Upgrade Your Jeep Engine from 4.0L to a 4.6L Crate Motor

The 4.0L inline-six engine has long been recognized as one of the most reliable engines on the market. It was the stock engine in most Jeep CJ, Wrangler, and Cherokee models between 1971 and 2006. However, despite its reliability, it was notoriously underpowered.

Whether you have an old Jeep that you need an engine for, a Jeep that’s blown its 4.0L motor, or a perfectly fine Jeep that you just want to upgrade, the Golen 4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine is the best crate motor on the market. We offer 4.6L Crate Motors that are direct bolt-in replacements for the stock 4.0L Jeep engines that came in the Jeep CJ, Wrangler, and Cherokee between 1971 and 2006.

What Is Golen Engine Service?

Golen Engine Service was officially started by owner Chad Golen in 1992. The original Lowell, Massachusetts, shop was a small, two-man operation where they built Small Block Chevy performance engines. Eventually, Golen purchased a full machine shop and incorporated in 1998. An even larger shop was purchased in 2002 and serves as the current shop.

Today, Golen builds between 250 and 300 engines per year, primarily of the LS-based Chevy performance engines, the Jeep 4.6L Stroker engines, and early muscle car engines from the Big Three. Golen is an official dealer for reputable brands like Holley, Callies, Manley, ATI Pro Charger, and many others.

4.6L Jeep Carbureted Engine 1971 – 1990 Jeep CJ

Golen’s 4.6L carbureted engine is a direct replacement for any Jeep model that was factory-equipped with a carbureted 4.2L engine. This engine was often found in models of the Jeep CJ and Wrangler YJ made between 1971 and 1990. The Golen carbureted 4.6L Jeep crate engine is a robust and reliable replacement with a meticulous design that delivers a big boost in horsepower and torque.

The 4.6L is an inline-six engine that makes roughly 270 horsepower and around 300 pound-feet of torque. Key performance features include its enhanced intake manifold for better combustion, optimized exhaust flow from the tubular stainless steel header, and a high-flow water pump for improved engine temperature consistency.

There are many benefits to replacing your original 4.2L with this engine. It offers enhanced performance thanks to the increased displacement and high-quality components. You’ll find that your Jeep drives better and delivers more power on demand. The seamless installation is another perk with direct bolt-in replacement. The 4.6L doesn’t require any major modifications to install.

4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine 1991 – 1999 Jeep CJ, Jeep YJ, Jeep TJ

If you have a Wrangler YJ, TJ, or Cherokee XJ built between 1991 and 1999, the Golen Engine 4.6L Jeep Stroker engine is a direct bolt-in replacement. These models originally came with the 4.0L engine, which was very reliable but not particularly powerful. The 4.6L upgrades power and performance.

You can upgrade this engine further with performance enhancements like a 62mm throttle body to improve air intake efficiency, a high-flow water pump for optimal cooling, and a performance tubular stainless steel header to enhance exhaust flow. Like the other engines, this one delivers up to 270 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Upgrading to the 4.6L engine is a seamless process for the models referenced above. It’s designed to directly bolt in and be compatible with all automatic and manual transmissions that came with the stock models. It also integrates easily with existing differentials. It’s a completely hassle-free, straightforward replacement.

4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine For Jeep TJ 2000 – 2006

If you own a Jeep Wrangler TJ or the long-wheelbase LJ from the 2000 through 2006 model years, you can replace the stock 4.0L with the 4.6L Jeep Stroker Engine. The 2000 and 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models will also work with this engine. Just like the engine for the earlier models, you can get the same performance options and the same power.

As with all the Jeep Stroker engines, this one features seamless installation that goes with any automatic or manual transmission that came stock with your Jeep. Upgrading your 4.0L might be especially appealing if you own the longer wheelbase Wrangler LJ. The 4.0L was already somewhat underpowered for the regular Wrangler, but when you add more length, it’s even more difficult.

Why Replace Your 4.0L With the Golen 4.6L?

Many Jeep enthusiasts consider the 4.0L to be an iconic engine just in terms of reliability. However, it’s no secret that it’s not the most powerful engine out there, and Jeeps tend to be heavy. If you’ve ever felt that your Jeep could use more power, especially when struggling up a steep grade, the 4.6L is an ideal choice. You’ll get the same reliability from an inline-six design with significantly more power and torque.

Golen Jeep Crate Motors Make the Difference

Whether you go off-road or daily drive your Jeep TJ, YJ, or CJ, you can likely benefit from more power and torque. Give your Jeep the extra performance it needs with a direct replacement Jeep Stroker Engine from Golen Engine Service.

Snow Plows: Getting Ready for Winter – Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I start preparing my snow plow for winter season?

Start your snow plow truck preparation 4-6 weeks before the anticipated first snowfall in your area. This timeline gives you adequate cushion for unexpected maintenance issues and ensures parts availability. Early preparation is crucial because many snow removal contractors begin their preparations simultaneously, creating high demand for replacement parts and service appointments. Professional inspections can take from 40 hours for a 5-7-yard dump truck with plow and salt spreader to as long as 80 hours for larger equipment. Starting early also allows you to analyze operational data from previous seasons to identify recurring issues and plan preventive maintenance accordingly.

2. What are the essential snow plow maintenance tasks before winter?

Critical pre-winter maintenance includes complete full fluid changes for engine, transmission, and hydraulic systems, plus installing new wiper blades designed for winter operation. Inspect for bent components, cracks, or worn cutting edges, check hydraulic fluid levels, and rinse off road salt and debris to prevent corrosion. Additional essential tasks include testing all electrical connections, inspecting and replacing worn cutting edges, checking tire condition and air pressure, testing heating systems, and ensuring all safety equipment like warning lights and reflectors are functional. Service plow trucks and salt spreaders, check snow-blower engines, and stock spare fuel, blades, and sandbags.

3. How often should I perform maintenance during snow season?

One of the key pieces of plow and spreader maintenance is washing the vehicle after every event to get rid of any contaminants that could cause corrosion later. Daily pre-operation inspections should include checking fluid levels, tire pressure, cutting edge condition, and all electrical systems. Weekly maintenance should focus on greasing all fittings, inspecting hydraulic hoses for leaks, and checking bolt tightness. Mid-season comprehensive inspections are recommended every 4-6 weeks of active use to identify wear patterns and prevent major breakdowns. Regular snow plow maintenance ensures your plow is ready when needed, extends its lifespan, and improves safety.

4. What emergency supplies should I keep in my snow plow truck?

When working in harsh weather, always be prepared. Pack jumper cables, a flashlight, a shovel, a first aid kit, and backup food and water. Try to keep some spare parts on hand as well, such as trip springs, bolts, and electrical grease. Additional essential emergency supplies include ice melt or sand for traction, extra winter clothing and blankets, cell phone charger, tow straps, basic tool kit, spare hydraulic fluid, replacement fuses, and emergency triangles or flares. Consider keeping backup cutting edge bolts, as these are commonly damaged during operations. A portable compressor for tire inflation and tire chains for extreme conditions are also recommended for commercial operators.

5. What are the most common snow plow problems and how can I prevent them?

The most frequent issues include hydraulic system failures, cutting edge wear, electrical problems, and corrosion damage from road salt exposure. Prevention strategies focus on proactive maintenance: regularly changing hydraulic fluid and filters, inspecting cutting edges before each season and replacing when worn beyond manufacturer specifications, protecting electrical connections with dielectric grease, and thorough post-storm washing to remove salt residue. For Fisher XLS plows, it’s especially important to make sure the wings don’t collect any salt, snow, or water. Other common preventable problems include frozen hydraulic lines (use proper winter-grade fluid), blade trip mechanism failures (regular lubrication and inspection), and truck overloading (ensure your vehicle’s GVWR rating matches your plow and ballast requirements).