I have a 1997 4.0 with a motor that took a ****. Have a buddy from a local tow yard that had a 2000 with a good motor. Besides the 0331 head what other issues can I run into. I know the 2000 is coil packs. Can a distributor be used or am I out of luck with this.

 

Anyone???

 

A distributor can be used in the 2000 block. One difference I can think of is the oil sender location is different if I recall.

I just got done doing a 98 grand Cherokee 4.0 in a 2000 cherokee.

 

I put a 98 engine into a 2000 and everything bolted right in. Had some trouble with the exhaust manifold lining up but if you use the head of your old engine and the stock exhaust you shouldn't have a problem. We used the coil packs and everything bolted onto the older engine, so I assume it would work the other way around as well. You should be able to use a distributor on the newer one by changing out the parts. Other than exhaust and ignition, everything else bolted right together on the swap I did. Only other thing I can think of is if the the Jeep had idiot lights vs gauges, you might have some different sensors for oil pressure and whatnot. Just use your old ones and you should be fine.