I have a 1996 cherokee with the 2.5. The motor is starting to die. My dad has a 4.0 he picked up a while back... It's from a newer grand cherokee, but it has a wiring harness from a 1995 cherokee on it and the computer for it. The jeep is almost rust free which is rare in Wisconsin... I can find an ax15 locally pretty easy. I can get the motor for free and was wondering what all was needed for the swap? I understand its easyer to sell it and buy one with the 4.0 in it, but winter is long and I get bored... I tried searching but wasn't finding too much. Thanks

 

somebody has to have made the swap... I've heard with the wranglers you have to weld in new motormounts. is the xj the same? or can new 4.0 mounts bolt right on?

 

not an expert, but im pretty sure u have to get the motor mounts off a 4.0 body and weld to 2.5 body ur installing 4.0 into.

 

Motor mounts bolt in, no biggie, no welding on an XJ like a TJ.. If you are swapping in a 4.0 and 5speed , you will need the wiring harness, engine, trans, t-case, cross member, possibly front and rear shafts, and all mounts... Best bet would be to find a wrecked XJ with all ya need. Or just get a newer XJ...