2.5 rebuild kit

[Mousejockey]

Is there a rebuild kit that is better than the others?  Or, are there kits/dealers I should stay away from?

[dwtaylorpdx]

The kits for later 2.5 should have coated pistons.
My 1994 has the pistons spec'd for the 98 2.5 if I
remember right, they are hyperutectic from the factory
to solve the noisy engine issues jeeps had in the mid 90's.

I'd try a NAPA premium rebuild kit. They used to be all really good parts.

Dave

[sharpxmen]

i think Federal Mogul speed pro pistons are the ones to use (i was looking at them) for the 96+ like Dave said - i don't know if there are any differences with earlier years (something to keep in mind) but since he used them they would probably work. oh, and i suggest moly rings.

if you have money to spend then go for forged but they don't come cheap (i think keith black makes them custom to your specs, they make pistons for i6 strokers).

[dwtaylorpdx]

That was one option I looked at, wish I could remember the brand I used,
It seems like the Fed Moguls were out of stock the day we were at the warehouse,
the guy tipped us to another brand he claimed were made by Kieth Black and were the same cost.

With any luck I'll see the builder in a couple weeks and try and find out if he remembers what we did.

Dave

[Mousejockey]

Napa has been my go to for most parts, but I have seen some kits online also, just wondering if there were any to stay clear of.

[rroadkilll]

I'm rebuilding a 2.5 so I'm interested in the answers...

[sharpxmen]

Pistons standard size 3.875
1983-95: 525P, 525CP, 2228 or 2228C (C stands for coated skirts) - cast aluminum
96-02: 3238HC, H802CP or 3243HC, H825CP (same pistons different ring thickness) - hypereutectic cast aluminum

i think the pistons off 96+ would work on the 91-95 as well, i have not seen any differences other than +.010 compression height on the 96+ but the dish depth is .016 deeper on these ones - the engine i bought for the core is a '94 and has the 96+ style pistons (larger D shape cup).

complete gasket set Victor Reinz or equivalent

91-93 plastic valve cover 95-3483VR
91-93 aluminum valve cover 95-3482VR
94-96 95-3479VR
97-02 95-3580VR

didn't get to the bearings yet.

you also need new hyd lifters and pushrods and i would suggest new rockers as well (i have the clevite p/n somewhere for the lifters but any store would have them in stock - don't buy cheapo here, pushrods are very common length and they are dirt cheap like $3/rod)