90 YJ 258 Questions

[nickwc]

1. How much for a rebuild at a shop?

2. Had some clutch work done and since then I hear this noise as if a bolt was caught somewhere?

3. I have a oil leak that wont stop. replaced the gasket 3 times, changed the main seal once, still leaks and leaks, any suggestions?

thanks.

[jmj85]

Welcome to the life of the infamous 258. I feel your pain. A rebuilt really depends on what you want done and the local rates. As for the oil leak I've only replaced the lower f & r main seals (a previous owner silconed the tops in and really didn't feel like droping the crank.) From what I'm told the 258 is known for leaking. I'm getting a deal rebuilt 258 w/ offroad mods for $1000. then going to mate a 93 4.0 head and MPFI to it. the 258 is cheaper then rebuilding the 4.0 or V8 swap.

So it really depends on what you want as your power plant. Some say a 258 is not worth rebuilding. But ya just can't beat the low end torque it produces, and MPFI on top of that. Unless your running dunes or mud the 4.2w/ 4.0 head and MPFI. Is a great set up. IMHO. But if you can get your hand on a good 4.0, swap it in. it's easy and bolts right up to the ax-15. There are alot of 4.0 swap write-up on the web just search. Email me if you have any other question. I don't watch the boad let i use to. just make sure you ref. to JEEP in the subject.
Jason