Found a good deal on a grand Cherokee that has the 4.0. And was interested in buying for few extra parts and the motor to rebuild. I want to put GC motor in my Cherokee. Is there a difference in the Cherokee and GC engine? Is this a easy swap or compatible? They r both 97 both four wheel drive not sure a lot of other specific on the GC but can find out anything u need to know on both vehicles. Cherokee is aw4 231 Thanks for any help.

 

Accessories are in different locations, which means the harnesses are a little different. Pretty sure that's it though.

 

so basically I could only build the bottom end (block crank pistons exc ) of the motor and have to use the rest off of my Cherokee parts to be able to use my wiring harness . Will that put all my accessories in the right place? Thanks

 

I couldn't give you a 100% yes or no as I am not 100% sure what exactly is different and how it is different.

I would assume that they are close enough that your idea could work. It really comes down to you just need to look at what the differences are in the set ups (bolt holes, brackets, wiring etc) and figure out if its close enough to make it work or if you would be better off waiting for a different motor. Internally though, the engines are identical. The accessories are just mounted differently due to the different shapes of the chassis/inner fenders.

Who knows though, (I'm sure somebody does) it might be a drop in almost plug and play depending on clearances.

 

You will be fine.

XJ Cherokee and ZJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

2000+ TJ Wrangler and WJ Grand Cherokee 4.0L engine blocks interchange.

XJ/ZJ blocks, and the 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (1991 to 1995 YJ and 1997-1999 4.0L TJ Wrangler blocks will interchange in XJ/ZJ and visa-versa).

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.


XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
YJ: Wrangler 87-95 (Gen1)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)

 

I will be fine on hole motor or just the block. They are same year just didn't know about the top hardware or mounting and belt routings. I just wanna be sure before I purchase. If I get a chance I'm gonna go get some pics of everything on top and compare now that I know the bolt pattern on the blocks r the same. thanks

 

Whole block and head. Swap your stuff over as needed.

 

ok thanks