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XJ Ask the Question Thread
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: CA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
ok thanks, always good to learn something
Banned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,744
Likes: 2
From: USA
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L i6
I engaged 4H today, and it didn't want to release. I put it back to 2WD and it was clearly still in 4H for about 10 seconds. Then I heard a thunk, like I hit a pothole, and the extra "whirring" of the 4WD was gone. Was it a pothole that kicked it back into 2WD or is that just the sound it made finally going back into 2WD?
No, I was driving down the road. I shifted into and out of 4H while driving. So, I could not go into reverse.
No, I was driving down the road. I shifted into and out of 4H while driving. So, I could not go into reverse.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 3
From: Fountain Inn, SC
Year: 1988
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
I engaged 4H today, and it didn't want to release. I put it back to 2WD and it was clearly still in 4H for about 10 seconds. Then I heard a thunk, like I hit a pothole, and the extra "whirring" of the 4WD was gone. Was it a pothole that kicked it back into 2WD or is that just the sound it made finally going back into 2WD?
No, I was driving down the road. I shifted into and out of 4H while driving. So, I could not go into reverse.
No, I was driving down the road. I shifted into and out of 4H while driving. So, I could not go into reverse.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
I engaged 4H today, and it didn't want to release. I put it back to 2WD and it was clearly still in 4H for about 10 seconds. Then I heard a thunk, like I hit a pothole, and the extra "whirring" of the 4WD was gone. Was it a pothole that kicked it back into 2WD or is that just the sound it made finally going back into 2WD?
No, I was driving down the road. I shifted into and out of 4H while driving. So, I could not go into reverse.
No, I was driving down the road. I shifted into and out of 4H while driving. So, I could not go into reverse.
You should probably take that to a certified blue color high school drop out mechanic and have it looked at.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 15,016
Likes: 11
From: +34° 25' 35.67", -81° 21' 12.04"
Year: 1993
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 0
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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.
XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)
What are you wanting to do?
Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1998 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16" square drive or a modified 3/8" drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
Revised 07/24/2012
::CF Moderator::
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 43,971
Likes: 1,578
From: Prescott, Az
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Seasoned Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: CA
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
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.
XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)
What are you wanting to do?
Cruiser’s HO into Renix Swap
This swap is easier than some will lead you to believe, generally those who have never done it. Those of us who have done it, like myself, will share with you the things that need to be done for a successful swap. Just think of it as swapping in a long block.
The HO and Renix have some differences but none that can’t be overcome very easily.
Any HO engine from an XJ or ZJ through 1998 can be used. One running change was that the rear of the head was no longer drilled and tapped for the temperature gauge sender beginning in the 96 model year. The sender can be relocated to the threaded hole in the thermostat housing taken from the HO engine. You’ll have to extend the wire to that location. Some brave souls even drill and tap the HO head for the sender.
You will be using the intake and exhaust manifolds from your Renix, along with all your sensors and wiring. Since the intake ports of the HO are slightly different, you use the Renix gasket. Exhaust ports are identical.
You will need to use your Renix distributor as it is different than the HO because they use different fuel management systems. The flywheel or flexplate from the Renix must be used so your CPS gets the correct signals. The valve cover from the Renix allows you to keep your CCV system intact and requires no modifications.
The HO block will have a plug in the coolant galley on the driver’s side of the block, closest to the front, which needs to be removed so your Coolant Temp Sensor can be installed in it’s place just as it is on the Renix. It requires a 5/16" square drive or a modified 3/8" drive that has been ground down to fit. Do this before installing the engine.
As for the knock sensor, which is located just above the oil pan on the driver’s side of the engine about mid way, all the blocks I’ve seen are threaded for it. If not, I’ve heard they may be drilled but not tapped. Tap the hole if that’s the case.
Revised 07/24/2012