Requesting help diagnosing a P0301 code

[rustyintheoutdoors]

1998 Sahara TJ 4.0 5 Spd (215k miles)

Hello all,

I am attempting to chase down a bad misfire that randomly started around a week ago. I daily drive my TJ, change the oil every 3500 miles, and don't beat on it hard.
It's very rough on idle, but appears to be fine when driving, other than being slightly down on power. I have done all the simple things, replaced the distributor, rotor, spark plugs and wires. I swapped cylinder 1's fuel injector with cylinder 2 to see if the misfire would move. It did not. I tested the wiring and connectors to the fuel injectors, they are fine. I did a dry compression test on cylinder 1, and got 89. Tested cylinder 3 for a comparison, it was 150.
I am going to take the valve cover off next to inspect the valves. I am starting to think my 4.0 is just tired out.
Any suggestions would be much appreciated. If it comes to an engine rebuild, I am wondering if I just do an engine swap instead? (Another 4.0, LS, OM606 or TDI swap?)

Thanks in advance.

 

[DuckNut]

All cylinders should be within 10% of each other. Operating at 60% is not a good sign.

 

[rustyintheoutdoors]

All cylinders should be within 10% of each other. Operating at 60% is not a good sign.

Yeah, I think I gathered that.

 

[DuckNut]

Yeah, I think I gathered that.

I know my limitations on vehicles, which is why I did not truly complete my sentence. LOL.

I also know I am a simple person and I would choose to go the plug and play route. Swapping to an LS sounds cool, but also sounds like a headache.

But what does intrigue me is the new inline Hurricane motors. No idea what is entailed with this swap, but that is a serious contender if it can even be done.

I have reached my level of knowledge, back to others who can actually help you.