Jeep 4cyl? Info plz.

[JL LGT]

I didn't know Jeep put 4 bangers in their Cherokees. Don't even know the displacement (yet... searching).

It's an 88' Cherokee. 4cyl 5spd.

Anybody have info on reliability, maintenance, parts locating? How bout gas mileage?

Any serious issues with these?

TIA.

[ryanman]

2.5

[JL LGT]

Cool.

Any other info? Reliability? Maintenance? Any info is helpfull. I'm seriously considering this purchase.

[NZDarren]

I have one in my wrangler, its a 2.5 so I guess its the same

Never had a problem with it, its an 02.

Its great off road, but sucks on the freeway - depending on what tires and gearing you have have.

MPG is horrible, I get about 18 in town and about 16 on the freeway, because its always floored just trying to stay in traffic.
If there is a headwind and you are going up a hill its quicker to park it and walk.

So it depends on what you want it for. I really love it, makes a nice change from the 350z and sport bike :)

[JL LGT]

Looking for something as a DD that get's good gas mileage, isn't hard to work on and can be taken off the pavement.

This one's already lifted (don't know specifics) on 31" tires. Don't know the gearing though. I'm going to be test driving it tomorrow.

Is your wrangler a 5spd? I was really looking to get into the 20's as far as gas mileage goes.

Does that 2.5 have the brass for light beginner wheeling?

[ryanman]

It does but I would highly recommend putting some lower (numerically higher) gears, it'll help with the wheeling and the gas mileage, little motor won't have to work as hard to turn the tires. 4.56's would be perfect.

[JL LGT]

Schweet!

I think it was an off-road rig anyway. The carpet was pulled and replaced w/ rubber mat.

It's not a bad looking Jeep for the price. Good starting point anyway. So long as it can be easily repaired... it'll work out.

After doing the gear swap... would anything else help the mileage and life of that old motor? Maybe I/H/E?

[ryanman]

Yeah, any of that stuff would help a ton, they need to breathe as much as possible, especially at altitude.

[Conrad]

I would avoid a 4cyl like the plague!

[Mark_H]

I have one in my wrangler, its a 2.5 so I guess its the same

Never had a problem with it, its an 02.

Its great off road, but sucks on the freeway - depending on what tires and gearing you have have.

MPG is horrible, I get about 18 in town and about 16 on the freeway, because its always floored just trying to stay in traffic.
If there is a headwind and you are going up a hill its quicker to park it and walk.

So it depends on what you want it for. I really love it, makes a nice change from the 350z and sport bike :)


Listen to this man^ If you have any desire or requirement to go on the Interstate often stay away from a 4cyc Wrangler. They are no fun on the interstate AT ALL, severly underpowered and over geared. Hell, my parents have a '92 Wrangler with the 4.0L, 5-speed and it doesn't do a ton better then the 4 banger(I've driven both extensively). Fwiw I've driven a 4L, Automatic Cherokee on the Interstate and it did great, seems like it's geared just right to me.
HTH
Mark

[Dave_L]

I'd have to agree with staying away from the 4 cylinder if you want to haul anything or drive on the highway. My wrangler is t3h slow on the highway and it's got the 4.0 in it. I can't imagine the cherokee with a 4 cylinder with a passenger and camping gear going up a mountain.

[ryanman]

That's why I mentioned regearing it.

I'd look for a 4.0 if you're gonna spend the money, the 4 cylinders are hardcore weaksauce.

[Conrad]

shit with man tires... my 4.0 is weaksauce

smart car > jeep w/big tires

[Dave_L]

Ask B about having a 4 cylinder. :)

I've always just liked having more power. Especially with something that will see snow, mountain driving, hauling camping gear, etc. At sea level you'd probably be ok but I bet you'll get sick of it up here.

[JL LGT]

Considered.

Doesn't matter with this one though. The owner (small dealership) was being a real a$$hole.... so F* em.

[Brandon]

haha I want to turbo my 4 banger but it honestly isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. It's ok around town but I get passed by semis going up the hills. However, I might be a little faster if I constantly changed gears and had it up closer to redline.
Just so you know, mine is a 2.7l in a toyota with 37s and 5.29s

[forum]

yeah I'm going to agree with them, the 4.0 isn't really that great in a cherokee power-wise I can't imagine what the 2.5 would do. I do have a 4.0 in the garage that just needs a few brackets though :)