Jeep and Hummer - GM connection

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GM doesn't own AM General. Or at least they don't own a controlling
interest -- I think they may have bought into it a few years ago. What
they DID "buy", or rather contract for, was use of the Hummer name and
sales/support of the H1. AMG still makes the H1, GM handles sales and
maintenance of the few that are made. GM also licensed the Hummer name
for their smaller, more practical H2 and H3. 

Now about that V-6... Yes, Jeep bought the 2.8L V-6 from GM for the
1984-86 XJ Cherokee/Wagoneer and the MJ pickup. There are two reasons:
1) the 4.0L wasn't ready, and 2) the XJ, as originally designed was an
inch or two to short for the in-line six. It's difficult to put a 4.0L
in an 84-86 XJ/MJ. The firewall of the 87+ models is recessed 1-1.5" to
accept the 4.0L. One reason I've been told, but can't confirm, is that
the design team didn't like the AMC in-line six and made sure it
wouldn't fit. Of course the engineers made it fit anyway, but that
firewall had to be modified. 

Jeep marketing felt that a six cylinder was needed to be competitive, so
the GM 2.8L was purchased. The Jeep 2.5L four was made with the GM 2.8L
bell pattern so that the same drivetrain components could be used for
both engines. I believe that's the only reason the 2.8L was used, as it
had only a little more power than the Jeep four. It could be that's the
only thing GM would sell them -- don't want the competition to have to
much on your own products. All the Jeep V-6's used a carburetor. The EFI
four is actually a much better engine than the V-6.

The pre 86 2.8L was known for rear oil seal leaks. If you're getting a
great deal on it and it doesn't leak, it's okay. It will drive about
like a newer EFI four cylinder model. You can replace the engine
directly with a Jeep or GM four, or a 3.1L or 3.4L GM V-6. Those will
bolt directly to the trans and the drivetrain will take the power.
Nothing bigger will bolt up, and if it did you'd likely have
transmission trouble shortly. Another option, if the V-6 is in good
condition. Is to pull the EFI from a 2.8-3.4L V-6 Camaro and drop that
on. That will be a 20+ hp increase and better mileage. 


On February 7, 2006 L. D. Lyons wrote:

> gotta Jeep question, was looking at an 85 waggoner today, The guy said
it had a chevy V6 in it, and it came from the factory that way. During
our conversation he mentioned it had something to do with GM getting
designs frtom Jeep when they aquired AM General. If someone pout there
knows any thing about this I would sure appreciate some info
> Thanks
> L. D. Lyons

MSgt Frank Swygert