91 xj rebuild or swap advice

I have a 91 xj laredo/4x/auto stock all around. The 4.0 in it has around 240,000 on it and to my dismay a rod has started knocking around the # 5 or 6 cylinder. So now I have a budget of around $1200 and am wanting to fix my little problem. Since I am fairly new to the jeep community especially xjs with the unibody and not a whole lot of experiance with the enternals of anything other than chevy v8s I am kinda intimidated by the 4.0 and its set up. So I was wondering how hard is to rebuild...my main worry is cam bearings as well as other stuff these straight sixs have that the ol 8's dont have. Also can anyone tell me of any manuals other than chilton or haynes that does a break down of the rebuild and where can I get a complete rebuild kit. Should I rebuild or get a reman long block!
Next, I have also thought of a chevy engine swap. I know of the 2.8 and 3.4's, but I had a edelbrock equipped(intakes,cam,carb,and headers) 2.8 in my '84 Suzuki sammy. Good for that but I dont think it would be enough for an xj. As for the 3.4 I would only consider the supercharged version out of the caddys and pontiacs but I dont think the comp. would like my tranny or my comp wouldnt like the supercharger. Please contradict me if im wrong.\
So, could I use something bigger. 4.3,305,350! What all would be entailed in a v8 swap. like frame wise, axle,tranny,etc. It would probably be a tbi. Thanks for any input anyone can offer up! thanks. Most of this will be junkyard parts!

[carnuck]

V8 swap in an XJ leads to a WHOLE world of issues. Biggest being overheating (custom rad big enough to keep a 350 cool will set you back about $700 and the resultant body flex tends to bust the uniframe, starting at the rear hatch)
4.6L stroker swaps are common and there really isn't that much to the inline 6 that's so scary. There are more moving parts in the Chev V8 and they have cam bearings too! I would build a motor to swap out for your current one so it can be done in just a couple days.
Any stories you hear about the 4.0l being so scary is based on FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) generally done by people who think everything should have a Chev motor in it (often the people have Chev motors for sale and can't stand the competition)
Get a core and take it apart and you'll see just how simple they are. Might want to join the strokers@yahoogroups.com list for more info on pumping up the power.


PS: The bellhousing is the same as AMC V8 and nothing else. The AW4 is used in a 6 speed version in the Lexus SUVs with supercharged V8s with minimal problems. I almost did a Toyota diesel swap into an XJ I had (too many projects to get onto it)

[heavyequipment]

I recommend the Chrysler factory manual for the Cherokee. I haven't had any questions that it doesn't answer.

I just finished building a 4.6L stroker for my '90. I haven't installed it yet, but I can say it was an easy rebuild and cost around $1500, using a good used crank and rods from a 258. Your cost might be a little less; I had to buy a (used) head. I have read some good reviews about the 4.6; I can hardly wait to try it.

[carnuck]

The inline 6 is far simpler than a V8.