but i have some questions though first the obvious would it work?
in my head i wanna drop a 12 valve cummins in it seeing how i already have the motor (wrecked my dodge pickup ) i know the suspenison would proby need beefed up maybe and what im lookin at to fit it in is a 97 cherokee if you guys have any input it would be great

 

Anything can be done. I saw a video on youtube with a 12v swap. I'm sure its tons of work. And the truck was a 5speed manual. I think you would be better off selling your 12v stuff and looking into a 4bt. Its smaller and lighter and your transmission options would be easier with the available adapter plates. Check out 4btswaps.com

You won't have a problem selling your 12v stuff to the ford fan boys.

 

how do the 4bt's run? i never really seen or used one how are they performance wise and i was just doin the 12v swap causei already had the motor

 

A 4tb is as heavy as a big block chevy. Plan on a lot of chassis mods and reinforcement. Maybe look to get a smaller oil burner like a CRD from a wrecked liberty or grand cherokee. Any diesel option is $$$$$$.

 

x2 on the suggestion to check out http://www.4btswaps.com
the 12v is going to be so much work it won't be worth it, and if someone has put a 4bt in a Cherokee it will have been documented there...
There is a smaller cummins 4 cyl. diesel that was used in generators and the like that some guys have adapted for use in small pickups and SUVs - I think one guy on the 4btswaps site put one in a Wrangler...
no matter what, it's going to be a lot of work to put a diesel in a Cherokee...