I’m getting ready to replace the head gasket on my XJ. It’s a ‘99 classic, 4.0 AW4 4wd. Everywhere I look calls for a head gasket kit that fits 99-01, and the other option is for 96-98. I know I have a 0630 head, and I’m wondering if the 99-01 part is for 0331 heads. If so, should I order the one for a ‘98 since it has the same 0630 head, or is there something else with the 99-01 part numbers ?

 

Go to rock auto...their effectivity listings are usually very accurate.EVERY head gasket they list is effective from 1987-2001. You just need to pick the thickness. MLS is usually better but more expensive. Head bolts are all same size ...except early years are 7/16.... Everything from 90's to 2001 are the same and 1/2 inch

 

Still gives me the fitment for 1999-2001 Cherokee, 1999-2004 grand Cherokee, and 2000-2006 wrangler, which are all 0331 head years I believe (starting in late ‘99).

 

I am talking about the entire kit, however, not just the gasket.

 

The Intake/Exhaust gasket varies, so any kit that contains one will be specific to a range of years, but the head gasket is the same... Buy the kit to match the vintage of the head...

 

did not know you were looking for a kit...the intake/exhaust gasket for a 0331 head will not fit an 0630 head but I think the 0630 and 0720 heads the same in regards to the intake and exh

 

Ended up ordering the kit for a 99. Will update later on if it’s the right kit.

 

Best bet is to micrometer the old one and match it. It can make a huge difference to your lifters and could potentially damage them if you don't re set the preload.

 

So after 2 weeks of waiting the machine shop let me know my old head was cracked. Got a head from the junk yard and got everything back together this evening. As I suspected, I needed the manifold gasket for what everywhere had listed as 1996-1998. I had already ordered one just in case and everything went smoothly. So just in case anyone has a 99 with a 0630 head and runs into my issue, you need the kit for 96-98 👍🏻

 

Did you go with a stock head gasket or did you get the thicker one thinking that was 'better'?

 

The one I went with was a TRQ gasket. Not sure how thick the stock one is because mine had been changed recently. The PO must have changed it without having the head checked.

 

Well if you're not schooled on setting up the preload and just bolt it together and torque the lifters, you may or may not collapse a lifter or two, Best advice is to search the threads and do it before starting. And never start or operate above idle until you see oil on all the rockers...

 

Preload was fine on the valves/lifters. Getting oil on all the rockers in the top end.

 

Did you check preload? Or just assume is ok because you have oil.

 

checked