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XJ Ask the Question Thread
Seasoned Member


Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 328
Likes: 5
From: Dominican Republic
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: inline 6
We just bought a 93 jeep cherokee.
My son owns a 98-99 jeep cherokee.
Is there any issues with the distributer to change it only to get the motor to run?
We hear we might need a 93 distributer. This is for the 99 4.0 drivetrain going into the 93 body.
We're putting the motor, tranny, and transfer case for now in the 93 body.
I'm wondering if we need to change anything or can we just remove everything from the 99 to the 93 without much difficulties?
Let me know if we're going to need to change other stuff.
Please let me know
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,924
Likes: 203
From: Greenville, SC
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Originally Posted by TMAC604
Just got a 94 grand cherokee laredo. the heat will blow barely warm at random times, otherwise it's ice cold. Any one have any ideas?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 11
From: Laurium, MI
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
we just bought a 93 jeep cherokee my son owns a 98-99 jeep cherokee is there any issues with the distributer to change it only to get the motor to run were putting the motor tranny and transfer case for now in the 93 body wondering if we need to change anything or can we just remove everything from the 99 to the 93 without much difficulties let me know if were going to need to change other stuff we hear we might need a 93 distributer this is for the 99 4.0 drivetrain going into the 93 body please let me know
We just bought a 93 jeep cherokee.
My son owns a 98-99 jeep cherokee.
Is there any issues with the distributer to change it only to get the motor to run?
We hear we might need a 93 distributer. This is for the 99 4.0 drivetrain going into the 93 body.
We're putting the motor, tranny, and transfer case for now in the 93 body.
I'm wondering if we need to change anything or can we just remove everything from the 99 to the 93 without much difficulties?
Let me know if we're going to need to change other stuff.
Please let me know
My son owns a 98-99 jeep cherokee.
Is there any issues with the distributer to change it only to get the motor to run?
We hear we might need a 93 distributer. This is for the 99 4.0 drivetrain going into the 93 body.
We're putting the motor, tranny, and transfer case for now in the 93 body.
I'm wondering if we need to change anything or can we just remove everything from the 99 to the 93 without much difficulties?
Let me know if we're going to need to change other stuff.
Please let me know
Hi thanks for this thread. Hopefully my question will be a good fit for it.
I recently acquired a 2001 XJ with a blown motor (not worth fixing). I have found a 2000 WJ Grand Cherokee with a low mileage good running engine at a great price. Multiple places across the net including here I see the same swap compatibility posted a lot. The line I think that applies to my situation is
>>>>
"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.
<<<<
Questions:
1) I would like to confirm that I'm reading the above correct and this is not a bolt in swap.
2) How much fab work would it take to make it possible?
I have basic equipment, skills and a space to do some fabrication. However even though the 2000 WJ engine is in great shape and the price is really good I need some advice if this is worth it or even possible. I've been looking for over a month and this is the best running engine I've come across.
Thanks for any replies
I recently acquired a 2001 XJ with a blown motor (not worth fixing). I have found a 2000 WJ Grand Cherokee with a low mileage good running engine at a great price. Multiple places across the net including here I see the same swap compatibility posted a lot. The line I think that applies to my situation is
>>>>
"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.
<<<<
Questions:
1) I would like to confirm that I'm reading the above correct and this is not a bolt in swap.
2) How much fab work would it take to make it possible?
I have basic equipment, skills and a space to do some fabrication. However even though the 2000 WJ engine is in great shape and the price is really good I need some advice if this is worth it or even possible. I've been looking for over a month and this is the best running engine I've come across.
Thanks for any replies
Herp Derp Jerp

Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 17
From: Parham, ON
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L OBD-II
Hi thanks for this thread. Hopefully my question will be a good fit for it.
I recently acquired a 2001 XJ with a blown motor (not worth fixing). I have found a 2000 WJ Grand Cherokee with a low mileage good running engine at a great price. Multiple places across the net including here I see the same swap compatibility posted a lot. The line I think that applies to my situation is
>>>>
"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.
<<<<
Questions:
1) I would like to confirm that I'm reading the above correct and this is not a bolt in swap.
2) How much fab work would it take to make it possible?
I have basic equipment, skills and a space to do some fabrication. However even though the 2000 WJ engine is in great shape and the price is really good I need some advice if this is worth it or even possible. I've been looking for over a month and this is the best running engine I've come across.
Thanks for any replies
I recently acquired a 2001 XJ with a blown motor (not worth fixing). I have found a 2000 WJ Grand Cherokee with a low mileage good running engine at a great price. Multiple places across the net including here I see the same swap compatibility posted a lot. The line I think that applies to my situation is
>>>>
"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.
<<<<
Questions:
1) I would like to confirm that I'm reading the above correct and this is not a bolt in swap.
2) How much fab work would it take to make it possible?
I have basic equipment, skills and a space to do some fabrication. However even though the 2000 WJ engine is in great shape and the price is really good I need some advice if this is worth it or even possible. I've been looking for over a month and this is the best running engine I've come across.
Thanks for any replies
Any suggestions on the best place to inquire about the actual swap?
Thanks again.
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Having owned both the XJ and WJ I can confirm that the motor mount brackets are different, as well as the belt driven components (except power steering).
Motor mount brackets do not look interchangeable due to casting differences of block.
The WJ and specific year TJ motors are compatible with each other.
Motor mount brackets do not look interchangeable due to casting differences of block.
The WJ and specific year TJ motors are compatible with each other.
You can put any engine in anything with enough work..usually the additional cost is more then going with stock parts...The head issue only applies if you don't maintain your machine..I have seen plenty of 300,000 mile XJs around here that run mountains every week...that being said..you will break your engine if you overheat it and just keep going..as most any engine you might use...at $1,695.00 for a crate engine the XJ is still the cheapest bang for your buck. If I go with anything else, it will be a Cummins diesel on 1 tons..Ya'lloyd keep riding!! and good luck on your swap
Moderator of Jeeps
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6
You can put any engine in anything with enough work..usually the additional cost is more then going with stock parts...The head issue only applies if you don't maintain your machine..I have seen plenty of 300,000 mile XJs around here that run mountains every week...that being said..you will break your engine if you overheat it and just keep going..as most any engine you might use...at $1,695.00 for a crate engine the XJ is still the cheapest bang for your buck. If I go with anything else, it will be a Cummins diesel on 1 tons..Ya'lloyd keep riding!! and good luck on your swap
A good late model 4.0 with a warranty will be between $2-3k for most people.
Most people who try to Cummins swap give up and sell their Jeep when they realize how hard it is. Of the people who finish the conversion, I'd estimate about half of them either sell the Jeep or just stop driving it because it's so uncomfortable.
I have an opportunity to acquire a Grand Cherokee so my question is how compatible are they with the Cherokee XJ? I would strip the whole thing down for parts - are they similar at all or completely different? Thanks
Moderator of Jeeps
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 3
From: Frederick, MD from Cleveland, OH
Year: 1993 YJ Wrangler
Engine: 4.0 I6
Depends on the years of both vehicles, but not much will swap over
Thanks @salad and everyone for your input. @SteveMongr appreciate the first hand experience.
I did decided to pass on this particular donor. Will keep looking.
I did decided to pass on this particular donor. Will keep looking.
So recently my right rear brake light and turn signal stopped working at the same time. Replaced the bulbs and nothing. Read a bunch. Changed the multifunction switch (turn signal switch) and that made all my other lights work again but still not getting power to my right rear. The running lights and reverse light work but not getting power when applying brakes or turning the hazards on or the right blinker. I can hear the relay clicking. Fuses are all good




