Probably not a good time to sell it just looking at gas prices either. That's another reason to sleep on it for a while. People are looking for cheap fuel efficient vehicles just to survive with right now.
Crossroads: Rebuild the toy, or sell it?
- Thread starter svtrit
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I think your plan of keeping it for a while and perhaps revisiting a rebuild down the road is a good one. The frame is solid, the foundation is there, no need to be hasty and sell the thing now...you’ll only regret it in the future, as you look back and think...I wish I still had that thing.
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I have been in a similar position several times - I am sure we all have, and I regret all the ones I sold.
A new Wrangler is $50K so there is that.
A new Wrangler is $50K so there is that.
I'd keep it, and put an S&J engines reman engine in it. My TJ will eventually get a 4.7L stroker from them. Your Jeep would be hard to replace, the $50k+ new Wranglers may be more comfy to drive, but they do not have the simplicity and are not as fun to drive as anything produced before 2006. A YJ with a clean frame is a rare bird these days.
I'd drive it until it runs out of oil psi. Just keep going thicker on the oil. Rebuild is only solution for excessive wear and I'd wait until there is no other option.
I'd live with a little startup rattle. So, use the 5w40, 5w50, 15w50, 10w60 oils and keep driving. Don't need any additives.
Empty oil filter syndrome? Make sure you use a filter with a silicone ADBV. Dry start rattle caused by filters is often blamed on oil brands/grades. And, use a good flowing filter, or oversized if there is room. I'd recommend the Napa Platinum or Wix XP.
A well worn out and tired 4 cyl/manual Jeep Wrangler.... what's not to like? There is more to a vehicle than compensating with excessive HP.
When its ready, either DIY rebuild or use a local machine shop.
I'd live with a little startup rattle. So, use the 5w40, 5w50, 15w50, 10w60 oils and keep driving. Don't need any additives.
Empty oil filter syndrome? Make sure you use a filter with a silicone ADBV. Dry start rattle caused by filters is often blamed on oil brands/grades. And, use a good flowing filter, or oversized if there is room. I'd recommend the Napa Platinum or Wix XP.
A well worn out and tired 4 cyl/manual Jeep Wrangler.... what's not to like? There is more to a vehicle than compensating with excessive HP.
When its ready, either DIY rebuild or use a local machine shop.
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Likely stupid question, but based on your numbers I assume your looking at this via a verified oil gauge, like a mechanical or quality aftermarket gauge.
Can you drop the pan with the engine in? Maybe its just the pump, or maybe the intake is clogged?
Can you drop the pan with the engine in? Maybe its just the pump, or maybe the intake is clogged?
Yes, I installed a BOSCH mechanical oil pressure gauge to verify. I was wanting to get an Auto Meter gauge my dad has on the shelf, but we hadn't had a moment to meet up (he lives 5 hours away). BOSCH tends to build good stuff, so I have confidence in it. I don't get any oil lights, surprisingly.
The idea of installing mains by rolling them in is attractive, but I do think the cam bearings are something to consider as well. The pump being new makes me not to concerned it's the issue.
The little 2.5 has taken my jeep to places guys with some highly modified rigs go. I have video of a really tough spot I took it through a few weeks ago, and you can hear a lady yell "I was rooting for you!" It did better than my son's lifted and modified 4 Runner. It's all about tire PSI, throttle moderation, line choice, and gear selection. My Jeep has street tires and yet does extremely well everywhere but mud, which I avoid as much as I can.
I'll try a heavier oil next Spring. I'm driving it today to get the Stabil in the system, and give it a good wash before it takes a long winter nap.
Definitely option 2. I know you are tired, but then again, 1 month is not very long to get the old girl freshened up, especially since you enjoy driving her so much. Also as part of your decision making, consider how much you would miss her.
I don't know if yours is a YJ, but in 1995, the YJ got a fully galvanized frame and body so that makes them kind of desirable.
A friend of mine has a 95 Wrangler with the 4.0L and when his engine needed a rebuild, he rebuilt it himself but didn't do the greatest job and it had issues. He didn't want to mess with it anymore, so he bought a re-man long block and installed it. That is the route I would probably go if I was you.
A friend of mine has a 95 Wrangler with the 4.0L and when his engine needed a rebuild, he rebuilt it himself but didn't do the greatest job and it had issues. He didn't want to mess with it anymore, so he bought a re-man long block and installed it. That is the route I would probably go if I was you.
I'd keep it. There are all sorts of options for that engine.
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