New Jeep or Not New Jeep?

For those prices get you a Toyota and build it...

If you are happy with the Jeep that you have replacing the engine as long as the transmission is still good is the cheapest and easiest way to go. You will have a jeep that you like that’s already built and you can get right back on the trail. $10-$12,000 is a lot of money but it’s very cheap compared to buying another jeep even though you already have the axles and other aftermarket equipment. You still have to do the labor to change all that out so I think a smart play is just put an engine in it and keep on trucking

k-jeep said The engine in my JKU has been acting funny so I took it in to get it checked out. It runs right now but the engine needs to be replaced.

The cost to replace the engine with another 3.6 and labor will be around $10-$12K.

The options I'm thinking about:

1. Just bite the bullet and replace the engine.

2. Get a JL/JT and swap the 60s and whatever else I can, then sell what's left.

3. Other?

I have some thinking to do!

Replacing old parts that were currently working seem to be the less expensive way to go, but when they start going out, they can piece-meal you to death. Sometimes, you're better off starting with a new rig rather than keep renewing old parts that will eventually fail at any given time (like on the trail). In our case, we had a 2011 Jeep, built for rock crawling. The major things: like the axels, diffs & suspension had been replaced & should have endured using them on another rig...maybe. This left the engine, transmission & numerous other things left to chance. So, we bought a brand-new Rubicon 4xe & are taking the risk of it holding together. After making a few mods already, I have noticed most components are a lot heavier duty than our previous Jeep, which should outlast most things on our last Jeep, not to mention that we are looking more towards overlanding runs & less rock crawling. So far, this is working. We got a tremendous deal on the new Jeep & so far, it performs well. One thing for sure, they're not getting any cheaper!

Sorry to hear the problems with your jeep.  It will depend on your budget and time.  I think the jeep is a daily driver for you, right?

I have done motor swaps and motor replacements in my garage.  That could save considerable money if you are on a tight budget.  They are not difficult at all.  I just took tons of pictures.  Then pulled the old motor and transferred accessories over to the new one, installed it, and then looked at my pics to reconnect everything. But this route will have your jeep down for a while.

All the other options come down to money and time with the vehicle down.

A JL might be able to accept a fair amount of your parts. A JT will not accept many of the parts from the driver door on back (frame and suspension are quite different).

If you replace the motor in your existing rig, how many miles are on the trans and t case? Will they live long enough to make it worth it? Should they be replaced at the same shot? All questions to ask yourself.

Could this be used as an opportunity to upgrade the engine/trans/t case?

I know these are more questions and not an answer. Just food for thought.

I would call a couple other shops and get some quotes because that seems about double what it should cost with a fresh warrantied engine (mopar/Jasper/etc.). You can also call V8 swap places like jeep speed shop and get good running take out engines and swap yourself. Fred Williams did a diy swap on his youtube channel.

M&J Automotive in Placerville are overlanders but they are supe transparent on their pricing and regularly do engine swaps for people.

Mike G said For those prices get you a Toyota and build it...

This! 😀

But seriously... sorry to hear the news... I agree with Kris... $10k sounds like a lot ... especially if its a like for like swap...

Calaveras32Spcl said A JL might be able to accept a fair amount of your parts. A JT will not accept many of the parts from the driver door on back (frame and suspension are quite different).

If you replace the motor in your existing rig, how many miles are on the trans and t case? Will they live long enough to make it worth it? Should they be replaced at the same shot? All questions to ask yourself.

Could this be used as an opportunity to upgrade the engine/trans/t case?

I know these are more questions and not an answer. Just food for thought.

There is different suspension geometry between a JK (Kevin's Jeep ) and a JL.  I would not count on too much transferring over if that approach were chosen.

You could look for a 2017 stock JK, and then transfer parts over but you'd get a higher mileage motor again.

Decided to just go with a new engine. It’s the least expensive option and quickest way to get back on the trails. 🙂

k-jeep said Decided to just go with a new engine. It’s the least expensive option and quickest way to get back on the trails. 🙂

I think that is the best option. Cheapest and easiest way to get back on the trail is a good combination.

k-jeep said Decided to just go with a new engine. It’s the least expensive option and quickest way to get back on the trails. 🙂

Did you get a few estimates or do you plan to do it yourself?

Jeff_R said

k-jeep said

Decided to just go with a new engine. It’s the least expensive option and quickest way to get back on the trails. 🙂

Did you get a few estimates or do you plan to do it yourself?

I don’t have the time to do it myself.

Kevin, you might want to call Applegate garage for a quote. They do excellent work and have reasonable prices.

If you are fishing for estimates I also believe Midas in Folsom could do it.  They do very odd and end work, and even have a machine shop.  I have had them do various things on my jeep including fabrication work and welding.

Kevin, I just remembered that the guy who installed my Atlas transfer case, and who used to work as a mechanic for the Jeep dealer in Auburn, opened his own shop that is Jeep oriented. He is a friend of a friend of my son. His name is Jeff Rickenbaker. If you call him for an estimate be sure to mention that you are a friend of mine.

JP Tech Automotive 1480 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

Phone: (530) 537-2190

Jeff_R said Kevin, I just remembered that the guy who installed my Atlas transfer case, and who used to work as a mechanic for the Jeep dealer in Auburn, opened his own shop that is Jeep oriented. He is a friend of a friend of my son. His name is Jeff Rickenbaker. If you call him for an estimate be sure to mention that you are a friend of mine. JP Tech Automotive 1480 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

Phone: (530) 537-2190

Thanks. I'm already scheduled with them to drop off on Monday. Hopefully I'll have it back by end of week.

Good luck!  Maybe you can share the pricing and the motor you got [[(used/new/year/miles/warranty) for the experience.