We are looking to purchase a 2000 XJ 4.0l 4x4 4door and the seller is advising that Only a 1999, 2000 or 2001 XJ engine will matchup to the automatic transmission bellhousing. I always thought that any of the 4.0l engines from the XJ line and ZJ line would match. Any info ? Thanks.

 

Yes, they all match the bell housing.

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)

 

Is there any easy way to tell a XJ/ZJ block from a 2000+TJ/WJ Block?

 

Number on valve cover will have year and vehicle or was out of on it

 

Block casting number also.

http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=661

 

If it were me I would look for an engine out of a "99" for yours along with the ECM for it.

 

No need to change ECMs on these swaps.

 

Thanks man that also answers one of my questions too. What about the transmissions im having so issues in my 99xj what years will work?

 

I see the block casting numbers in the above link.
In particular the '99-04 53010449

Obviously XJ only goes '99-01 and TJ '99-'06 and WJ '99-'04

So my question is, How do you tell the XJ '99-'01 blocks from the TJ '90-'06 and WJ '99-'04 blocks? (no valve cover on blocks).

I am only interested in the '99+ blocks which have the cam retainer plate.

 

I know that the WJ has a different engine mount bracket and the oil filter is differently located.