87EagleWagon

Just bought a Victor Reinz head gasket set for my 1999 XJ Cherokee. 1999-2001 4.0L is listed on the box which seems strange to me. 2000 and newer 4.0Ls have the new head and exhaust manifold design as well as late late 1999s. 1998 and older use a different head gasket set. Shouldn't 1999 and older use the same head gasket set and late 1999 and newer should use the same head gasket set. Why would the change with gaskets be between 1998 & 1999? Everything I'm finding on line is listing all 1999 and newer use the same gasket set.

Fred/N0AZZ

It depends on when your 99 was produced.

87EagleWagon

Problem is no one is asking when my 99 was built. I bought this gasket set on RockAuto and they didn't ask when my 99 XJ was built. I've looked on eBay as well. I'll call some local auto parts stores.

87EagleWagon

Okay, I called NAPA, AutoZone & Advance Auto Parts and no one asked me when my Cherokee was built.

Fred/N0AZZ

There were engine and other changes made in mid year mine is an early model the newer ones had engines like the 00/01 I understand. There are some here that can give the exact details of the changes and cutoff date between them.


Yours does not have a coil pack does it?

md21722

Log style manifold uses the older gasket set.

Newer style manifold uses the newer gasket set.

The difference is mostly in the exhaust manifold.

Though they changed the style of the water pump and thermostat gaskets over the years they can be used interchangeably.

All you really need to R/R the head is head gasket, thermostat gasket, and exhaust manifold gasket. Head bolts are a good idea, plus whatever else you may want to get into while you have it apart. If your valve cover gasket is good you can change it if you want, but they can last a long, long time. I had still had the factory one until over 300,000 and only changed it because I bought the head set.

87EagleWagon

I know about the mid 1999 or late 1999 change. Problem is EVERYONE is telling me 1999-2001 or newer is one gasket set and 1998 and older is a different gasket set. This I don't understand.

Is everyone that needs a gasket set for there 1999 XJ ordering the 1998 and older gasket set because its a well known fact that all gasket manufactures and all auto parts stores don't know the engine changes were late in 1999 not in the beginning of 1999 model year. I find this hard to believe.

87EagleWagon

Please understand I know about the 4.0L change in late 1999. I stated that there were changes in late 1999 in my first post. Luckily I have the early style head, not the 0331.

My question is...Are late 1999-2001 gasket sets usable on early 1999s? And if its not usable why is everyone telling me it is?

When I call auto parts stores and look on line no one is asking me when my Cherokee was built in 1999.