Cameron1213

So I have a 97 ZJ (grand cherokee laredo) with the straight six. Frames completely thrashed. Found an 01 Grand Cherokee Laredo with blown engine. I NEED to know if I can straight drop in this engine from ZJ to the 01. What will I have to change? Harness difference, any tips VERY APPRECIATED! Everything from ZJ in good condition so no problem swapping out CPU etc. Please let me know ASAP! Thank you so much, oh wise experts lol.

CurrySoSpicy

I would try posting this in the Grand Cherokee tech section, typically only XJ guys look at this section.

Cameron1213

Sorry, Im a noob to this forum ha. Ill check the grand cherokee section.

CurrySoSpicy

No problem dude, just trying to make sure the right people see your thread. Thanks.

peep

Hey Cameron,
So you can swap out the tall block, block including head and all injecters, intake etc.
The primary difference on the engine is ignition. The 01 will have the coils on top of the plugs.
Best to swap out the CPS, Cam Position Sensor, many would call the distributor on an 97. Also swap over the coils on top of the plugs.
So basically drivers side (intake & exhaust) side of the engine is easy swap, passenger side is more work.
Be very careful when removing the coil packs above the spark plugs, easy to crack plastics.
Next item is motor mounts. I am not totally sure there is a straight bolt up. Sorry, not my expertise. Advanced Adapters would be your friend here if not a straight swap over.
On the positive side. The Wj (your 01) has a much stronger frame than the XJ or ZJ, better section strenght and hi tensile steel was used.
Aftermarket accessories are much more limited than the XJ.
It will take some time, but hey, it's only April.
Will be an adventure, but when your done you will have gained mad skills and knowledge!
Best of luck!

Cameron1213

Good to know Jeep revamped the frame, doing some research it shows the weakness on mine. Anyhow I really appreciate your reply man. So any ideas how I can find out if the mounts are the same other than simply looking? I havent acquired the WJ just yet, been putting it off to know for certain it will work. So ignition swap won't be an issue at all. Do you know about what I'll have to do to the harness? Was kinda hoping some others would jump in on this post. Maybe I can contact Advanced Adapters and ask them if the mounts are the same and if not if they make some for conversion? I know I'm asking a ton of questions here but I greatly appreciate all the information I can get! Thanks!

cruiser54

ever see this?

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 the 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)

Cameron1213

So, in short I can't make the swap work? Or can I make it work with some fabbed mounts?

Cameron1213

Never mind just ready about the accessory mounts being different