How long will it take and how hard if a job

 

I would call some local shops,
If its not cracked and even some that are can be repaired.
I would just have your reworked, valves ground, and magnafluxed (checked for cracks) and checked for warpage and milled if needed, and reinstall it.
Time, easy as the XJ is to work on 4 hours or less.

I just spend 7 hours doing valve covers on an SHO Taurus. The 4.0 would be simple compared to that.

 

I have done a remove and replace with new head in 7 hours kinda took my time a bit... On another note I am a mechanic so its nothing new to me... Probably could have done it in 5 hours or less ... Should be able to do it in a weekend..

 

Any step by step threads on here about it?

 

Have a hi-lo handy when the head is ready to pull. It's heavy.

 

That is a very loaded question. Time it will take is completely dependent on your experience level. For some, a few hours....for others, a weekend. And some shouldn't tackle it at all.

 

+2

I don't know how many times I've had to finish what someone else started because either they hit a snag or got in over their head.

Reading procedures is one thing, doing it another. Have help handy.

 

Done two head jobs on the same cherokee (first seeping head-gasket second he never changed to oil after the first one 6 months later stuck a valve) back right head bolt is a b**** i cut the fire wall a little took me about 4 hours two buddies and ice chest of beer not a hard job but yes that head is heavy!!!! Not bad job over all definitely get the head checked they are the week spot on the i6!