TJ info?

Clanier_4x4

Active Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2012
Im looking at trading my 97 Ranger with all the goodies for a stock 97 TJ 2.5 auto....should I stay away from the auto? Im new to Jeeps but not necessarily to the lifted or off road gang I just need some info on Jeeps and whether or not I should pass it up for a 4.0? How do these Jeeps do with larger tires....etc? Any help is appreciated!
 
The 2.5 is fairly anemic with stock tires, and extremely anemic with anything larger than stock.

I'd say if you had enough to re-gear to like 4.56's or 4.88's then a 2.5 can be great. Thats really the only way a 2.5 would be satisfactory to anyone. If you dont have the extra $1000 or so to re-gear then wait for a good 4.0.
 
My 97 TJ with a 2.5, 5speed on 31s got very annoying. I cant imagine having a auto with that setup. After swapping my 4.0 in. I'd say hold out for a 4.0. Highways were miserable and the fuel mileage was terrible.


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Alright sounds like I'm holding out its just hard to find one to trade for my truck. Granted my truck is nice! And it's worth it...It's hard around here though.
 
I had no problem with my 2.5 TJ on 32's when I had it, but mine was a manual. Id say stay away from an auto 2.5, but the standard can be just fine.

And FWIW, I HATE the 4.0. Ive had more problems with this stupid engine than I ever did with my 2.5.
 
I have 35's on my tj with the 2.5 and manual tranny . It has been re-geared and does great only problem is max highway speed is 65 and thats pushing it.
 
i have a 99 2.5 liter manual with 410 gears.3 inch lift with 31s some mild motor and exhaust mods.no powerhouse but in the woods its got great power.not looking to go much bigger but with the rite mods i hear u can get good power from these engines.electric fan swap,jet chip,93 octane....
 
2.5 is a great jeep,.i have 31s 3inch.lift soft Top , and i can run.70 with ac blowing , not saying its a speed demon . Great jeeps for the money

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2.5 manuals are all geared 4.10.
2.5 autos are usually geared 3.73, and the auto is only a 3-speed (no overdrive).

2.5 re-geared with 4.88s does fine with 33s or 34s, but still doesn't pull hills like a 4.0.
 
I had a 4cyl 5spd with 33's and it was ok, just ok. I don't know anyone that liked their auto with a 4cyl. Hold out for at least a manual but I'd say 4.0 manual OS the best bet.
 
The 2.5 is all but bulletproof, mostly because it doesn't have enough power to break anything. The slush box is anemic at best. Run 33's and 4.88's and it'll hold it's own on, especially offroad in 4 low. The key is to keep it as light weight as possible: pull the back seat until you've got to have it, run half doors and a soft top, cut down the factory front bumper and add a winch plate and 8000 winch with synthetic line and a minimal rear bumper and you've got a cheap, reliable rig. Plus you'll never get a speeding ticket on the highway!
 
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