22RE Buy/ReBuild

I have an 88 that I have replaced the motor numerous times It has 6" of lift 38x12.50 T.S.L , Lock rite in the rear & factory 4.10 gears & numerous other goodies.Could it just be my driving style "make it or brake it" or to big of tires for my gears that keeps blowing my eng. Should I convert to a "Chevy" motor which I really dont wanna do or buy another 22RE eng. Like most wheelers Money is an issue & I heard that the conv. kits for a V8 swap are pricey.So for my original ? should I Buy a rebuilt motor $1000.00 & change my gears or do the V8 conv. ? :confused:

I have an 88 that I have replaced the motor numerous times It has 6" of lift 38x12.50 T.S.L , Lock rite in the rear & factory 4.10 gears & numerous other goodies.Could it just be my driving style "make it or brake it" or to big of tires for my gears that keeps blowing my eng.


4.10 gears and 38" tires, and I'll bet the stock t-case :rolleyes:

That's a bad combination. I'd expect your "make it or break it" driving style to break drive train parts (esp CV joints) and fry some clutches, but not break an engine.

Do you maintain your engines? (oil change , etc)

Do you replace a broken engine with a new (re-built) one or a used one?

If you are going thru a bunch of worn out used engines, yes your truck and driving style could hasten their demise.

At the very least you need to regear, to 5.71's for those 38's, and even consider going to a smaller tire.

Yes,yes,&yes I have been using used motors that I replace the timming chain always & have the head gone thru. I have never intalled new crank bearings for a lack of knowledge on this subject.I am capable of doing it just dont know to purchase size.I do run a smaller tire on the street & believe it or not I have never destoyed a set of axles,U-joint or anything else but the engine.Heck I am still running a Lock-Rite in the rear with no problems after 10 plus years of abuse "knock on wood".I still not sure if a New Rebuilt of the internet or a V8 would be best.