Well I hydro locked my 91 and am looking to get a new motor. I know I atleast want a 91 or newer because of the H.O. but am wondering if there is much difference if i went to a newer obd1 verson. i know i could swap my intake on so everything would match but if the bottom end would be the same. Just looking for a motor and dont want to get one that doesnt work. Also would one out of a grand cherokee or wrangler work?

 

I think the only change to the block was in '96 when they strengthened it a bit. As far as I know they are all interchangeable.

 

Thanks because I can get 96 for cheap.

 

Some say a 98 is the best one they built. In 99 1/2 they came out with the newer heads that are prone to cracking in the middle between cylinders 3 and 4.

 

Going to pick up a running 96 to swap in there tomorrow.

 

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 2000+ TJ/WJ blocks do not interchange without significant modifications. (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.

 

just try and get a newer one with as few miles as possible,
i rebuilt my 01 TJ engine with 05, or 04 engine? it only had 17,000 on the engine
rebuilt 2 years ago and it is running strong, just drove 100 mile trip 2 ways =200miles
no problems

 

Just picked up a full running and driving parts xj. It's a 97 compression is good and seems healthy. Best part about it got it for only 400 bux.

 

SCORE! I did something similar. It's like having your own personal junkyard. Swap the cooling fan into yours. Only need to change the plug.

 

Whats wrong with the 97? id keep that

 

2 door 2wd beat up a bit body and dash wise and supposedly something wrong with the trans but I couldn't get it to act up at all. I'll post up pics later.