I'm thinking about having a look at a YJ for sale near me. The advertisement lists some details about the rig including :

1995 wrangler YJ re-built 2.5 with fuel injection. High output alt. Rubicon shocks, bushings, brake lines, calipers, and pads, 38" pro comp tires. Front and rear Dyna lockers, rock crusher trans case.

I've only driven one YJ with the four cyl. engine. It was a new stock vehicle (long time ago) and I though it was OK but kind of a dog. Is it a good engine? Is it up to the task of powering a built Jeep? Are there any advantages to the four over the six? What kind of gear ratios would be required to turn those tires on and off the road? How much torque/hp does the 2.5 make stock?

Thanks for looking. My wife and I are toying with the idea of her taking my '02 KJ and me getting something a little less refined

_________________
Early '02 Limited, Steel Blue, White Guts

I can't imagine a 2.5L powered YJ being very streetable w/ 38's regardless of gearing.

For off road use, regardless of gearing, I can't imagine a 2.5L powered YJ being much fun off road. I often wish for a V8 in my KJ and can't imagine screaming a 4 banger down the trail turnig those monster meats.

If you start w/ the 6cyl, you will most likely be fine and not have too much trouble.....but I Bet you will still wish you had even more power for wheelin' those 38's.

_________________
99 TJ
71 C101
04 KJ
03 SFA KJ Sport
LOST JEEPS So-Cal

A buddy of mine had a YJ with a 4 popper that he tried to "make better" with lift /35s regeared etc , he was always cussing it
I think you would be better off with starting with a 6 , YJs can be made into great trail rigs but the 4 is not enough

_________________
MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

I agree, there isn't a huge power gain by going with the 4.2 or 4.0 six over the 2.4 or 2.5. But even regeared, the six isn't much fun with tires that size.

_________________
- Mike
'12 JK

Jeep Tech Files

I happen to have a 4 cyl YJ that I run on 33's with a 4" lift. With 4.88 gears it's still not a practical vehicle on the highways but man it will sure crawl through the woods.

YJ's are getting pretty old and a 4.0L TJ shouldn't be very hard to find for only a couple of thousand more. I recommend you look for a Sahara TJ (it will likely have Dana44 axles) or even better a TJ Rubicon.

Nowadays a brand new JK is priced less than what most people are asking for their TJ's. A good point to make when haggling a price.

_________________
my trail & highway ride (and occasional tow rig)
04 Liberty Sport with a 2.5" lift, ProComp 245/75R16 AT's and two Hella700FF lamps (more accessories to come)

my trail queen
95 YJ with a RE 4" lift, 33" ProComp Extreme's, M8000 Winch, Lockrite Locker up front, Super35 in the rear and 4.88 gears

The X model TJ,s had 30/35's in them. Sport and Sahara's had a 30 and an optional 44 in the rear. Rubi's 44 both ends. I prefer the Sport model over the Sahara, all those fancy bells and whistles that I don't want.

_________________
- Mike
'12 JK

Jeep Tech Files

Thanks for the info. I'm still wondering about the reliability of the fours. I really don't mind four cylinder engines in light vehicles, the original Jeeps were flat fours right? Either way I've been looking around casually for YJs and TJs and there are a ton of them for sale around here. It looks like I could find whatever I want pretty easily. It's getting to be time to replace one of our vehicles. I've not decided whether to get another Jeep, a pickup truck or a light, fast sedan like a WRX or VR6 VW. I could put any of them to good use.

_________________
Early '02 Limited, Steel Blue, White Guts