I just picked up a 1995 Grand Cherokee 4.0 motor to rebuild and put in my 1997 XJ. My engine is good now so there isn't a hurry. Before I get into it, I had a couple questions.

1. Is there a difference between these 2 motors? They look the same to me but I'm not an expert.

2. Any suggestions for the rebuild? I have a 3" suspension lift and run 31x10.5x15 AT tires. I do mostly on road driving with an occasional tow, so I want to concentrate on gas mileage. I also want to be able to go offroad without any worries. Lastly, I'm willing to put some money into it if the upgrade is worth it but I do not want to spend a fortune.

 

Use the accessory brackets from your 97 and make sure you either leave the sensor in the back of the head or plug it. Otherwise everything else should bolt right up.

Maybe use the '99+ intake with a bored TB. Keep in mind all the little things that you may want to replace when you pull the motor (engine mounts, alt, starter, blets, plugs, wires, etc...). I have over $3K doing this swap and rebuild, twice as much as I wanted to spend.