I'm jumping in this thread. I just need a simple answer. I bought a jeep xj 4.0l engine, and the description says it will fit years 96-98. Does this mean if I were to buy a jeep xj years 99 and up, that this motor will not fit? (I want to swap out the motor from a 2000 cherokee that I found because it has 300k on it, and replace it with the motor I bought)

It will only fit if you use an aftermarket header (exhaust ports are bigger than the 2000 exhaust manifold will cover, switch the distributor out with the timing sensor, and make brackets (bent angle brackets) for your Coil Pack.

don't want to hi jack post just asking a ? I have a 94 xj bad motor friend has a 2000 motor he will give me.I can stroke it out and put it in the xj ?just use older head my dist and a after market header.

Correct - except no need for an aftermarket header unless you are using the 2000 Head (which would be silly if you can avoid it - prone to cracking and worse performance), if you use the 2000 intake manifold however that will be an increase in horsepower (better design)

Also the 2000 head would not have the port for the older water temp sending unit, but again.... use the 94 head.

Hey Guys, Sorry bout the old thread but I am now in the same situation and wondering how your swap went. I just crashed my 01 4wd sport with a solid 140k engine w/ command track and picked up a perfectly straight 98 4wd limited w/ selec trac but blown engine. Looking to swap the whole 01 drive train , computer, and wire harness into the 98.
I want the 98 to operate like it's an 01 with the coil packs and such. But I'll put it together any way it works the best. Which components do I have to use. Do I have to have the 01 pcm flashed to match the VIN and rest of the 98 body?
Sending any suggestions, tips or experience on would greatly appreciated.

I think your biggest hurdle is if your 01 has a SKIM security key, which it most likely does, the computer won't work with out a lot of added work (you have to add the SKIM Sensor and wiring into the steering column). Don't have to worry about the VIN unless you get smog tested as far as I am aware, dropping in the distributor would be a lot less work, then just bolt the motor in, you may have to swap exhaust manifolds depending on whether you have California emissions with (2) precats coming off the manifold, or not.

I have an 87 xj. Can I put a later motor in it? If so, what years can I interchange with it?? This one was overheated and now it won't start, so I was thinking I could get a later motor for it since I already have to pull this one apart.

Thank you , Im not sure the SKIM security will be an issue, ive been using a key cut from home depot for years! lol. Thanks Again!

Can you give me the best process for swapping the distributor for the timing sensor? I have all the other things done. Is it just TDC on both and swap?

Put cylinder 1 at TDC on ITS COMPRESSION STROKE, Then take the cap off the Cam Position Sensor, slip a toothpick in like the photo attach shows through the two holes, and slide it in the engine. It helps to look down the hole and see how the oil pump slot is situated so you can match it with the CPS.

1) I usually just adjust it to how the motor sounds best - technically you need a Chrysler Dealer computer to set it.
2) I usually just point it how it was in the old motor (like the plug pointing to the heater box, or the battery.
3) I just did this swap again today and finishing it, this time I just pointed the rotor on the distributor to sparkplug wire 1, and then did the swap, We will see if this works just as well.

I also included a write up I did in case it helps anybody doing this swap.

This question really should be in a new post, not attached here,

I know 90.5 to 2001 are interchangeable Long Block (Head and Motor) but I would avoid 2000-2001 because they have a reputation for cracking cylinder heads.
I have never messed with anything older than a 98 Jeep XJ, I have with YJ's and CJ's but they are different so I don't know the answer.
I imagine the long block would work (engine and head) BUT DON'T KNOW for sure, I would swap all the accessories and intake/exhaust manifolds over (I always do)

EDITED - On a quick Google Search I found this which matches my thoughts.

1987-1990 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0L
Renix motor - you can use 87-90 4.0L
91-01 XJ, 93-98 ZJ, 91-95 YJ, 97-99 TJ You will need to relocate temp sender to thermostat housing from HO motor. Also need to use all your Renix accessories, distributor, flywheel/flexplate, etc. 00-01 is not recommended due to crappy head. Some people say the 0331 isn't as bad as people say. We scrap Jeeps, more than likely if we get a 0331 head Jeep in the head is cracked, well over half the high mileage 00-01 ones we get in have this problem.

https://nc4x4.com/forum/threads/the-...r-jeep.176054/

Good Luck.