Hello,
My name is George and new to the Jeep world. I am currently stationed in Afghanistan and recently went home and purchased a 1989 Wagoneer Limited and a 1998 Cherokee Sport. Bought one and fell in love. Could not pass the Sport. Both have 279K miles. Would like to rebuild the engine on both, but not sure if I can get two 1998 engines or would they have to be respective to each year. Also, can I put a 2.5 instead of the 4.0? Just curious!!! Thanks alot!!

 

George, thanks for serving our country, first of all. Second, welcome to the Jeep club. I've never owned a 2.5, but most of the experienced posters here say the mpg is no better on it than on the 4.0, and the power is way down in comparison. I'm not sure about which year's motors can be interchanged.

 

Thanks For Serving Our Country,
It's Great men and women like yourself that keep this country safe.

Now to my understanding the 89 had a Renix Motor which cranked out about 177 hp, and the 98 had an H.O. motor which cranked out bout 190 hp.

You can swap in a 98 motor in the 89, but you have to swap over the ecu, and other accessories there is a great write up on that swap on here:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/re...ts-easy-47578/

You can swap over the 2.5 litre but its not worth it for all the work involved. They didn't get but maybe .4 better mpg than the 4.0 on average. Not to mention 0 to 60 in about 3 minutes haha.
If youre after mpg, consider a liberty diesel swap, most people who have done that get more hp, and 29 mpg!

 

I have no experience but join with my fellow Americans and want to say THANK YOU for serving our country. My family and I appreciate your sacrifice. Good luck with the builds!

 

Sorry for the delay with my reply! Thank you all for your support!! I went home and instead of swapping engines, I up dated the cooling system on the 89 Cherokee for a 97 cooling system. It stays cooler and runs like a champ. Liked it so much, I bought a 1990 and will do the same.!! I also have a 98 Cherokee, but was confiscated by my son, who is 16 and planning to join the military next year!! I am returning to Afghanistan on January 5th, and once done I will be looking for a two door five speed (If possible!!!)