Topic: Satisfied with 4 banger and automatic?

[keithert]

I previously had a 4 cylinder 98 with a 5 speed. It had good enough performance for me, but I didn't care for the 5 speed.  I'm now looking for another TJ and am debating between a 4 cylinder and a 6 cylinder model.   I want an automatic in this Jeep.  I won't be lifting the Jeep and would probably put max of 31 inch tires on it, probably go with 30's.  Seems the 6's seem to go for about 25% more than the fours.  If you were looking for another Wrangler would you settle for the 4 cylinder or get a 6?

[jfrabat]

I am happy with my 4 banger, but given the choice to do it all over again, I would probably go with a 6.  There is just more power easily available...

[Dylan]

The auto won't have much different performace than the 5 speed you had; the best thing you can do is test drive the ones you're interested in and see which you prefer.

[Bounty Hunter]

The auto will have a big difference than the 5spd, you only have 3 speeds to work with and they're more of a dog than with the 5spd.

[Jeffy]

I'd maybe consider a 2.4L with the 4-speed over the 2.5L with the 3 IF I was going to get a 4banger.  Maybe even look for a 2004 with the 4.56:1's.

Although, if I for some reason had to replace my Jeep I probably wouldn't buy one again.

[jagular7]

I own and wheel a 2.5l/auto. I don't daily drive it and wouldn't recommend it unless you like to not accelerate. It will move under its own power, but I move faster in my Forenza.

The difference in cost is easily absorbed in the multiple years of ownership. Gas mileage is nearly the same, though with a gas tank mod on the 4banger, you do go farther in a tank full. Resale is also greater between nearly stock TJ with 6cyl vs 4cyl. I wouldn't want to daily drive my 97 2.5l/auto TJ.

I do have another 97 TJ but with a 6cyl/auto. It is stock except for the 30s. I prefer to drive that than the 4cyl. But I prefer to drive the Forenza than either of those. The red TJ (6 cyl) has full doors. Really no room on the left side. The blue TJ (4 cyl) has half doors and I prefer that more, but the driving pleasure is not there with acceleration. The Forenza does sit low on the ground, but I can atleast hear the radio, accelerate, and change lanes with drastic manuevering to get around other drivers.

[chrisfranklin]

I drove a stock 4.0L with the 3 spd and that setup was so bad it made me grateful I was driving a 4banger with the 5spd.  

I think the 4.0L engine is great, but I don't regret the 2.5.  The original jeeps had 4 cylinders and that was good enough back then and I'm not dissatisfied with that setup now.  But is it a V10 Viper powerplant? Nah.

[Got Wood?]

I bought two 97 TJs the same day a couple of years ago. The 4cyl 5 SPF was mine and the 4cyl auto was for the wife. I drove both of them with stock tires and at first I thought the auto would be a dog compared to the 5 spd but I think I was wrong the auto felt more peppy and at highway speeds the auto was turning more rpms so it seemed to run higher in the power band so it feels like it has more passing power. When the wife wanted to sell her's last year I decided to sell the 5 spd. I daily drive mine and some days after a long day at work I am just not in the mood to shift alot and I only do mild wheeling with the tj so I didn't really need the low gearing of a 5 spd and wheeling and auto is alot easier in my opinion. I would like to have a 6cyl and maybe some day I will but for now my 4cyl auto is just fine. I daily drive it with 33 KM2s, I won't win any drag races but it's a jeep not a racecar.

[keithert]

Thanks for the replies.  I'm not sure what I will end up doing.  If my Tracker didn't have such a terrible ride I'd just keep it, but they ride MUCH harsher than any TJ I've driven.

[FourbangerYJ]

Although, if I for some reason had to replace my Jeep I probably wouldn't buy one again.

Not do de-rail this thread but, what would you get?

*** see other thread:  "If not a Jeep, then what?"

[MYSTANGT]

The difference in cost is easily absorbed in the multiple years of ownership. Gas mileage is nearly the same, though with a gas tank mod on the 4banger, you do go farther in a tank full. Resale is also greater between nearly stock TJ with 6cyl vs 4cyl. I wouldn't want to daily drive my 97 2.5l/auto TJ. end]


What gas tank mod?

[FourbangerYJ]

Pretty sure he's talking about the 15-20 mod. Check the FAQ's. I think it's on the 3rd page.

[MYSTANGT]

Oh swapping for a bigger tank?

ehh....no point IMO. Just more weight to haul in the already slow 4 banger   

[sharpxmen]

Oh swapping for a bigger tank?

ehh....no point IMO. Just more weight to haul in the already slow 4 banger   

you cut (or remove) a tube and can put in 5 more gallons

[MYSTANGT]

I cant do that...

Whenever I see a full tank I always offer to drive everyone every where and im always on it. Only when it gets under half do i remember that gas is pricey    ...so not a good idea for that 1st half to be 10 gallons vs the 7 it is now. Ill waste those 3 in a heart beat!