Ok so I'm not new to Cherokees obviously but I'm having an issue wiring up my 98 motor into my 97 xj. A lot of the connections seem to be different? Can anyone clarify? It's an early 97 xj built in 96.

 

There's no need to use any of the 98 wiring or sensors, it's more trouble than you can imagine. Use the 97 harness and sensors...problem solved.

 

Problem is the 97 motor is gone already

 

Head to the JY and grab
A Crank Sensor
A Cam Sensor (aka sensor)
A Map Sensor


I think that's about it.

 

And I should be ok? I've been stumped all night with it

 

Most of the sensors '97-'99 are identical, until you get to the transmission. The engines themselves are totally the same. Sensors and wiring are tied to the PCM, NOT the engine - you could drop a 1987 block in there if you wanted to.

Hitting the JY for missing parts seems like a good idea.