Finally back to a GM powerplant (almost)!

[SmallSix]

Hello all! I just joined up today. I'm going to check out an '85 Jeep Cherokee 2.8 4x4 tomorrow. I previously had an '88 Pontiac GP 2.8 that got to almost 250k, and a buddy of mine had an '86 Celebrity that got to 350k and he sold it to a guy who got 60k more out of it, so I'm convinced these engines are some of the most reliable out there.

After driving a 1994 Dodge Caravan 3.0 for the last 3 years, it will be nice to pop the hood and see something familiar that doesn't cost an arm and a leg to fix!

Great site people, and lots of useful info!

Aaron

[SappySE107]

85 to 86 are the transition years for the small journal crank to large journal. I don't know specifically which years/platforms would have which or how to check, but it is definitely something to check into. The small journal cranks weren't as reliable.

[Canyonero]

3.4L Swap!

[SmallSix]

3.4L Swap!

I've toyed with it. In fact, I thought of it when I had my '88 Comanche 2.5/4speed about 6 years ago (long before I found any solid info on it)! But this is gonna be a real low buck build up. So I'm thinking along the lines of the Edelbrock manifold and cam, and either headers and duals or a cat-back system. I'll wait and see what the future holds, but for now it'll be fun knowing I can pull out my screwdrivers and combo wrenches and do something with it!

Aaron

[IsaacHayes]

3900 twin turbo swap! lol

[Canyonero]

Have you looked into getting an Isuzu? Can get the '89-'91 Troopers with a 2.8L, and Rodeos with a 3.1L (up to '92, don't know the other years). I prefer them to Jeeps myself.

[geoffinbc]

Agreed. Plus you can get a newer one for cheaper than an old beater Jeep.

[pwmin]

woot, jeeps unite!

[SmallSix]

Have you looked into getting an Isuzu? Can get the '89-'91 Troopers with a 2.8L, and Rodeos with a 3.1L (up to '92, don't know the other years). I prefer them to Jeeps myself.

I toyed with an Isuzu Rodeo with a 3.1 awhile back, but at the time I had my '92 Cherokee. I think I prefer the Jeep body, though.

I did check out that Jeep last night. The only car I'd buy with rust holes in the floors would be a 2nd gen T/A. The engine was in great shape, and ran really strong which is a shame because the body was really on it's way out.

I'll be keeping my eyes peeled, though. Hopefully something else will make it's way into the driveway.

Aaron

[Canyonero]

[subliminal]1st Gen Isuzu Trooper[/subliminal]

[pocket-rocket]

[subliminal]1st Gen Isuzu Trooper[/subliminal]

Rofl! My moms Rodeo was nice, but it has the junk Honda engine in it. She has another engine put in it that went bad, and then the replacement for the replacement engine went bad and she said keep it and give me something else. I had brought up the 3400 swap to her seeing how people had done it, but she wasn't game I liked that Rodeo, it was a nice vehicle. Now she has an AWD RAV-4 for delivering mail in.