Hello,

I've been researching up on the cracked head issue with the Jeep Cherokees from 99-01, with the heads stamped 0331. My father's 2001 Jeep Cherokee (Build date: 4/01), 4.0 Liter is suffering this problem, and has all the symptoms of the famous cracked head. He looses coolant incredibly, has milky oil, and low oil pressure at idle when the truck is warmed up.

My father and I are no mechanics, but do have experience working on vehicles. Right now my dad want's to attempt to replace the head and head gasket in an effort to fix this problem.

I'm wondering what my best option for a new head would be? I know people say you can put on the older head from the 96-98, but I'm looking to do this without modification. I see people on eBay sell 0331 rebuilt, but I'm wondering how much better that would be? One company with stellar reviews J&C sells a remanufactured one for 320 which is fair. I just don't like that when I emailed them they said they 'strengthen the weak area" but when I called them direct they said there wasn't much they can do for the weak area, and that going aftermarket would prevent cracking all together. I also see aftermarket being sold. I have not seen any of the newer 0331 heads with the TUPY being sold. It appears Alabama heads doesn't' have these, and Clear water's reviews weren't the best, plus i'm not sure it's rebuilt or aftermarket?

So I'm looking for opinions, is there another place or option I'm missing? Not looking to go through a junkyard.

Any opinions on the matter would be appreciated, also any DIY posts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I did the Clearwater head in November. 6000 miles latter all is good.

 

I bought the new head off of eBay. The company was odessa. Put it in with a buddy and have also gone about 4000 miles, no issues, no fluctuations in coolant. Just make sure you get good gaskets, head bolts, etc .. Do it right the first time and you should be good to go.

 

There are some real good videos of the entire process on YouTube.. I am sure they will be great help for you to watch a couple..

Ant...