Topic: gears or engine swap

[chkustom]

I have a 91 YJ, 2.5L, 5spd. I have put 33's on it. Iv'e already put on a 4.0L throttle body and spacer. I'm wondering whether to regear or to put in a 4.3l that I have acsess to. I have no problems doin any of the work my self, I'm a mechanic/fabricater by trade so gear swaps or engine swaps are second nature to me. I just want everone's thoughts

[Jeffy]

Proper gearing makes a HUGE difference especially if you're still running stock gears.  You still won't have any more HP or Torq but you'll be able to take advantage of what you have.

[chkustom]

I understand that I'm not increasing horsepower or torque, regearing would put it back in it's proper powerband. I'm weighing my options.

[DodgeMudder]

How you use your heep is going to make a big dfference on which is best.  I regeared my heep and don't see the need for a bigger/heavier motor so for me thats all I needed, but I don't see allot of street use and I keep it as light as possible.  If you see allot of street use then looking at the motor swap would be more usefull, possibly even w/ the gears.  And as much as I hate to see a chebby motor going into a heep, the 4.3 is a good choice for a balance between weight and power.

I guess what my suggestion boils down to, do the gears first, if that makes you happy your good, if not swap the 4.3 in.

[chkustom]

I appreciate the input. The jeep is not a daily driver, instead just a weekend toy. 

[aw12345]

If you don't mind the work do both, a 4.3 with a 700r4/4l60 and say 4.56 gears makes a sweet wheeling Jeep
One of my wheeling buddies runs that in his cj7 and he is an animal with that thing, works very well

[FourbangerYJ]

If you do the motor swap you should replace the rear axle with a stronger one. The D35 is pretty weak.

[TahoeYJ]

As everyone else said gearing makes a HUGE difference with the 4 cyl. 4:88's was probably the best best mod I've done to my rig to date. But if you've got the time and the skills to fab up the engine swap, go for it! 

[jfrabat]

As everyone else said gearing makes a HUGE difference with the 4 cyl. 4:88's was probably the best best mod I've done to my rig to date. But if you've got the time and the skills to fab up the engine swap, go for it! 

X2!

[chkustom]

I think for the time being I will regear and so how it is.

[Bikerjr1]

you won't regret regearing to 4.88.  They are about perfect if you plan on running 33's.
JR

[jfrabat]

you won't regret regearing to 4.88.  They are about perfect if you plan on running 33's.
JR

Evenruning 31's, I am very happy with 4.88 (although the 31's H/t will go infavor of 33's M/T VERY soon!)