So, definitely replace the blower motor, but also do the relay trick (adding however many you think is appropriate). Look real hard at the stock connections and switch, replacing them as needed too. If you can swing it, do them all at the same time. If not, start with the relays and go out from there as your budget allows, like we did.
-Pete Trasborg
Stocky-Shoppy
Hello I'm currently overseas, but I have an '89 YJ back home with my family that I been working on. It currently has a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine that is starting to die out. My father has found a 2.5L from a 1995 with the computer and the whole deal. I just don't know if it will bolt up to the transmission.
Another question is what would be required to convert to a 4.0L six cylinder from what I have now? It's all stock except for the lift, which I know doesn't really matter all that much. Right now, the thing only tops out at 55-60, and I need it to be able to not have a issue on the highway when I bring it back to Fort Knox, Kentucky, from Lake Elm, Minnesota, which is about an 18-hour drive.
Please, if you can tell me anything at all, it would be much appreciated. I like the condition and my year, and I don't want to have to sell it to get a different one. It's my first Wrangler, and I was happy to get it. I'd like to keep it and make it truly what I want. I don't want to spend the money to make the new one look like the one I have now.
James Raykowski
Via e-mail
The '95 engine will bolt to your '89 transmission and motor mounts. You'll need to run the '95 front accessories (power steering pump, alternator, and so on) and the '95 wiring harness and computer. I think you may also need to use the in-tank fuel pump for a '91-up Wrangler.
You can put the 4.0L in, but it's a lot more work. You'll need the 4.0L AX-15 transmission since your 4-cylinder AX-5 won't bolt up and isn't up to the power the 4.0L puts out. You'll also need to lengthen the fuel lines (or just run 4.0L lines), different throttle cable, radiator, hoses, 4.0L front accessory package, and the wiring harness and computer for the 4.0L. Hesco (www.hesco.us) has 4.0L conversion kits, but they're not exactly cheap.
Honestly, unless you've already built your YJ up with high-dollar axles, lift, and so on, it's really not worth it to swap from a 4-cylinder to a 6-cylinder. It's a whole lot easier and more economical to just buy the 4.0L Jeep to begin with.
Easy One
I just bought an '00 TJ and was doing a routine oil change. I am new to Jeeps and am wondering how you add oil to your engine. I know where to do it, but I can't figure out how to open the hatch. Does it just unscrew or snap off? And do you need a special tool to do it? I know it is a stupid question, but I can't figure it out.
Eric
Cape Elezabeth, Maine
There's a twist-off fill cap located in the center of the valve cover. Twist it counter-clockwise to spin it off. If it just spins and clicks without coming off, then the plastic ratchet mechanism inside that's designed to prevent overtightening has broken. You'll have to buy a new cap at the Jeep dealership. To remove the broken cap, pry the top of it off with a flat-head screwdriver. Then you can use a pair of pliers or some other tool to remove the threaded plug that will be left in the valve cover.
Feelin' Left Out
In all of your story lines, you never say anything about the transmission in my '79 CJ-7 Golden Eagle. It's a T-18 four-speed with real low First gear. Is this a good tranny? I think that it is a Ford truck tranny, but I would like to know more about it.
Ted Kent
Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania
Your T-18 is an absolutely great transmission. It's a highly sought-after piece. Jeep used them sparingly in CJs and fullsize pickups and Wagoneers, so there's a slight chance it's original. Or, it could be a Ford T-18 that was installed somewhere in the Jeep's past. The only real way to know is to pull the tranny and measure the input shaft. The Ford versions have a 6.5-inch shaft, while the Jeep versions could be any one of 14 other configurations. Regardless, unless you're swapping main shafts or input shafts, both versions use the same gears, bearings, and synchros.
Your gear ratios should be as follows: 6.32, 3.09, 1.69, 1.0. Jeep did use a 4.03 First gear, but a few CJs got the granny low gear.
Got a tech question you're just itching to get answered? Send it on in to Jp Magazine, Your Jeep, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, or e-mail christian.hazel@jpmagazine.com.