i was looking into buying a 87-96 jeep wrangler yj and was wonderin if i should specifically look for a 6 cyl. engine versus a 4 cyl.  i was wonderin if anyone had any input on the major advantages of the  6 cyl.  

Simply put the 4 banger is ok on fuel but is lacking power. I have had both (the 4 banger was in a tj and the 6 was in my cherokee) and recomend staying away from the 4. It's just lacks power when your off road.

Dude I say dump the four and go with the six. You can do so much more with that six than a 350. The six will outlast any motor there is by far. And if you get the fuel injected type the better. there are a lot of bolt on power toys for that from the top end to the bottom and be able to get a lot of torque and the cool thing is it will rack up th r's and not realy worry of launching the engine. later Craig  

As far as gas milage goes, the 4 banger isnt much better. It has to work harder, as in higher RPMs and will need a lower gear. The 4.0 is your best choice. There are many upgrades for it, exhaust, cams, and even a supercharger. Forget the 4.

I can tell you right now.. having been around both engines. The 4.0 is the way to go.  I have that motor in my 88 Cherokee and its still purring like a kitten with 189,000 miles on it right now.  The durability is unreal.. it has power right out of the box for what you want, and the upgrade list is very sweet indeed.  I can run all week on 20-30 bucks of gas..even at current prices. :P   I plan on buying another 4.0 soon .. just to build in my shop for when my old one eventually does give out.. which.. could be years at the way it runs now. lol   Take care and be safe!  

I'd get an 89 with the 4 banger and swap a 4.0 into it they have lower gear ratios in the differentials,a buddy of mine did this and it was unstoppable once he installed a locker,and a lift with 35's,I would have put a dana 44 or a ford 9 inch in the rear though.