Upgrade Your Pistons Now Or Pay The Price Later! Easy Step-by-step Installation Process!

Needing a guide of how to change your noisy Jeep 4.0 pistons?? Well, this is a complete basically uncut video and full tutorial full of tips and tricks you need to know along the way. The fact that this engine runs in the beginning and run after being rebuilt in nearly under 3 hours is pretty unbelievable. If you are needing new pistons, I will link them below to my website, don't wait till its too late!!
Hope you enjoy and this helps you along the way!! Thanks -DEX
New Pistons www.dexjs.com/...
Hone or No Hone video • Is Re-honing A Used En...

[@jake1842]

love these step by step videos. if any one owns these jeeps 10-20 years from now they’ll be watching these videos to fix their 4.0s.

[@stinesautocare5990]

I just hope this info doesn’t get banned. May be good to take notes and save on a drive or something.

[@chrisconley8105]

Hands down, my favorite go to XJ channel. Your hard earned knowedge, friendliness, honesty and integrity make you an easy choice. Oh yeah, and you and your brother just seem like good dudes too. Thanks

[@dexjs]

Thanks! I appreciate that. I try to keep it real

[@brenthann2623]

i dont own a cherokee but he is my favorite channel. the guy is full of tips and tricks and is so calming to watch.

[@hardpackmoto]

This is history right in the making. People will be using this video so many years later to fix their 4.0s maybe when our government tells us we can't run older vehicles on the roads anymore or something like that.

[@robcole332]

So glad you didn’t block out the whoops moments. Great video. I know how to work on them but there’s something about you that keeps me interested. Even for over 3 hours 😂😂😂😂😂

[@danielsinger4458]

Your videos are awesome. I'm 36 been wrenching for 20 years. I have one customer that's a dear friend has had the same 01 xj sport since almost new. I've been working on it since I was 16. I know those in and out lol. But I did a heater core on it a couple weeks ago. Your video was a good reference. I appreciate it.

[@dexjs]

Thanks man! Appreciate the support!

[@Tpbmods]

As I get ready to put my first round of refreshed engines back together, this video graces youtube! I can never thank you enough for all the hard work and dedication, and all youve learned me!

[@KT-TV]

It's often said that today's "mechanics" are just a bunch of board swappers following codes from a diagnostic computer. Clearly they've never seen the poetry in motion that's Dex! I could sit and watch you all day mate! 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@rdmfjones5421]

For what it is worth dex, I watched the whole thing and really appreciate it. I like this format a lot. It felt like it was just hanging out with you guys while you did it and the commentary between you two was also helpful.

[@toaster1795]

I have owned a jeep for a year now and so many of your videos have helped me. I will definitely use this video for reference when my 4.0 does finally blow

[@xfactor5876]

Love this video! Appreciate you making it in an uncut version including keeping your mistakes in. We all learn way more that way. I bought an XJ with a rebuilt motor that mostly wont turn over. This video has given me ideas on what to check.

[@kevinledford8260]

I dont have a jeep, but i love this channel. I need a jeep

[@Nord3202]

Been waiting a long time for a good complete video on changing pistons without removing the engine. You showed all the time saving tricks, so many Jeep 4.0s have this problem & get junked cause of bad pistons. Thanks Dex

[@paulstraw2944]

Great video! My 97 Grand Cherokee is a bit noisey. Probably, after watching your videos, it’s the pistons. Thanks for your videos. The most informative I’ve seen.

[@MDC2020]

Does your noise go away after about 10 minutes of driving?

[@boebra2276]

Nothing wrong with advertising your website in your YT channel! Love your work man keep it up

[@MichaelFlanagan-k8t]

Wonderful Once I started watching I was unable to break away. Please keep up your good work. Thank you

[@dexjs]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@destinyballard925]

Merry Christmas Dex, Meagan, Justin! Thanks for the long video, I like the long vids I usually use them to fall asleep dreaming about fixing up my ‘96 lol

[@dexjs]

Merry Christmas! You’re a true enthusiast!

[@AdinSLaboy]

Wake up at 340 am couldn't sleep no more put this video and now I'm ready to work on mine 😅 great video I used to work on my uncle shop in PR and all we do was Jeep Cherokee great video also gonna subscribe

[@dexjs]

That's the spirit, I'm glad you're motivated!

[@The-Deadbolt-Deputy]

Thanks Dex and Justin. I sat rite here and watched this entire video. I enjoy just hearing y’all talk back n forth on the fly. I respect and appreciate y’all’s experience. I learned a lot. Thanks guys.

[@Dave-mf5fv]

I got a comment , but it may be a two part comment. Cause this video is full of info. Plus Justin's video commentary is priceless, so I have to watch this again. and no you wont lose me as a subscriber. lol

[@dexjs]

I’m glad you liked it! 😂

[@bassinshankles]

I love these it's like hanging out with a friend who just wants company but you learn along the way. I also have many hours of work I just get to watch videos or spend aimlessly on my phone. At work it took me 4hr 15 minutes to watch this whole video.

[@dexjs]

I appreciate you! Glad you found it helpful!

[@traderjoe107]

Take 2, 3 or 4 brake clean hoses, put them end to end, and join them together with small shrink tube to make a long one! Love your videos. 👍🏼👍🏼 "Merry Christmas!" 🎄

[@benbaldwin627]

Thank you for every video you have made I’ve been trying to figure out what my ticking and low oil pressure was on my 88 after watching your last video and all your oil pressure videos I dropped the pan to find out the rod bearings had no tappet material left just straight copper they are .001 under sized bearings so someone has been in the motor before I’ll slap some new .001 bearings in it and an oil pump and let it ride (cam bearings have no play)

[@Ki11er_Performance]

Great video!!! My go to channel for Xj things! I did this job on my 2000 jeep Xj and it solved my problem. I had 3 out of 6 pistons cracked causing piston slap. I saw another video on this channel fixing a Wj with the same issue. From there I decided to do the job and it was exactly what DEXJs said what the problem was. Fixed my 4.0 for good!

[@stuartdonaldson1850]

I have a WJ and still watch you work on the other models and sixes because you have a great mind for it and show the warts and all, don't sell yourself out like the rest, this is where it is at.

[@dexjs]

Appreciate the support, I do things my way!

[@mashidaho1298]

Most of everything on this video i appreciate your honesty throughout the entire production. Keep it up

[@seiser42]

99 gang woo! I cannot believe this has been out for 2 weeks and I haven't seen it.

[@ujjc001]

Watched while wrapping last Christmas presents :) loved it.

[@mypaldave]

Really appreciate you being so thorough in teaching us all. Thank you Dex!

[@dexjs]

Glad I could help!

[@Phlizo]

This video was perfect. I'll be doing this on my Comanche this summer

[@P.M.P-i3r]

my pistons been slapping for 40,000 people think i got a diesel FFS how cool is that Great Video you guys are great

[@jacobfife6791]

I’ve owned several jeeps an this guys still amazes me on the things I didn’t know or I knew an he just had a better way of doing it

[@apbradfield]

I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to make these videos. The long, step by step format is a godsend! Plus, you’re a great presenter so I enjoy watching no matter the topic. If you ever make a step by step on pulling an XJ engine, I’ll be the first view!

[@buckchase1]

I bought my 02 tj with a "noisey lifter". Turned out it was the number6 piston skirts were missing. New motor in now and I'll have it on the road in the spring. Can't wait. Thanks for the vid!

[@jonathanfreedom1st]

New guy here. Finally a channel for just XJs? I'm home😂 Does not owning an XJ count? 😂 I want one tho? I am a Mopar guy...

[@carter4627]

Love these styles of videos, the ones like I'm there helping you out. Just started watching this one and I know I liked the wagoneer video so I know I will with this one too. Keep it going😂

[@johnelliott7375]

Your business is great and I appreciate you only or specializing on Jeeps! Where are you and your brother's business located!? I would like to come and throw you some business after a short discussion. Thanks for sharing this with me as always.

[@JoshSmith-gz8bx]

I would like to see a video of some of the unibody patches you’ve seen over the years

[@johnhudson5333]

Mann I found out I live 55 minutes away from your shop I’d love to come out and take a look

[@jasondunlap9713]

I just got my pistons w/ rods from Dex. Gonna see how long it takes a rookie to do this on New Year’s Day! 👍🏼 “Dude, you’re gonna lose viewers by talkin’” … “Oh, yeah, best to shut up.” 😂. This was my favorite laugh.

[@MrWhiteTank]

Did you get it done?

[@jasondunlap9713]

Yep! Took 3 days, but a whole day of that was cleaning parts. Engine is super quiet now and runs great! Had 1 cracked piston but the others were very worn. Followed Dex’s instructions to a T!

[@williammessinger9819]

Ill definitely be buying the piston set off your website in the future hopefully they stay on there for a long time lol

[@Dave-mf5fv]

I watched it again like I said, my grand daughter will love the fact that there are those that love the XJ as much as I have. Oh she doesn't like snakes either!

[@brenthann2623]

imagine the money Dex could have made with his knowledge in the 90's as a tech. $$$$$

[@jasonalward4720]

Your right. Been wrenching since I was well a kid, starting with my dads mower,snow blower, anything with a motor, the principle carries over, I’m 53 n still do it as a career, mostly autobody now , we don’t want the video explaining how to torque, you know when n on what bolts need a torque wrench, just get the job done n show the particulars. If u know what your doing, cool, if you don’t there are videos for that also!! Great video

[@brettthompson332]

I had A Motor that sounded like that tried to see if I could find where the noise was coming from with out pulling the motor out !! checked the lifters not the problem !! give up trying to fix it and just chose to just run it tell it died 2 years later when it sent the piston through the block!! Note it all started after not changing the oil for a really long time( years) ! And then one day in December I chose to change the oil and drove home sounded fine but the next day I started the jeep up and it sounded like that!!. - The guy I got the jeep from said his kid did not change the oil for a long time before I got it for parts !! the motor run good in tell I changed the oil. Great video Dex thanks

[@randyhenslee1206]

Merry Christmas, Dex! Love your videos; keep them coming.

[@williamzung8093]

Excellent work! Perfect use of 3 hours on my Christmas break watching this masterpiece. My 1996 XJ has a broken #4 piston skirt and I have been wondering if i could fix it, since im just a hackjob youtube mechanic. After watching your videos I have a lot more knowledge and a little more confidence to attempt this repair. Is it common for the block to still be in good shape?

[@eddytoy9496]

Another banger of a video Dex. We watched your XJ heater core episode during my families Christmas Saturday, blew their minds dude!!! Merry Christmas to you and Justin and everybody!!!

[@MeatPez]

21:50 the whole “160° racing thermostat” scam is a plague! Good to see a 195 for once. I actually had a hard time getting a 195 for my 03 since virtually all of them were 160-180.

[@trailmeisterTV]

This is a good way to do it. I was just about to do a new upgraded titan head and probably going to do a set of the pistons while I'm at it.

[@michaelhemric5228]

I have watched several of your videos since i found you and you make good stuff glad to see someone likes jeeps as much as i like my malibu

[@evilbrian66]

im about 2 weeks away from doing this on my 97, great timing!

[@tommyhodges9801]

This will be my spring/early summer job. I’m fairly good with tools but I enjoy your videos. Maybe someday I may need parts and make the trip from WV.

[@christianm3725]

Always with just the right video at the moment i need it

[@johnelliott7375]

P.S., I hope you two had a great Christmas 🎄🎁 and I hope you have a great New Year also!

[@jerrywhalen2100]

Spent my new year's morning watching your Video and Enjoyed it immensely happy new year

[@nickverrilli2548]

Did this a few months back, had no idea you sold the piston - rod set I had to install the wrist pins myself which was a pain but was worth it in the end, literally bought the same sealed power pistons lol. Cylinder 4 piston exploded, 2000wj

[@josephbabic4823]

Good video! I was just on ebay last night look at pistons. I'll be in touch with you if I can't get them on my rods here locally. I'll call around Friday

[@frankpitigliano120]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video it's been extremely helpful

[@dexjs]

Glad it helped!

[@RojoDiablo113]

Awesome info this makes a great guide to do it yourself. This would also apply to yj’s and Tj wranglers with the 4.0

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Y'all are entertaining and informative. Great chan.

[@ianlim6294]

Wow. Thanks for creating and sharing these videos. Kudos from Dallas.

[@dexjs]

Glad you like them!

[@davidplank2359]

Great video, do you check bore size to see if it’s got a taper , and plasti gauge the rod bearings and the Franck?

[@matthewmattix]

I believe the same thing is happening to my Jeep when I start it sounds like a rod knock when I’m driving under load you don’t hear it but come to find out my 4.0 has piston slap because I put 2 quart’s of Lucas in and the noise still happens lol even with 15w 40 diesel engine oil. That’s how I know it still has piston slap. But other than it still starts and runs lol and I do see steam coming from my valve cover so I know it’s has blow by and I let it vent to the ground.

[@joesimpson2788]

Dex love the video. Keep up the good work. Been looking to get my own jeep Cherokee soon.

[@matthewturner4608]

Love the uncut content 🫡 I try my best to fully watch through and like every video I run across, keep up the good work Dex! Thanks for the full process breakdown!

[@chrismarsh9978]

Hey Dex Do you ever fool around with the Liberty's ??? I'm thinkin Maybe a Straight Axle Conversion ??? Might Not be worth the time Just a Thought !!!

[@DependableAutoTruck]

i use orings to wrap the cross on the socket it holds them better than tape try it you will like it have to play around until you find correct size oring

[@WedidLandONtheMOON]

My 91 XJ. It has 158k miles, low for a reason. It had ABS and the brakes failed on me like 12 years ago so it sat for years up until like 2015 when I finally got the brakes fixed. All good now. But that’s not my issue. So upon starting the XJ from cold start. Everything is good. When engine is at operating temp, driven for sometime you shut it off for a few minutes. Start it back up and it may or may not start ticking. The tick will continue or go away. If it continues to tick it will not go away until engine is shut off. The engine may tick for a sec and go away and will not come back. The engine never starts to tick when it’s running for how ever long it’s running. It holds 30 oil pressure at operating temp. Lifters pump good oil up to the rockers arms. Lifters sound like marbles when revving it up. I don’t hear any knock on piston slap. Had an oil analysis done and it showed no abnormal wear in any engine parts. So any suggestions on what the tick could be?

[@bassinshankles]

Flex plate crack

[@charlesrock7770]

This was great video done by great people .I'll watch another please

[@dantheman6931]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing the wealth! Merry Christmas y’all!

[@KeithWhite-j4i]

Awesome video. Thanks, guys!

[@dexjs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BEShields]

I really enjoy your videos, and appreciate your knowledge and simple approach to repairs. Just wondering at what mileage the broken piston problem come up?

[@VC-TV]

Dex at it again!

[@that_kidstevie]

hey dex can you make a video of how to buy a zj? i’m looking to buy one and i wanna know what to look for

[@matthewmattix]

And when I do my engine swap with another 4.0 I’m going to use power driven diesel 15w 40 diesel engine oil. In the 4.0 that I’ll be using because of the high zinc additive that they use in the oil

[@v12alpine]

You can use zinc additive with any oil. But in reality it doesn't matter much outside of breakin.

[@richardbates2367]

Dingle ball hone would be my choice anyway because other than that and literally scotch Brite to try to clean up the cylinders if the hone wouldn't clean it up good enough to use it is more than likely gonna need bored anyway and if you can catch your fingernails in the imperfections or scarring it's gonna break a piston ring,so bore or sleeving it are what you are left with for options at that point..

[@richardbates2367]

The oil pump issue is where i use a tap and die set cleaning up blind holes and bolts and nuts and associated hardware..

[@richardbates2367]

I always do that putting a motor back together after working on it especially since my younger brother and my dad were gorilla's lol and i was changing a sbc water pump on my 78 Chevy c20 custom deluxe with 4 of the 6 bolts broke off in the block that was fun lol

[@richardbates2367]

So after that i always clean up my bolts and chase threads with wd 40 and taps

[@AdalbertoAlmanza23]

i appreciate your videos. i have a question i changed my head-gasket and valve stems seals on my 94 jeep cherokee 4.0 but it smokes through the oil dip stick? can it be the piston rings?

[@rustypotatos]

Expert level. Thank you guys so much

[@natefrechmann8336]

Is it worth it to swap 3:73 axles into my 4.0 wj? I have stocks off a sport jl wrangler and I want my 42re to live as long as I can

[@3000gtalex]

Gosh I love cherokees, such great machines I’ll have one till the day I die 🎉

[@jamesdodson9417]

You need a carbide scraper it’s a game changer

[@jamesdodson9417]

What is the part # on you oil pump gasket? Oreillys couldn’t find one and the said they can’t get it. I had to make one for my tj . Just curious.

[@richardbates2367]

I have a set of cheap freaking Pittsburgh torque wrenches works good enough...i have recently bought a few different 1/2 inch Dr torque wrenches just because i wanted to try some of the other cheaper options available, and the icon i believe 250 ft pounds slip collar instead of the click type, and I'm liking the husky brand torque wrenches they have their grips like their screwdrivers on the torque wrench

[@richardbates2367]

I'm thinking about getting the rest of those but I'm really liking the slip collar icon snap on rip off style torque wrench mine is not digital or flex head or anything like that

[@richardbates2367]

I'm the guy if i just acquired a project vehicle I'm gonna use a torch and burn the gas off the plugs spraying the spark plugs out with brake kleen or wd 40, and i use a Napa kd gap guage key chain from the 90's and That's how i gap my spark plugs, but until i see how it runs or if clean and gapped plugs with a decent wire set doesn't improve the the condition of the motor I'm not spending money on a new set of spark plugs..

[@richardbates2367]

Not that it matters but I'm almost 46 lol

[@rheidtech]

1:30. Love ya man. Thats awesome. Thanks.

[@M_Phipps0520]

Dex would you say the 4.0 is one of the most reliable engines made ?

[@clintonsmith9931]

after tightening rod cap, bump the rod sidways, they have side clearence if it doesen' t move check for tightness. beats turning crank.

[@MikeRote]

Not about this video but I have seen some grand 4.0l with the AC compressor on driver side as opposed to on top passenger side on the XJ with alternator on lower passenger side. Will the brackets work on the XJ off the grand to change all that around? Love your videos by the way! Keep up the great work!

[@jj61051]

I am gonna to order some and do my 99 and the under sized rb to.

[@Yeye3040]

Whats the fix to the famous broken plastic speed sensor on the tail shaft of these 2wd trannys. You can't purchase them anywhere! No longer made or sourced. It won't pass inspection b/c the mileage doesn't change and the check engine light is on.

[@bakers507]

I recently got a 99 XJ. I’m doing this rebuild. I have decided to change the main bearings . Do you have a trick to get the thrust bearing out?

[@pierreduy8838]

Dex how do ya know that the main and rod bearings aren't trashed with all that coolant in the oil?

[@Dmowery5036]

Very very nice video! I’m pretty sure my rubicon needs new pistons. I think I’d rather sale it and put money in my wj

[@AmericanCrow88]

Thank you for this. 🙏🏻

[@kennethlafferty4929]

Hey dex you should check out this company called “Bolster”, it’s one of my brothers friends company. Pretty great stuff to organize your hardware while your working on stuff or inbetween projects, I used mine for working at a body shop. Anyways I love your content man, I have an 01 xj that I’m 4x4 swapping soon and a 87 mj that I’ll do the same to after I finish the xj. Thankyou for all the knowledge brother!🤘

[@Mason-o4t3y]

My wj has 222k on the original 4.0 drivetrain. Doesnt leak or burn a drop of anything, no ticks, knocks, or rattles. Im not touching a single bolt on it over a 'what if' of broken pistons

[@v12alpine]

This vid is what you do after developing a knock. Normally you wouldn't tear into a perfectly good 4.0. Got 270k on my 96 and it's quiet as a mouse. Leaks everywhere though.

[@oj-icanthelpeverything3044]

I would drive my jeep to wherever you are in this country, and pay you for a 4.0 rebuild... put me on the list and let me know where and when... 92 cherokee limited... starts on the key turn...full ofring seal because it smoked bad... runs smooth 👍 thanks and hope to hear from you 🙏

[@Freeman-41A]

The extension doesn’t give a good torque reading because it twist when torquing them down. They thought us at NECC how to rework the big end of the rods grind them till egged shape home to factory specifications.

[@mattx3xrc]

What do you recommend for oil? Recent oil changed now my lifters make some noise on start up.

[@Sam552025]

Did you reuse the rod bearings or replace with new? If new what size bearing did you use?

[@dexjs]

The video before this on my channel explains that!