be running into a lot of difficulties to get it done right. There are a ton of write ups on the net detailing the exact thing you are asking about. If you search it out you will find that your going to have to basically change everything from the engine back. It would much easier and a whole lot cheaper to start with a 4.0 and go from there.

Re: Engine swap
 

I read an artical that i is better to just buy a 6 cyl jeep stock then to try and change yours but I guess it al depends on how much u have invisted

Re: Engine swap
 

Keep the 4 and re-gear or sell it and buy a 6.
IMO the 4 will do anything you need it to out on The Rock if it's set up properly.
Do yourself a favor and don't bother with the swap, it is not a simple or cheap solution.
If your gearing is stock as you say, go to any dealer and ask them for a build sheet for your VIN. It will tell you what gears you have.

Re: Engine swap
 

Thanks for the info guys, I will go to the dealer and get the build sheet (thanks RiponredTJ) once I find out the stock gear ratio what do you guys think I should go to? Also I want to put mechanical lockers in the front and rear is this a good idea?

Re: Engine swap
 

Lockers in a D30 & D35 isn't recommended if your planning on running any tires larger than 31", the D30 can get chromo shafts and you'll be all right but the D35 has a weak carrier,tubes and housing that tends to flex and crack/snap axles when put under load with a locker. I've been running my D35 with 3.73 gears,limited slip & 33" tires for 2yrs without any problems more than likely due to the Poison Spyder HD diff cover that keeps the housing from flexing too much.