Hey guys,

I've managed to do a big end bearing in my Liberty CRD... very sad new as I just got the auto trans all sorted.

I live in Australia. Can anyone help with a recommendation below?

Option 1: rebuild the current motor
Issues : Getting someone who wants touch a jeep is proving hard. Determining the damage and getting parts could make this option not feasible.

Option 2: Get a 2nd hand R428 engine, get a rebuild kit & make it a summer/Christmas project.
Issues : This may or may not be more expensive than option 1&3. Spare bits of the current R428, rebuild with high quality parts etc.. All things being equal I should have a reliably engine after this.

Option 3: Put a A428 in it.
Issues : I have no real idea what the differences between a R428 & A428 in terms of mounts to engine bay, auto trans etc... Is it even possible? Will I need a new loom and ECU, will it work with the current iteration of my 545RFE? Many questions I'm trying to answer before looking into this option. But if I get a crate engine it could be a quicker job than option 1 or 2

All things considered, I'd love to investigate the feasibility of option 3 more. But I feel option 2 is more than likely to be way forward at this stage.

If anyone has any info to offer please let me know.

Rear main crankshaft bearing?

Have you already removed the bearing carrier and inspected the crankshaft journal?
Can you post pictures?

If it were mine and parts were available, I would pull the engine and rebuild it myself.

Next best option would be getting a good used engine.

Swapping in a A428 would require having all its associated electronics. And possibly whatever transmission was attached to it.

_________________
U.S. Army Retired

If it is only the rear main bearing that is bad and there is no damage to the crank you can replace it while the engine is in the vehicle. If you plan on doing anything more it is probably easier to pull the motor.

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2006 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited - Rebuilt at 145K
GDE Eco Tune
Weeks 1+2
ARP Studs
New rockers + Valves
New #1 pistion and all connecting rods
New Crankshaft
Carter In-Tank Pump

I think I've found a guy who will do it for me.

My main problem is that I'm working on a contract till Christmas 1500km away from my car.

We've decided to get another R428 engine and do a freshen up rebuild on it. Scavenge the new parts off my engine and then see how it goes.