What 4.0 variants are compatible with a 97 XJ?

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Aug 16, 2012 | 12:56 AM

E4Marty

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Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 41

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From: Duluth MN

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0

What 4.0 variants are compatible with a 97 XJ?

I'm likely going to have to swap out 4.0 engines, which years and from other jeeps make for the most straight forward swap? Assuming I can't find a 97'.

Aug 16, 2012 | 04:01 AM

Cherockee

CF Veteran

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 1,168

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From: Williamsport, Pa

Year: 1997

Model: Cherokee

Engine: 4.0L

The most straight forward swap would be from a '97 or '98 Cherokee. Aside from that I would recommend any 4.0L from '92 to '99 XJ, TJ, or ZJ. Some of those swaps will require swapping more accessory brackets and possibly intake and exhaust manifolds though.

Aug 16, 2012 | 07:12 AM

cruiser54

::CF Moderator::

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 43,971

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From: Prescott, Az

Year: 1990

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

This will help you narrow it down a bit.

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. (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.