90_cherokee

So I boogered up the cylinder head on my 90 XJ . I was servicing the T stat when the bottom bolt of the Tstat housing broke off inside the head(I read this is VERY common,YES?) Tried drilling it out and installing a screw extractor,only to have it snap inside the bolt. Tried drilling in another spot,and ended up breaking the casting on the head,so its JUNK. Im not doing the JB WELD thing,afraid it wont hold when I need it most,so im gonna bite the bullet,spend some $$$ and get another head.

What years of cylinder heads are compatible with my 1990 4.0?

How straight forward is the task of R&R this cylinder head.

This is what I am seeing:

Drain coolant

Remove valve cover

Remove head bolts

Remove Intake and exhaust manifold assemblies and move them to the drivers side as much as possible for clearance

Unbolt A/C brackets on the Passenger side of cylinder head move out of waty to allow clearance

Unbolt P/S bracket from Intake Manifold

Unhook Throttle Cable going over top of cylinder head

Mark and unhook spark plug wires from spark plugs


Just looking at it,this is what I am seeing.Is there anything I am missing? Anything that I should be aware of as I swap the head,like troublesome fasteners and such? Ive read that sealant needs to be applied to one or some of the head bolts upon reassembly. Which head bolts,and what kind of sealant is recommended?

Any tips,tricks,or hints to make this task any easier?

Am I gonna have to purchase new head bolts,or can I reuse the ones that are in it now?

I know a head gasket set is in order,what brand does everyone prefer?

Ill likely purchase a new Tstat housing and when I install the T stat bolts,theyre getting ANTI SEIZE put on the threads!!

I welcome any and all comments or suggestions to make this go as smooth as possible


Thanks for your time and experience!!!