Expert Advice Needed, Engine/Trans Swap
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Blanchard, MI
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Hello gals and guys, been a long time.
My 1990 Cherokee is running strong, but the seat is about fall through the rusty floor.
I found a rust free 1984 Cherokee with no motor, trans or transfer case, and my son has voluteered to help do most the swap (after I mentioned all the food he ate for the 1st 18 years of his life) . Now before I buy, I need to make sure everything from my 1990 4.0 will fit without a lot or any mods.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
My 1990 Cherokee is running strong, but the seat is about fall through the rusty floor.
I found a rust free 1984 Cherokee with no motor, trans or transfer case, and my son has voluteered to help do most the swap (after I mentioned all the food he ate for the 1st 18 years of his life) . Now before I buy, I need to make sure everything from my 1990 4.0 will fit without a lot or any mods.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Cranston, Rhode Island/Swansea, Massachusetts
Year: 1999/1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
I may be mistaken but I may also not be but I do believe that the 84 and the 1990 have different dimensions which could mean a slightly larger or smaller compartment for the engine and its core components. Do you know what the dimensions are for both jeeps? Again I could be wrong but better to know than assume.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: Capac, Mi
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
^your wrong.
84-01 Cherokees have the same dimensions.
However with the 84 not originally having a 4.0L since they were only offered with a 2.5L 4cyl or a 2.8L V6 from 84-86(i believe) and 87-90 having Renix era 4.0L I6's and 2.5L 4cyl offered.
The "frame" side motor mounts will be completely different between the 1984 and the 1990 as will the transmission cross member. So you will have to cut the motor mounts from the frame side of the jeep out of the 90 and weld them into the 84, and use the transmission cross member from the 90 as well. You would probably be better off finding an 87-90 Cherokee for a transplant candidate because it would be a ton easier.
84-01 Cherokees have the same dimensions.
However with the 84 not originally having a 4.0L since they were only offered with a 2.5L 4cyl or a 2.8L V6 from 84-86(i believe) and 87-90 having Renix era 4.0L I6's and 2.5L 4cyl offered.
The "frame" side motor mounts will be completely different between the 1984 and the 1990 as will the transmission cross member. So you will have to cut the motor mounts from the frame side of the jeep out of the 90 and weld them into the 84, and use the transmission cross member from the 90 as well. You would probably be better off finding an 87-90 Cherokee for a transplant candidate because it would be a ton easier.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Cranston, Rhode Island/Swansea, Massachusetts
Year: 1999/1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
^your wrong.
84-01 Cherokees have the same dimensions.
However with the 84 not originally having a 4.0L since they were only offered with a 2.5L 4cyl or a 2.8L V6 from 84-86(i believe) and 87-90 having Renix era 4.0L I6's and 2.5L 4cyl offered.
The "frame" side motor mounts will be completely different between the 1984 and the 1990 as will the transmission cross member. So you will have to cut the motor mounts from the frame side of the jeep out of the 90 and weld them into the 84, and use the transmission cross member from the 90 as well. You would probably be better off finding an 87-90 Cherokee for a transplant candidate because it would be a ton easier.
84-01 Cherokees have the same dimensions.
However with the 84 not originally having a 4.0L since they were only offered with a 2.5L 4cyl or a 2.8L V6 from 84-86(i believe) and 87-90 having Renix era 4.0L I6's and 2.5L 4cyl offered.
The "frame" side motor mounts will be completely different between the 1984 and the 1990 as will the transmission cross member. So you will have to cut the motor mounts from the frame side of the jeep out of the 90 and weld them into the 84, and use the transmission cross member from the 90 as well. You would probably be better off finding an 87-90 Cherokee for a transplant candidate because it would be a ton easier.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 0
From: Capac, Mi
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Cranston, Rhode Island/Swansea, Massachusetts
Year: 1999/1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Blanchard, MI
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I had some hope on this, but am thinking the project is above our means and abilities after reading this. I will continue to look for a good roller here in MI, or a decent buy on something in better condition than my current ride.
Trending Topics
Seasoned Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Cranston, Rhode Island/Swansea, Massachusetts
Year: 1999/1995
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback. I had some hope on this, but am thinking the project is above our means and abilities after reading this. I will continue to look for a good roller here in MI, or a decent buy on something in better condition than my current ride.


