Greetings from Utah!
I recently picked up a 07 JKU with a severe rod nock as a new project vehicle.
The price was just too good to pass up.

This is my first Jeep, and I'm currently in the process of figuring out how bad the damage to the engine is and what to do next.

The subject, being towed by my last project vehicle.



I'm dreaming of an LS swap and 6 speed since I know both of those so well, however the kit prices are a bit over what I would like to spend at this point.

I'll be lurking around trying to absorb as much information as possible.

 

Welcome to JKF.. the 07 looks good, there are many utube videos on LS swaps into JK-JKUs. We have members here that have LS swapped successfully

 

Welcome from GA! Looks like you will have some fun.

 

Welcome to JKF. Thanks for taking the time to introduce yourself. From that one side shot, that jeep body looks to be in good condition.....and about to get a new lease on life. Few folks here have done V8 swaps. @Sixty4x4 might have some good commentary for you on that front.

 

Welcome! Lots of good info here.

Where in UT are you? I'm down in Cedar City.

 

Thanks!

And I'm leaning away from a v8 swap at this time, I'm likely going with the easiest route to get this thing up and running.

Right now, it looks like a single rod and the crankshaft need replacement.
Pending a damage assessment from when I have the engine pulled, I need to check the cylinder for damage, and oil pump housing/front cover for damage.

I see signs that this thing might have over heated due to a leaking front cover, and the paint on the block has that "Cooked" look to it.

As for my location, I'm in northern Utah, but I visit st george often.

 

Welcome to JKF! There is a good chance you have one of the oil consuming 3.8s. My first JK had an oil consuming 3.8 that eventually threw a rod. I'm not a fan of this motor, but I would go full rebuild or a remanufactured engine with a warranty. Good luck!

 

I just bought one as well with the same problem. Found a motor on KSl seems to be quite a few people on there doing full V8 swaps and are removing there 3.8 that runs great with no problems. I was able to get it cheep. probably better of to that then rebiulld your current motor. I swapped mine and have been driving it for a couple weeks without any major issues.
Good luck

 

I'm keeping an eye out for an engine, but so far people think these 3.8's are a 6.2 from a vette.

My hope is to have the engine fully pulled by this weekend, then I can start the assessment to see if I'm going to rebuild this or junk it.
Right now my plan is to drop in a used crank and a used rod, new bearings, seals, and rings.
I'm also toying with the idea of having the head or block decked to raise the compression just a tad.

 

Get the 2007 Grand Caravan van forged reconditioned rods from Rock Auto (part # ECR114) and rebuild that engine as that stops the spun bearings issue. The problem with oil burning is two fold - one is thin 1/8" oil scrapers vs for the last 100 years at 3/16" and the other is short length skirt pistons swaying in the bore. Only way to fix this is to get custom forged pistons with longer skirt and the wider groove for oil ring. And don't use that fancy crap for rings like stainless or moly or fancy words like that - if you want rings to seal use carbon steel and do a proper low power break in like the old days. You can't have a chrome bore and rings as well. Also at cold just start the engine, wait 20 seconds and drive lightly which wears the engine in right from cold. This will get rid of the oil issue and uses better rods and pistons with the original wider oil ring and wedge locks on the bearings. Nothing works on a person that driving a vehicle that uses oil. With the miles and metal that has run through that engine replacing the pistons with a slight overbore is a must as that vehicle looks in pretty good shape. And when you replace the pistons you should do the rods as well as they are about $40 each at RA.