Wanting to do stoker project

[Grumpy_one]

I currently have a 76 Jeep CJ5. The motor has been sitting for 15 years. I want to do a stoker. I found a 94 Cherokee for a donor. From what I've read I can use my crank and rods from my 258 to throw in the 94 4.0. Wanted to say hello and I'll be doing some reading in the mean time, thanks. Dave

[Russ Pottenger]

Welcome aboard Dave.
You'll find lots of good information on the site, and plenty of people willing to share their experiences and knowledge.

Good luck,
Russ

[Grumpy_one]

Thanks Russ. For starters, do you know off hand if my 258 out of my 76 CJ will have the 4 or 12 counter balance crank?

[Cheromaniac]

As it's a '76 it'll have the 12 cwt crank. You basically have two choices when it comes to building the bottom end:

1. 258 crank, 258 connecting rods, OEM replacement type pistons.
2. 258 crank, 4.0L connecting rods, custom or Keith Black ICON forged pistons.

I built my stroker using option 1, but that was more than 11 years ago when K-B ICON pistons didn't even exist and custom pistons costed close to $700.
Nowadays you can get Bulltear custom pistons for ~$450 made to the exact spec that you want, so option 2 is what I'd recommend unless your budget is tighter than a bull's ass in fly time.
What type of use will your '94 XJ be put through when you swap in the stroker motor? Daily driver, mud plugger, rockcrawler, or racer?
Let us know what your budget and goals are so we can guide you accordingly.

[Grumpy_one]

Right now budget is around 3K but it's flexible. It won't be a DD but will be driven time to time to show off bad ass jeep when it's done. Premium gas doesn't bother if thats what I have to do to get what I want. It will be mostly for the trails/rock crawling so I don't plan to go above 3500 RPM too often. Theres a 94 Cherokee with a bad transmission for 495.00, going to take a look today, miles etc. Does it matter if it's HO or not? How can I tell if it is? Thanks!

edit: just called, it's smoking too which will work in my favor, I'll probably offer a couple of hundred bucks just to get it off their hands. Has over 250K miles on it. Part out the Cherokee and possible get a free motor. Been doing this on my CJ SOA project all along and Im just about even on the project. Time has been on my side and it's worked out well. Let me know about the HO, thanks

[Russ Pottenger]

Dave,

Your 94 XJ engine will be a good candidate to start your Stroker project with.
It have an H0 engine in it.

72-86 258/4.2L engines to my understanding came with both 4 and 12cwt crankshafts.
Starting in 1987 going through 1990 they had the 2.100 snouts versus the earlier years that had 2.500 snouts
That requires a spacer between the dampener and the balancer bolt washer.

Because you're new and just getting started at this I'd highly recommend going to Dino Savva's webpage
www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com . He has a wealth of information over there.

[Grumpy_one]

Thanks Russ. Turns out the donor vehicle had a v8, the ad was wrong. Search continues. I'll check out Dino's site, thanks again.

[Grumpy_one]

Found a 96 4.0 HO for 300.00 with PCM and wiring. The project starts

[Grumpy_one]

Been looking at some of the recipes, and I'm wondering what would be a good horse power for my D44's. Running 4.56 gears (smaller pinion than 4.10 or lower) and 35" tires. I want low end torque without breaking any running gear. I ran open diff's with stock motor, stock drivetrain for years without breaking anything on the trail besides occasional shock mount, and that was with a model 20 rear end with the split axle. The biggest pain in the arse was my engine stalling out during a climb or crawling over rocks. I ran the Rubicon trail for years without any drivetrain breakage and am quite proud of that fact. BUT.... I now plan to go back with 35's and a little more HP and torque. I just don't know how much I need/want. Suggestions welcome.

[Cheromaniac]

In that case you could build a modified poor man's stroker with the stock '96 cam.
Since it'll be mostly a rockcrawling Jeep, I suggest you get the heavier 12cwt 258 crank ('72-'80) since the extra mass will behave as if you have a heavier flywheel, providing more rotational inertia and reducing the chances of stalling the engine on slow trails.
With this build the only non-OEM parts you'll need are the crank, pistons, and injectors so you'll have the rugged dependability of a stock 4.0 but with more power.

[Grumpy_one]

Sounds like a plan, thanks Cheromaniac

[Grumpy_one]

Picked up my 50.00 4.0 today, gota love CL. He was asking 300.00, said the wiring came with. I show up at his work, no wiring, no air filter, wires have been cut, but did come with the PCM. I told him I barely wanted it for 50.00, but 50.00 it was. 187K on the motor, supposedly. No matter, the project begins. I have a feeling I'm going to get to know this motor real well.