I just bought a 1995 Cherokee 4 x 4 with the 2.5 engine!!! The guy told me the vehicle just stahled and would not start again. There is silicon all over the back window. He said it used both oil and antifreeze plus blew white smoke. My question is should I just start by pulling the head and replace the head gasket? He said the engine turns over, but doesn't start. I see a hint of antifreeze in the oil. Could more things have gone bad from running it till it stahled? He said the dash lights didn't turn on to warn of overheating. What path should I take to try to fix? Thanks!

 

well in my opinion i would pull it out trash it make a trip to the toy store(junk yard) get a 4.0 and go that way. as far as other problems with that motor you could pull the head and see but antifreeze is not real good on gaskets and seals.

 

Yeah I think I'd just hit the JY as well and get a 4.0 out of a 95 and all the other misc parts you need.

 

Will any 4.0 match up to my 1995 5 speed manual transmission that is mounted to thew 2.5 four cyl? Any problems with a swap I should watch out for? I searched the archives, but most were about YJ swaps and not an XJ.

 

Firewall will have to be massaged to fit a 4.0 in a 2.5 hole. Tranny will not bolt up. Bell is different I think, Tranny is also too weak for the 4.0 anyway. You would need the wiring harness and 4.0 ECU. More things too I am sure that I am forgetting.

 

Me no likey all that worky!!!

 

Yeah well once you got done you would be so much happier with the 4.0


Specially if you plan on doing ANY wheelin.

Good thing about the 2.5 is i think they had higher stock gearing in the Diffs.

 

I knew the 2.5 is way too small for a jeep of any size. I only paid $250 for the vehicle. I think I'll take apart the head and see what's going on inside of it. Once it's fixed I'll see if I like it. I still have my 1989 XJ 2 door with the 4.0 that I bought a month ago for $300. Can you tell I'm not trying to impress the ladies!?! Oh...lingering back and neck problems from an accident just over 6 years ago turn a day of auto repair into a few months of work! I have a chance to get a nice 1993 XJ 4 door with a "good" 2.5 for $300. It's missing its tranny, but I can use the one from my 2 door.

 

Sounds like a plan!!!

 

Sounds like you have a case of Jonb8 disease otherwise known as Jeepitis...HAHA

 

Do tell what your two diagnosis mean (Jonb8 & Jeepitis)? Are there any known remedies?