howdy folks. I won't be here long, I promise- I seek your assistance and then I'll get back to my world of diesel's.

I bought my daughter a 2000 xj (4.0 limited, auto) at her request and for her 16th. it's what she wanted... (the gods of mud and sweat bless her)... went through all the majors with it, and it checked out 'alright'. put a new alternator on it, new water pump, timing chain, cat back exhaust, radiator (3 row aluminum) + cap and thorough flush using restore and restore plus (if you're not familiar with that process, approach with caution- but a better cleaning of the cooling system can't be had).

She overheated the thing- not a little, but badly- running it HARD with a pile of teenage flesh installed in all seats and in the back with a/c kicking in 95+* south of mason dixon weather... she is SUCH a ditz, and I reckon I wasted the hour and a half i spent teaching her basics.

i've little doubt the head was cracked, and possibly already cracked when I got the thing- but CERTAINLY now, as well as head gaskets (without ANY doubt) at this point...

my question to the pro's that can only be found in forums such as these: who makes the good/better/best aftermarket heads for these things? I'm not going back with a standard 0331 S VIN head- they're weak in casting... and.. who makes the good/better/best upper gasket kit? Studs or bolts preferred for these things? how common do the blocks warp (decks) during these events on this engine requiring machining?

It's parked under the gantry right now, and i'm going to start stripping her down this afternoon. I really appreciate forums, and have come to rely on the expertise and willingness of folks to share it to old shade tree guys like myself over the years. Please pardon my brief interruption here, and know I'll share what I know if I see it's beneficial for y'all...

thanks in advance! (and by the way- 'searching' using this platform is freakin' confusing!!!)

 

well... I'm a clown!!!

Can I respectfully request a Mod move my thread to where it ought to be?

apologies.

 

Just hit "report post" or pm a mod.

 

moved

 

There's a lot of info out there on this. I have a 2000 Cherokee so I'm well aware of this issue (mines not cracked, fortunately). Here are some posts to get you started:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/bes...-0331-a-91806/

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rep...0331-a-104304/

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/sus...0331-a-140890/

Basically, the three options are:

Find a TUPY 0331 head online or at a junkyard (these are difficult to find)
Clearwater Cylinder Head
Alabama Cylinder Head

More research:

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...acement%20head