[arkierider]

What is the life expectancy of a well maintained 2.5 engine?? Just curious. Thanks.

[triola]

Originally Posted by arkierider

What is the life expectancy of a well maintained 2.5 engine?? Just curious. Thanks.

A while ago I was discussing replacing my 2.5 with a 4.3 vortec motor. I was saying I would slowly get the new motor together, and wait for the 2.5 to blow up or become inoperable. I had quit a few guys telling me I would be waiting a while, they were averaging 200,000 or so miles. Who knows I guess every motor is different. I am sure you will get better testimonies from the members here.
I have a 98 TJ, with 57,000 miles on it.

[TheBoogieman]

I had over 200,000 miles on my 2.5 when I sold it to a neighbor.It never smoked or used any oil.He is still driving it 2 years later with no problems.I think it's got about 225,000 miles on it now.

[RKBA]

The Jeep 2.5 and 4.0 engines are both easy 200K+ engines with regular maintenance.

I have personally driven a friend's 2.5 YJ that had over 300K on the clock, and it ran like new money. Now it had gone through three AX5s in that time.....

[CHRRRIS]

The 2.5 will never die... unless you've got a lemon or absolutely abused the thing (but how can you?)...

[GRN98TJ]

Ive got 160,000. Has anyone replaced the timing chain or know if there is a recomendation for replacement?

[dexetr30]

I've got close to 90K on mine. Runs like a champ. Oil gets changed every 3K. Cap, rotor, plugs and wires when needed. Purrs like a kitten.

[David97TJ]

Originally Posted by arkierider

What is the life expectancy of a well maintained 2.5 engine?? Just curious. Thanks.

Mine has about 170K on it. About 2 years ago, I had put on a banks torque tube header and had to pull the head to have the rear manifold stud removed as it was broken (before I could put the header on), the factory header began cracking. So it got a new head gasket and seems to be running just fine. I have been told on more than one occasion that they last a very long time.

[David97TJ]

Originally Posted by GRN98TJ

Ive got 160,000. Has anyone replaced the timing chain or know if there is a recomendation for replacement?

I have the chrysler service manual for my 97tj but I haven't read when the timing chain needs replacing. Just a FYI, I still have the factory water pump on mine, no leaks, yet. I am going to replace it just so I don't get stranded.

[ute]

250,000 new water pump..cracked exhaust manifold ..original alternator and starter

a 2.5 will never die

[arkierider]

Thanks for the input guys!! Just bought one today. A`97 TJ 2.5 with the 5 speed. Going to try to find a vin look up to determine the gearing. I got lucky to find this model year in this great of condition!!! Thanks!

[Airborne4X4]

4.10 or 4.11 is your gears

[BarneyJEEP]

lemmie save ya some time... 4.10's front and rear, dana 30 front, dana 35 rear, ax5 tranny 21 spline np231 transfercase...

[arkierider]

Thanks again!!!!

[triola]

Personally, if I was going thru the trouble to regear, I would consider 4.56 front and rear. This way if and when you upgrade to 33" tires, you will be good to go.
I run 33" tires, and 4.56 gears. I am very satisfied with it.