95 to 2000 engine Swap
 

Hi,

Apologies if this has ever been discussed.

I have a 95 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the straight 6 and 42re/242 J. Unfortunately the frame is rotting out quicker than one can fix. I found/bought a 2000 Grand Cherokee with the straight six and 42re/242W, blown engine. My question is can I take my 95s engine and swap into the 2000. Seems straight forward but I just want to knkw if theres anything majorly different that could throw the swap out.

There is actually alot to know on that swap I recently attempted with a 97' jgc 4.0 42re 242j and it's way different in 98 they changed everything so the 99 model has different motor mounts different accessory mounts recasted block recast head change the intake and exhaust 2 manifolds and it was just about impossible 2 Mount D 97 model in the 99 now that's also because of the ignition system changes 2 coil on plug no distributor cap and like I said all the accessories were different places it could be done with a lot of time changing over wiring and everything to the older model but then you wouldn't be able to mount it you have to hang the engine in there and weld in new new mounts and even that would be difficult and it's possible to switch the head which I did with mine only difference was the exhaust ports are bigger on the older head intake ports were the same but like I said no more headers they went with exhaust manifold instead two piece so yes it is a difficult undertaking but can be done if you can keep your original block I recommend that strongly

They make aftermarket motor mounts to accomplish this, but you may run into difficulties with the oil filter adapter clearances. The filter on the 2000 screws directly into the block. Except for those 2 things, the blocks are the same. You'll have to use all the 2000 parts and head, manifolds, sensors, and electrics. Autozone sells a remote oil filter adapter so you can mount the oil filter anywhere using 2 hoses. Remember the 2000 has the 0331 head that's a problem and is probably cracked which caused the motor to die. Clearwater makes a great replacement head you can use or get a "TUPY" later model head.

I hate run-on sentences so I'm not sure what the previous poster had to say. He wasn't too clear. As long as you're just changing the shortblock and keeping all the 2000 stuff, I'd say it shouldn't be a big deal. Just the motor mounts and possibly the oil filter adapter. If it were mine, I'd get a new 2002 or newer "TUPY" head though.

Another thing! IDK if the 95 has head locating dowels or not, but you can use it even if it doesn't. Just be careful lining up the head.