Bluexj01

I have a 2001 jeep Cherokee sport. Has bad rod knock. I have a parts Jeep that is a 91 cherokee Laredo. 01 is coil pack 91 is distributor. Can I swap the blocks and use most of the parts from my 01 top end and just the 91 block? Or what will I need to do to make it work if at all possible?

cruiser54

Yes, you can!!!

XJ Cherokee and ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

XJ/ZJ blocks, and the 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1991 to 1995 YJ and 1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).

TJ/WJ 4.0L Engine blocks underwent clean sheet design changes effective in the 1999 WJ Grand and 2000 TJ Wrangler. These blocks are not interchangeable with XJ/ZJ engine blocks. The reason is motor mount bolt holes and belt driven accessory mounting bolt holes are in different locations, or not present at all, TJ/WJ vs. XJ/ZJ.


XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
YJ: Wrangler 87-95 (Gen1)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)

dave1123

Cruiser's the go-to guy for anything jeep! The easiest way for me to tell the difference between the 2 blocks is the oil filter location. If it's screwed into an adapter near the oil pan gasket, it's a Gen 1. If it's screwed into the side of the block 1/2 way to the head, it's a Gen2. My 2000 XJ is a Gen 1. My 2000 WJ is a Gen 2. The XJ has an 0331 head with the coil rail on it, but is still a Gen 1 block.

Bluexj01

Awesome. Thanks for the info. They are both xjs if I'm not mistaking. I'm new to the Jeep world. So I'm still learning. Am I able to use the block from the 91 Cherokee and my top end parts from my 01 Cherokee even though my 01 is coil pack and the 91 is distributor?

dave1123

Yes. You'll have to use the digital cam sensor in it though. Bring it to TDC #1 before you remove the distributor and insert the digital sensor. You'll have to follow the procedures for timing it which I can't remember at present. Something about a pin inserted into the base, or something.