Hi,

I've been lurking for a while, in preparation for buying another XJ soon (previously owned a '95, '97, and '01). I'm leaning towards avoiding 2000-2001s because of the cylinder head cracking issue, which I only found out about recently. I'm just curious, does anyone know about how many of the 1999 vehicles had the 0331 head? Is there a manufacturing date range, a block of VINs, or something like that that would help me weed out the 0331s as I check out '99 XJs online/by phone for vehicles that are more than a couple hours drive from home?

thanks,

chris

 

I'm not sure how many had the 0331 head. But, I know that they did start putting them on some mid 99 and on. I know that's not to much help but it's a start.

 

kinda a rule of thumb

If it has plug wires and a cap/rotor you should be good

if it has coil pack ignition, stay away

also, check the drivers door, it will say date of manufacture

try to shoot for 1-99 thru 4-99

mine says 3-99 and its the 0630 with plug wires and cap/rotor

 

This is a very good thing to think about.

 

Is this a for sure way to tell??

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback so far.

chris

 

Welcome to Cherokee forum btw I see your new! My names Forrest, feel free to pm about stuff. If I don't know an answer ill get u to someone that does!

 

Thanks Forrest, I appreciate it. BTW, my son's middle name is Forrest. I went to school in Forestry, so I couldn't resist... ha ha.

 

I generally agree with this.

I think it was very late 99 only that may have been unfortunate to get the 0331 head. It really is pretty rare to see a 99 with the 0331.

You can ALWAYS read the head casting number to verify for yourself. It's on the drivers side, about half way back on the lip of the head. Clean the grease off and with a good light, you WILL be able to read the head number.

 

Sounds like good advice TJ, thanks. Seems like there's more or less a consensus on the issue. Fine by me, since I know how to deal with a distributor and plug wires, not so much with electronic ignition systems.

Kinda makes me wistful for the old days of the very first Cherokee I ever owned, a fireball orange '78 Cherokee Chief with Quadra-trac and a Buick 360 V8 engine! There was never a more badass truck IMHO - drove it from Calif to Alaska and back - but unfortunately it had an overheating problem that I never did figure out.... I let it go for a song.

Chris

 

Those years also can have cam bearing issues and some nearly impossible to find misfire code issues. The 99's are IMHO among the best years for an XJ.

 

Yay I drive a 99

 

My previous XJ was a brand spankin new '99. Other than a slight lifter tick right off the showroom floor, that Jeep never had an issue. Ran right up until a drunk crossed lanes on the highway and hit me head-on. I walked out without a scratch. That's one reason I love the things.

 

I didn't think they did well in accidents

 

If I'm not mistaken, I think the date for 0331 started on 1/20/2000 and later. I could be mixing that up with the california emissions package though. :shrug:

But like was said, looking for the casting number between #3 and #4 cylinder on the driver side is a for sure way to tell though.