Jeep 4 cyl vs 6cyl

[Kid Glock]

I had a 4 (go-devil & hurricane) in a CJ2/3's that did ok for what it was but the 4.0 and 258 inline 6 is hard to beat and much preferred.

 

[cm_osu]

If you ever plan on driving it on the streets the 4.0 is a better choice.

IF its strictly an off road jeep, the 4 cylinder isn't bad. You can usually find them in better condition for quit a bit cheaper. Yes I understand thats because they are less desirable but for mainly off road and around town use the six isn't always worth the premium.

They're both reliable and have pretty similar real world fuel economy, with the edge slightly in the 6's favor. I've never heard anybody with a 6 say they wish they bought the 4 but I've heard it the other way alot.

 

[68mustang]

^^^^ what they said If you can get the straight 6 even better. But the v6 will do in a pinch. The 4 hates having oversize tires and your mileage will be horrid. 6 cyl ran right will get almost 20

Do you know what you're talking about? The 4.0L is the straight 6. The 4.2 is the earlier amc version. Also I wouldn't get any older than a 98 or 99. They have coil over suspension instead of leaf springs. Although I do like the square headlight and interior better. Also another thing to watch on a tj is to make sure to replace the blower motor. It builds up resistance over time and burns up the hvac controls.

 

[68mustang]

Just remember what Jeep stands for: Just empty every pocket! LOL But seriously, if you want to build a strict trail rig I'd be hard pressed to tell you which one is better engine wise. The axles are pitiful small looking. I've heard if you try to put 33s on stock axles they'll break. I can't confirm that though. In stock configuration a 6cy jeep will do whatever you want it to do within reason. It's when you modify one thing and don't think about the whole package that gets you in trouble.

 

[68mustang]

Got mine stuck... LOL

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[cm_osu]

I've heard if you try to put 33s on stock axles they'll break. I can't confirm that though. In stock configuration a 6cy jeep will do whatever you want it to do within reason. It's when you modify one thing and don't think about the whole package that gets you in trouble.

Its really just the Dana 35 you gotta watch. Unfortunately after 90 that was the most common rear axle. You can still do alot with them if you don't thrash them constantly. Saharas, unlimiteds and rubis were avaible or came stock with Dana 44s.

 

[penismightier]

I can't speak for the 4cyl, but I did drive a 4.0 Cherokee sport... That thing was a blast to try and tear up. That truck had 225000 miles on it and would not die. I drive the piss out of it and it kept on going.

 

[cm_osu]

I can't speak for the 4cyl, but I did drive a 4.0 Cherokee sport... That thing was a blast to try and tear up. That truck had 225000 miles on it and would not die. I drive the piss out of it and it kept on going.

I drive a 98 zj 4.0. I think they're about the best value in jeeps. Pros-solid motor, straight axles, coil spring suspension. The downside is they're unibody, transmission they paired with the 4.0 isn't great and normal dodge electrical issues.

 

[Biggsly]

Nope, the early 4s were the old AMC 4, basically the inline 6 with two less cylinders. Puny but a reliable workhorse.

The newer 4s were the Chrysler PowerTech, basically the same engines used from the Neon to the Mopar minivans to even the SRT-4. I do believe the turbo'ed versions had some tech and parts (specifically the turbo itself) shared with / sourced from DSM though.

GM also made a 2.5 4 cyl.

 

[68mustang]

I kinda want an xj... Probably the best value right there.