Tough Decision Time

[Carl McFly]

My TJ has what sounds like imminent bearing failure and I need to make some tough decisions.

EDIT: This is the kind of mistake I like / hate to make. I like that I was (probably) wrong but hate that everyone knows Looking at options now, options that DON'T include an engine rebuild (I hope) and thanks everyone for the support. You all ROCK

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

Engine. You gots the skills, just need the time and space. Can the bearing be changed out prior to catastrophic failure? Maybe throw in a lightly used 4.0.

I had a 98 taco and until you throw a whole bunch of money into it, it will not perform like a Wrangler. Depends on what activity you really want to do with the 4x4.

[Marky]

JK?

[Carl McFly]

Engine. You gots the skills, just need the time and space. Can the bearing be changed out prior to catastrophic failure? Maybe throw in a lightly used 4.0.

Thanks dude. Thinking it shouldn't be that hard to hoist the engine up a bit, drop the oil pan and change con-rod bearings but that won't do anything for the chatty valves or NV-3550 that also has issues. Another factor is the reliability. I want a rig that I can drive to Rausch (or anywhere) without worrying about catastrophic engine implosions or being THAT GUY broken down on the highway (or mountain):

gee Carl that sucks, did you have any idea?
Oh hell yeah! I'm surprised it made it this far


Not sure what I'm going to do but I'm obviously on the sidelines for a while

[Carl McFly]

JK?

JL
(FIFY)

[Baseshakers]

Stroker! There are a few guys in the club who can help with that, ask me how I know...

[pirahnah3]

Carl, garage is available if you need it. Granted its generator power for now but there is plenty of space.

Id really say that the choice is up to you, Either do it up right and do a bunch of the major stuff at once, or spend the long dollar and get something much newer. Really its up to you, but me I might do up the motor and know that you have it taken care of, assuming that the frame on her is fine.

[BlackNBlue-ISH]

Carl, garage is available if you need it. Granted its generator power for now but there is plenty of space.

Id really say that the choice is up to you, Either do it up right and do a bunch of the major stuff at once, or spend the long dollar and get something much newer. Really its up to you, but me I might do up the motor and know that you have it taken care of, assuming that the frame on her is fine.

Carl, I can tow you to said garage if that's what you choose. Save you the Uber ride home haha

[Carl McFly]

Carl, garage is available if you need it. Granted its generator power for now but there is plenty of space.

Id really say that the choice is up to you, Either do it up right and do a bunch of the major stuff at once, or spend the long dollar and get something much newer. Really its up to you, but me I might do up the motor and know that you have it taken care of, assuming that the frame on her is fine.

Carl, I can tow you to said garage if that's what you choose. Save you the Uber ride home haha

Wow, thanks guys! Didn't expect this.... honestly, thank you very much. I'm not ready to ditch / scrap / separate / part out my TJ and looking at options for a stroker build. Test drove a JL today and looking at a YJ tomorrow (with an Atlas )

Hope to make a decision by this weekend on what to do with me TJ / how to do it and yes, the frame is solid. After multiple, home-cooked and engineered frame patches I had it professionally repaired and it has a lifetime guarantee

[RandyCarol]

It’s a tough choice. Not sure how much you drive the TJ. If it’s daily I would go with either an older JK or a JL, and what would depend on what you want to spend. They all hold their value so I spend the extra couple grand on a new JL as opposed to a newer JK. I’m starting to see older JK’s for under $10k, they don’t seem to have the rust problems. If it’s a second vehicle I’d just fix it and keep it going since it’s already built

[Baseshakers]

Talk to Chad at Golen. He was awesome to work with when I built my stroker.

[Frank]

Being that this wont cost me a penny , As long as your sure the frame isnt gonna bite ya in the butt. DOIT ! My idea would be to rebuild your engine as you know its history. A total rebuild is gonna be a G with parts. A built stroker is twice that. Building a stroker outta yours is less than you think. Ryan W can give ya the low down. Personally I would go overbore only whats needed , and call Mr. Clifford performance 6 = 8 guy and be surprised what he can do for you. My engine is built after one of his. I LIKE IT ! If you have a machine shop you like find out . If you dont , I do ! Save the assembly coin as we can do this asleep. The YJ with the atlas would be my second choice. Youda Man Dude FjR68

[Frank]

I ment to add my thoughts on the stroker at all. I think it gives you mid HP and a big punch at the top. You wanna drag race or wheel ? Just my opinion FjR68