2000 WJ Block Interchange

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

So I have been through a few forums and lots of threads to try and answer the following question:

 

With small modifications, can the block out of a 2000 WJ (4.0L engine obviously) be put into a 94 ZJ (again, 4.0L)?

 

I will use the head from the 94 ZJ (cleaned and done up by a professional) and swap over all the engine accessories from the ZJ as well. Just need the block . . .

 

I am using these three threads as evidence that it is possible. Does anyone have first hand experience on this?

2. http://mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthread.php?25857-wj-meets-xj
3. https://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=168732

[JustEmptyEveryPocket]

Follow-up for this. Maybe it will help someone else. Also looking for opinions on replacement parts during this job.

 

Since I am using the block only I believe I can make it work. The holes for the motor mounts were there and tapped already. It will just require two longer bolts (one on each side) and some spacers to be made. The timing cover and water pump will need to be removed and the old versions used for clearance and bolt mounts/ bosses. 

 

Since I am stripping almost everything from the block, I was hoping to get some opinions on what needs to be replaced, and what I can reuse. Right now my list consists of:

1. Timing Cover Gasket
2. Water Pump Gasket (Can I re-use the old water pump?)
3. New Head Gasket (obviously)
4. New Head Bolts? (I don't have a FSM, can you re-use headbolts with the 4.0L?)
5. Intake/ Exhaust Gasket

What else is needed? The Valve Cover came with a nice blue Fel-pro, so I will be re-using that.

[75sv1]

I have attempted this. The motor mounts are as you describe. I made a spacer on the passenger side. Then I had the driver's side cut and welded. I plan to look into an aftermarket motor mounts to be modified. 

      The bosses seem to be all there, but need to be drilled, spot faced and tapped. I remember someone who did this years ago, about the time I started on this. I put a '95 4.0L cylinder head on it. I might go back to a TUPY head. It has a boss needed for the accessory drive. With the WJ accessory drive, I plan to use an electric fan. There are advantages with the WJ setup.

    One thing I am not sure of is the rotation of the WJ water pump. The hole number and spacing is a bit different than the XJ water pump. I'll try and look at the links you posted latter.

 

Edit: The Great Lakes Post makes sense. 

 

1. Timing Cover Gasket
2. Water Pump Gasket (Can I re-use the old water pump?)
3. New Head Gasket (obviously)
4. New Head Bolts? (I don't have a FSM, can you re-use headbolts with the 4.0L?)
5. Intake/ Exhaust Gasket

 

     1 Should be the same. The Great Lakes article says to use the earlier Timing Cover. Not sure why. 

      2. Water pump was covered in The Great Lakes article. You will need to drill a hole. I'd buy a NAPA water pump.

      3. Head gasket is the same.

      4. You can reuse the 4.0L head bolts once.

      5. Buy an intake exhaust gasket for the year of the head you put on.