Future Planning: Engine Replacement Feasibility

[Zapper]

So I've been running the numbers and I feel like I am probably stuck with my Gladiator for another 8 years or so. But I do a ton of miles every year, so I'm planning to maintain it religiously and get 250 - 300k miles out of it. I've already done the cam swap on this motor and at the moment the truck is running great with no issues. I have a 6-speed so the transmission shouldn't be a big problem, and since I got the clutch recall done it should be a long time before I have to worry about that. I'm currently at about 85,000 miles and the odometer is creeping up at a scary rate.

Anyways, I ran my Jeep Commander to about 280k miles by really staying on top of maintenance and pre-emptively replacing wear parts; but I ended up doing a motor swap (actually two) during the lifetime of the truck.

I'm wondering if in 5 years a swap with another 3.6 is realistic in the Gladiator for a home mechanic? Is there a bunch of dealer programming that needs to be done? Or is it pretty much an in-and-out kind of thing like it was in the good old days?

I wouldn't want to spend 20 grand getting the dealer to do the work, especially when a wrecker motor should be straightforward to find in a few years and I've done a lot of motor swaps myself.

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[FLY-DOG]

Instead of a motor out of a wrecked JT I would contact someone like AMW4X4 who has performed literally hundreds of Hemi swaps into individuals Wranglers and Gladiators. Some elect to get the Hemi swap done on brand new vehicles so you might be able to score a new or nearly new 3.6L engine and have them ship it to you for the same price as one out of a wrecked vehicle. Food for thought.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

Instead of a motor out of a wrecked JT I would contact someone like AMW4X4 who has performed literally hundreds of Hemi swaps into individuals Wranglers and Gladiators. Some elect to get the Hemi swap done on brand new vehicles so you might be able to score a new or nearly new 3.6L engine and have them ship it to you for the same price as one out of a wrecked vehicle. Food for thought.

I don't think the OP wants to spend 60k+ on a REPLACEMENT engine, and they said they're pretty happy with the V6 since the cam was replaced. For the cost of a V8 swap, they could easily turbo the V6 and tune the PCM or go Haltech.

All swaps are unrealistic if they live in a nanny/emissions state as you would potentially have to re-register the vehicle as whatever donor vehicle the engine swap came from, at least that's how it is in NY.

(Context: a neighbor swapped an LS into their Jap car, and they couldn't get it to pass emissions test as the ECM wasn't for THAT engine specs. Got the DMV to re-register the VIN as the donor vehicle type "Corvette" and BAM, ready to go!) <- That was years ago, so maybe things have changed, but each state has different regulations on engine swaps for road registered vehicles.

Heck in AZ if it has lights, a mirror, and a VIN...you can plate it. Heck sometime even WITHOUT a VIN you can.

 

[RougeShot12er]

I don't think the OP wants to spend 60k+ on a REPLACEMENT engine, and they said they're pretty happy with the V6 since the cam was replaced. For the cost of a V8 swap, they could easily turbo the V6 and tune the PCM or go Haltech.

All swaps are unrealistic if they live in a nanny/emissions state as you would potentially have to re-register the vehicle as whatever donor vehicle the engine swap came from, at least that's how it is in NY.

(Context: a neighbor swapped an LS into their Jap car, and they couldn't get it to pass emissions test as the ECM wasn't for THAT engine specs. Got the DMV to re-register the VIN as the donor vehicle type "Corvette" and BAM, ready to go!) <- That was years ago, so maybe things have changed, but each state has different regulations on engine swaps for road registered vehicles.

Heck in AZ if it has lights, a mirror, and a VIN...you can plate it. Heck sometime even WITHOUT a VIN you can.

Not sure that you read what he suggested. He was suggesting that OP contacts AMW for a cheap pulled 3.6l. AMW usually has them around and they sell them for a fair price.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

Not sure that you read what he suggested. He was suggesting that OP contacts AMW for a cheap pulled 3.6l. AMW usually has them around and they sell them for a fair price.

You are correct, my apologies.

OP could still probably save money by locating locally and testing, they sound like they've swapped engines before.

 

[Shanewane]

I'd say a direct 3.6L swap is totally doable for a home mechanic. Just grab a compatible engine and ECU, no dealer programming needed.

 

[Fpolanco]

Along the lines of checking out AMW for "driven from dealership" motors, this is another option/retailer to keep in mind. At least to compare prices...

https://www.rubitrux.com/products/mopar-take-off-engine-wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt

 

[ChrisNLA]

Along the lines of checking out AMW for "driven from dealership" motors, this is another option/retailer to keep in mind. At least to compare prices...

https://www.rubitrux.com/products/mopar-take-off-engine-wrangler-jl-gladiator-jt

Yeesssh, those prices are criminal.

You can get a new Mopar long block for $4,800, and you can get complete engines (like every bit of plastic, hose, harness, intake, belt drive accessories, etc.) for $3,800 with freight included from various parts yards on eBay.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Yeesssh, those prices are criminal.

You can get a new Mopar long block for $4,800, and you can get complete engines (like every bit of plastic, hose, harness, intake, belt drive accessories, etc.) for $3,800 with freight included from various parts yards on eBay.

I just looked. Yeah. That’s SO HIGH. Damn.

 

[WILDHOBO]

I do think if or when my 3.6 fails, I’ll attempt a home swap as well. It’ll take me a long time, but since it’s no longer my daily, I think it’s feasible.

 

[Fpolanco]

Yeesssh, those prices are criminal.

You can get a new Mopar long block for $4,800, and you can get complete engines (like every bit of plastic, hose, harness, intake, belt drive accessories, etc.) for $3,800 with freight included from various parts yards on eBay.

It would’ve helped if I cycled through the options. I would’ve gotten the sticker shock like everyone else!! Holy hell those are expensive!!

At those prices, a junkyard (or some else's yard ) is def the way to go!!

 

[ChrisNLA]

It would’ve helped if I cycled through the options. I would’ve gotten the sticker shock like everyone else!! Holy hell those are expensive!!

At those prices, a junkyard is def the way to go!!

Right I about fell out.

To be fair (kind of) their description says the price is 'shipped or installed'.

Installed, it's slightly more reasonable. Considering all the labor, etc.

Shipped? That's WILD.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

You can usually find engine replacement places that will do the job for less than the dealer. They usually have a decent warranty with them too depending on what status of engine you go with. There are a few around me that are significantly less than dealer with 3yr/36k warranty.

 

[Fpolanco]

Right I about fell out.

To be fair (kind of) their description says the price is 'shipped or installed'.

Installed, it's slightly more reasonable. Considering all the labor, etc.

Shipped? That's WILD.

Completely agree. If installed, I’m willing to overpay a bit just so I don’t have to do it in the driveway.

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