Need years on Cherokee motor for swap

[pitbull4x4]

Need to know what the newest year will work in my 89 MJ with 4.0 auto. I put a 97 Cherokee 4.0 in it and has a bad knock. Guy is pulling the motor to see what the problem is.

Will a 2000 and 2001 XJ motor work or is a 1999 the newest I can go ??

Just seeing if a motor or rebuilding is cheaper. Thanks for the info

[pitbull4x4]

So nobody knows if a 2000/2001 4.0 out of a cherokee will fit in my 89 MJ using my motor mounts and auto tranny ????

[87MJTIM]

Yes, the XJ engines will swap over.

 

However, you will be going to HO from Renix.  You will need to rewire you MJ for the swap.

 

Also, the cylinder head may be 0331.  These are prone to cracking between cyl #3 and #4 (or 2 & 3).

 

There are lots of write ups on this.

[mnkyboy]

I believe we discussed this a bit on Facebook the other day.

 

yes it will fit,actually just went the other way and put a 95 4.0l into a 2000 XJ.

[HOrnbrod]

The 00-01 XJ 53010328 block should work fine. The oil filter mount bosses are different and the filter points down but your old mount will work if it interferes with the starter; it should not. It uses longer main bolts and has the main bearing girdle underneath to stiffen the motor, which is good. Good block for a stroker too. As Tim said it will have the 0331 heads. This was eventually fixed, and you can tell from the casting date if they are the early crap heads or the later "fixed" ones. The left head also has no hole for the gauge temp sender but the boss is there to drill and tap a 1/8 NPT hole.

[Rockfrog]

Yes, the XJ engines will swap over.

 

However, you will be going to HO from Renix. You will need to rewire you MJ for the swap.

 

Also, the cylinder head may be 0331. These are prone to cracking between cyl #3 and #4 (or 2 & 3).

 

There are lots of write ups on this.

No need to rewire, just replace the block. Salvage the head from the motor currently in the truck and call it done. All the bosses are there same as the 97 motor you have.

 

My 2000 XJ has a 2000 block and a 1993 head and exhaust. Also, it has a 1998 casting date on the block (as will all the 2001 XJ 4.0L blocks care to guess why?)

 

My 1988 MJ has a 1988 block, 1992 head, 2000 intake, 1996 steering pump/bracket, 2000 motor mounts, 2000 water pump, 1994 fuel rail, 1994 HO throttle body and is still managed by the Renix EFI system.

 

In short the blocks are completely compatible ... Especially since you have a newer block already.

[pitbull4x4]

Thank you for the info.