Fuel efficient cherokee

ksuwildcat

New Member
Joined
May 26, 2009
Location
Huntersville
I am redoing a 1983 Jeep Cherokee to use as a daily driver. I like the body style and the idea of driving something other than the run of the mill SUV. I will only be using the 4 wheel drive for possible snow and off-roading when I’m tracking down fishing spots. My main goal over all is the fuel economy and not the off-roading. I have 3.07 gears, both front and rear in Dana 44’s. I want to replace my engine transmission and transfer case with a Chevy setup out of a newer model 4x4 for the better fuel economy. I know that I want ether a 5.7 or 5.3 V8 with a 6 speed automatic transmission (6L80). I hope to be able to use readily available modern programmers to help get the best MPG possible. Here are my questions.

1. Should I put lower gears in the front for better traction?
2. Would that affect the MPG or not since it spins free unless engaged?
3. Is there a better setup for MPG then the V8 and 6 speed auto?
4. V6 uses less gas but would it be a dog with the Jeep at 5000lb?

I know these aren’t you normal “How can I make it bigger and badder” questions, but I have muscle cars for that. This is just a cruiser with 4 wheel drive.
 
1. You want to have the same gear ratio front and rear.
2. Front gearing won't affect MPG.
3. A small diesel and a manual will net the best MPG, consider a 4BT Cummins.
4. Performance and fuel economy generally don't go hand in hand. There are a lot of good and a lot of bad V6's. 4.3 chevy's are a pretty common swap in older jeeps, as well as V8's.
 
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