engine movement??????????????

[tom walters]

Morning all. I'm a new FSJ owner, just got a beautiful 1990 GW here in Texas. It has 118 on the odometer, but I was told the engine was redone about 25k ago. About a week after I bought it, I noticed that when I take off the start, there's a noticeable (shift in weight) is the best way to describe it. First I thought maybe it was the engine mounts, so we changed out an old rusty cross-member tranny mount, and checked to see that the other engine mounts look fine. Finally, a garage discovered that when sliding under the front of the truck and using a crowbar, the front of the engine (they said crankshaft, but how does a crankshaft move?) slides back and forth more than a 1/4 inch. Thus, when I take off, it slides back, and when I'm coming to a stop, it comes forward again. I'm not all that mechanically savvy, but they're telling me the engine has to come out, claiming that a rebuild is necessary. Like I said, the previous owner personally redid the top of the engine (heads, carb, intake, etc.)and he thought the bottom was fine as well. the garage is telling me I have a couple options: short block or long block rebuild. Does all this add up, based on the diagnosis I've given? Has anyone ever had an engine (crankshaft??) that has worn out to where the engine slides back and forth like that? Any input is extemely appreciated! I still love my new Jeep!

[irbob]

Get a second opinion. Oh and welcome to the wild world of Full Size Jeeps. Gotta love'm. Apply a little, what I like to call, stationary torque to your engine. With it in "D" for drive and brakes firmly pressed, hit the gas peddle but don't let the rig roll. Have someone look the engine and driveline over while doing this to check for worn/loose parts. Obviousely making sure not to run over your helper cuz they may not want to play anymore. :eek:

[steven79]

Welcome to the list, you can check the endplay your self it should be 0.0030 to 0.0080 max if you can move it more your lower end it about to scatter. i would offer to do the rebuild but i live in houston and it would take about 2 weeks for me to do it as i got two in my drive now to do it to.
Some of our members live near you and could help you find some one to do it properly.
;)

[Lindel]

If the crank can move enough for you to notice it in the driver's seat, a rebuild won't help!! In fact, get ready to wear a crankshaft, and soon.

Since this isn't likely, and what you're describing is major weight transfer (nose dives on stop, and pitches up on start), I'd take a long hard look a the shock adsorbers.

Even if the shift is side to side, I'd start with the shocks.