First Jeep, 84 cherokee cheif engine swap?

JonHughes · 10-21-2009, 12:26 PM

I just bought my first jeep, a 84 cherokee chief. It has the 2.5l 4 cylinder but i want to put in the straight six. Can I do this? I've heard that it wont fit in a 84.
Thanks.

COSXJFAN · 10-21-2009, 12:51 PM

OK, this question comes up a lot. Either for the 2.5, or the 2.8 liter engines. The issue is space. Your XJ is older, so the fire wall is closer to the header panel then the late models were. You will also need the CUs from the donor vehicles engine and trans, as well as the wiring harness to make it all work right. Can it be done, yes. Is it A TON of work, and not really worth it in the end, yes!! Your best bet is to obtain an XJ with the 4.0 in it already. There are a ton of them, and they can be had for really cheap!! This is my opinion on the matter, but you will have to decide if it's worth it to you or not!! HTH!!

JonHughes · 10-30-2009, 06:41 PM

Ok i have come across a 2.5L out of a 97 cherokee, will this work for me?

xjod · 10-30-2009, 07:23 PM

Yes but, same goes for the harness and CPU, and it's not a great motor. You would be better off with a GM 4.3 and a painless performance harness.

JonHughes · 10-30-2009, 07:43 PM

My jeeps engine is carburated and the one im buying is injected, can i put my engine parts onto the new engine to make it carburated? thanks.

radio flyer · 10-30-2009, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COSXJFAN

OK, this question comes up a lot. Either for the 2.5, or the 2.8 liter engines. The issue is space. Your XJ is older, so the fire wall is closer to the header panel then the late models were. You will also need the CUs from the donor vehicles engine and trans, as well as the wiring harness to make it all work right. Can it be done, yes. Is it A TON of work, and not really worth it in the end, yes!! Your best bet is to obtain an XJ with the 4.0 in it already. There are a ton of them, and they can be had for really cheap!! This is my opinion on the matter, but you will have to decide if it's worth it to you or not!! HTH!!

Firewall is same distance on both- The radiator support is the difference, drill out spot welds and swap the 4.0 setup into yours! Yes it's a lot of work,and your way ahead of the game if you have a complete donor xj to remove all of the needed items.

JonHughes · 10-31-2009, 10:52 AM

So I would just need to put my radiator farther forward in the engine compartment? Thanks!

radio flyer · 10-31-2009, 11:01 AM

Your best bet is to buy a wrecked donor, then you will have every part that you will need. You will need to drill out the spot welds holding the radiator support ends in place, then swap in the 4.0 ends by either riveting them as i did, or use small bolts and nuts. Of course welding is always an option!

10-21-2009, 12:26 PM	#1
JonHughes Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Troutdale Posts: 101 My Photos 1989 Cherokee Year: 1989 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0l straight 6 Transmission: 5 speed AX15 Transfer Case: NP231J Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: stock Lift Specifications: stock Misc Accessories: sun roof	First Jeep, 84 cherokee cheif engine swap? I just bought my first jeep, a 84 cherokee chief. It has the 2.5l 4 cylinder but i want to put in the straight six. Can I do this? I've heard that it wont fit in a 84. Thanks.

10-21-2009, 12:51 PM	#2
COSXJFAN BROWN CHICKEN, BROWN COW! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 6,301 My Photos 1987 Wagokee Cherokee Year: 1987 Wagokee Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Renny Transmission: AW-4 Transfer Case: NP 242 HD drive shaft Front Axle: HP non-C.A.D. Dana 30 w/ 4.88s (Detroit Locker) Rear Axle: Dana 44 w/ 4.88s (Yukon Spooled) Tires: 33X12.5-15 Pro Comp MTs Lift Specifications: Hodgepodge 6.5 front 5.5 rear Misc Accessories: custom 2.5" exhaust, cold air intake, homebrew bumpers & armor, winch	OK, this question comes up a lot. Either for the 2.5, or the 2.8 liter engines. The issue is space. Your XJ is older, so the fire wall is closer to the header panel then the late models were. You will also need the CUs from the donor vehicles engine and trans, as well as the wiring harness to make it all work right. Can it be done, yes. Is it A TON of work, and not really worth it in the end, yes!! Your best bet is to obtain an XJ with the 4.0 in it already. There are a ton of them, and they can be had for really cheap!! This is my opinion on the matter, but you will have to decide if it's worth it to you or not!! HTH!! __________________ STEELER FAN TIL DEATH!!! BAN OWNERS, NOT BREEDS!!! AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS ARE GREAT PETS!!!

10-31-2009, 11:01 AM	#8
radio flyer Seasoned Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Highlands Ranch Co. Posts: 344 My Photos 1985/1987/1988/1991&new parts monthly Cherokee Year: 1985/1987/1988/1991&new parts monthly Model: Cherokee Engine: 1991 4.0 ho Transmission: 1991 ax 15 Transfer Case: 1991 np231 Front Axle: 1987 d-30 w/ 4.11 Rear Axle: 1988 d-35 w/ 4.11 Tires: 31-10.50-15 Lift Specifications: 4.5" mix n match mutt, mandatory fender trim Misc Accessories: complete rebuild using 1991 xj Laredo drive train,interior, harness front to rear,dash, etc.	Your best bet is to buy a wrecked donor, then you will have every part that you will need. You will need to drill out the spot welds holding the radiator support ends in place, then swap in the 4.0 ends by either riveting them as i did, or use small bolts and nuts. Of course welding is always an option! __________________ I don't have alzheimers yet ! Just sometimers!!!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Cherokee xj Engine Swap	ZeppmanR	Cherokee Tech	3	07-12-2009 01:28 PM
1996 Jeep cherokee SE Engine swap question	Cronx210	Cherokee Tech	2	05-31-2009 09:53 AM
idea for engine swap for cherokee	codydperry15	Cherokee Tech	12	11-23-2008 02:28 PM
Cherokee 4.0 engine swap	Gibsonguitar120	Cherokee Tech	3	11-17-2008 02:14 AM
Cherokee engine swap question	vermont509	Cherokee Tech	20	07-18-2008 09:57 PM

10-30-2009, 06:41 PM	#3
JonHughes Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Troutdale Posts: 101 My Photos 1989 Cherokee Year: 1989 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0l straight 6 Transmission: 5 speed AX15 Transfer Case: NP231J Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: stock Lift Specifications: stock Misc Accessories: sun roof	Ok i have come across a 2.5L out of a 97 cherokee, will this work for me?

10-30-2009, 07:23 PM	#4
xjod Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Casper, Wyoming Posts: 57 My Photos 94 Cherokee Year: 94 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 HO Transmission: aw4 Transfer Case: np242 Front Axle: d30 Rear Axle: 8.25 lock-right Tires: 33x12.50 interco tsl's Lift Specifications: 3" Misc Accessories: custom bumpers, chopped. soft top, custom sliders	Yes but, same goes for the harness and CPU, and it's not a great motor. You would be better off with a GM 4.3 and a painless performance harness.

10-30-2009, 07:43 PM	#5
JonHughes Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Troutdale Posts: 101 My Photos 1989 Cherokee Year: 1989 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0l straight 6 Transmission: 5 speed AX15 Transfer Case: NP231J Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: stock Lift Specifications: stock Misc Accessories: sun roof	My jeeps engine is carburated and the one im buying is injected, can i put my engine parts onto the new engine to make it carburated? thanks.

10-31-2009, 10:52 AM	#7
JonHughes Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Troutdale Posts: 101 My Photos 1989 Cherokee Year: 1989 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0l straight 6 Transmission: 5 speed AX15 Transfer Case: NP231J Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Dana 35 Tires: stock Lift Specifications: stock Misc Accessories: sun roof	So I would just need to put my radiator farther forward in the engine compartment? Thanks!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)