thejordanj

i hate to pst things but ive been searching for a few days without finding things so..



I’ve got an 89 2 door Cherokee limited , and the rear main is pissing and I think its time to bite the bullet and do a swap, I have a 96 classic that’s sitting at home that needs a body, so…
now Im thinking of clearing some cars out of the driveway, and want to strip everything off the 96 and use it on my 89.
I did however just get the 89s trans rebuilt and would like to use that if possible since I payed to get it rebuilt.
I was going to build up the 96 engine a little bit maybe stroke it to a 4.2, would like to daily drive it and mud/trail on the weekends.
I have to repair some holes in my floor and was going to water tight seal the interior and pull out the dash anyways.
Anyone ever do this swap whole harness for engine and gauges from 96 to an 89???
Never done this before and don’t know what’s involved, I know ive got to get a plan together and list of parts that ill need in addition, any nice advice would be appreciated
Thanks

cruiser54

Do it this way:

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 1999 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 03/28/13

thejordanj

id rather use all the wiring and sensors from a 96, including the dash, its just a nasty nest of wires and such under the hood of here

jeepcherokee89

I am looking to do the same thing and have a complete parts jeep for the swap, I also can find much on doing it the right way only ways to "make it work". If you have not completed this by time I get done I will let you know any issues i run into.

thejordanj

thanks prob wont start for a month or 2, gunna strip the 96 in a few weeks , imma keep searching for more info

jeepcherokee89

Probably be about the same time frame then, I will post any issues as i go

cruiser54

You guys need to do a writeup on this.

Jeep Driver

thejordanj

ill try and document it

530jeeper

Swapping in the 89 renix head into my 93 Jeep Cherokee. I've swapped a new head 93 of course running 93 intake and exhaust manifolds switched to all 93 sensors I've reset timing multiple times and yet it runs like it's still out of time...not sure what it is...

cruiser54

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only use the Renix block!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!

cruiser54

You now have your own thread. Click on the link below:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/89...tences-224201/