I purchased a 2000 Cherokee with a blown headgasket. Turns out the best option would be to replace the motor entirely. Question is has anyone replaced with an earlier 4.0 and what has to be changed to do it? I found a 98 75000 mile 4.0 out of a Wrangler and I was curious if this would work. What would I need due to that being a engine with distributor and the 2000 is coil on plug. I have read the the Grand Cherokee 4.0's will not work due on accessory location and possible motor mount issues. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

This should help:

XJ Cherokee and ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

XJ/ZJ blocks and 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1991 to 1995 YJ and 1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).

TJ/WJ 4.0L Engine blocks underwent clean sheet design changes effective in the 1999 WJ Grand and 2000 TJ Wrangler. These blocks are not interchangeable with XJ/ZJ engine blocks. The reason is motor mount bolt holes and belt driven accessory mounting bolt holes are in different locations, or not present at all, TJ/WJ vs. XJ/ZJ.


XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
YJ: Wrangler 87-95 (Gen1)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)

 

Welcome!

 

While any thing is possible I would suggest something else. Plenty of used 2000-2004 engines are available that would make it "plug & play". What condition/miles is your current engine?

 

118000, detonation in one piston, cylinders are like mirrors and the head is cracked

 

Wasn't mentioned, but also late 99 xj and up had coil rail and not a distributor. If u use an older block, well head specifically, it won't have the bosses to bolt the coil rail down, but the head is a better head. I got an older head on my 2000. Had to build little tabs off the vc bolts to secure the coil rail. A buddy w a 2001 didn't secure his coil rail and had problems with tearing boots and what not on the coil rail from vibrations

 

pm me you location.

 

Found a 96 out of an xj with approximately 80,000 miles. Had anyone had any issues with the exhaust

 

I don't think that's a 96.

 

That's the one from my 2000

 

Go to the parts store and ask to see an intake/exhaust gasket from a 2000 and a 96. Compare them.

 

Yea that's my next step, I figured I would ask first

 

Pull the head, inspect the block/Pistons and such ... If they check good swap the 96 head onto the 00 block. Run the 00 intake and 96 exhaust. Hang the coil pack off the VC studs using some home made brackets. Enjoy a slightly stronger motor.
I can show you pics of mine, been running like this since something in 2005.

 

I am going to be using the complete engine. The back of the intake is brock, major detonation and mirror like cylinders.

 

Broke