highest mileage out of 1997 4.0?

[Red97XJ]

Hey guys, I know this has been discussed before across all years, but I am wondering how long ON AVERAGE the 97 4.0 motors are lasting? I don't know what years are the "same" as the 97's, so if someone can add that, then those folks can post what they have as well. I am currently at about 145k and running good. I know some of the older xj's were getting over 300k.

Thanks for everyone's input!
Jason

 

[Begster]

The engine is pretty much all the same throughout the years. The '00 and some early '01's had a bad casting, and the block cracks sometimes. The older ones used a renix system, but many of the parts are the same. Its the computers and OBD systems that are the biggest change between the years.

They all last long.

 

[nmcommando]

my 97 has 250,000 and the 94 i just wrecked had 215,000 before i had to switch motors but both had that number when i got them and the 97 still seems to be running strong.

 

[Red97XJ]

The engine is pretty much all the same throughout the years. The '00 and some early '01's had a bad casting, and the block cracks sometimes. The older ones used a renix system, but many of the parts are the same. Its the computers and OBD systems that are the biggest change between the years.

They all last long.

I thought some of the earlier years had a different block material or something??? Not arguing, just asking if that is true or not.

Keep the data coming.

 

[themangeraaad]

I thought some of the earlier years had a different block material or something??? Not arguing, just asking if that is true or not.

Keep the data coming.

I agree, I heard that the earlier blocks (early 90s) were manufactured with a slightly different mix of metals which made them a bit stronger. I heard all the jeepspeed guys try to build their strokers from the earelir blocks as they hold up better. :dunno: I forget where I read that, so you can't take my word for it... I just think I saw that at some point

 

[Jeeperrick]

My '97 just turned 205,000 miles and is still going strong. It doesn't tick, knock, or use oil between changes which for me is 2,500 miles between changes.

 

[dagr8tim]

260K on my 97 SE

 

[aparke4]

150 k on my 97 - it is my DD

 

[Red97XJ]

260K on my 97 SE

impressive! How does it sound? Mine has 145k and has a slight knock only when its been sitting out in weather below freezing until it warms a tad. Is that normal?

 

[dagr8tim]

impressive! How does it sound? Mine has 145k and has a slight knock only when its been sitting out in weather below freezing until it warms a tad. Is that normal?

Alittle tick when it's cold. I'm starting to plan out a stroker build with a spare 4.0 I have.

 

[snail]

1997 4.0 AX-15 @ 245K
i got it over the summer and it runs great. the trans has a noisy throwout bearing but thats it

 

[westvirginia24976]

270,000 out of our 95. Just got done shuffling us through 16" of snow all weekend without any issues. 2nd transfer case since we bought it from the DNR.

 

[Jeepcrush4]

223k mile on mine and running strong. Motors are a beast as long as you change the oil on a regular basis.

 

[bullardsbarbarian]

I bought my '96 at 87,000 and drove the sh** out of it. It's now at 258k. Runs like a champ. I'm waiting for it to finally wear out so I can justify building a stroker.

 

[Disturbedxj]

148,000 on my 97XJ 4.0 Slight tic when its real cold but runs like it did when i got it with 38,000 on it. Love it!

 

[Red97XJ]

this is all very good news. Does anyone have one that has the oil blue smoke? Mine does not at 145k, just curious when that kicks in.

I change my oil at every 3,000 or less.

 

[birchlakeXJ]

Lots and lots of 200k 4.0 motors out there. And an amazing amount make it to and past 300k.

Keeping up with fluid changes contributes to longevity as does other common sense basic maintenance.

140k on my 99 daily driver. It runs "as new". :wave:

 

[Jeepm@n]

The harder blocks someone was asking about was the Renix blocks due to there being more nickel mixed in the casting. 5-90 is the gentleman I remember posting that about 2 years ago.

My late model 96 is only at 129,000. That's the closest to a 97 as I have. She was well abused and the oil still is discolored when I change it with full synthetic Mobil 5w-30. Although the compression on all 6 is 100%.

 

[hawk_sixsix]

170k on my 97. Not one hint of trouble. Religious full-synthetic oil changes may be a factor.

 

[XJCruiser]

Boy my 97 is just a baby compared to the rest of them. Mine just turned 109K on Friday!!!