bad engine on 1999 tj

[rotjger]

I have been looking for a salvage engine for my newly purchased 1999 tj.
The salvage yards tell me the 4.0 can only be replaced with a 1999 4.0
wrangler or cheroke engine.
Yet when I get a long block dealer quote it covers 1996-1999.
So would I be able to purchase any of the above years and trasfer my
exsiting intake and exhaust on to the salvage motor and would it work.
The existing motor was severly overheated resulting in a cracked head
blown piston and a hole in the timing chain cover for who knows how long.
My brother in law loved fourwheelin and was no mechanic.

 

[tardis454]

I work at a junkyard so I know what works thanks to Hollander Interchange.
I went through this with my wife's 98 TJ 2.5 motor.
The engine shops told me I could only use a 96-up 2.5L.
That's BS, I used a .020 over 95 block with a 98 head, works like a charm...

Late 4.0L's have different cams, head/head bolts, intake, comp ratio.
The rest of the 4.0L engine parts are pretty standard, even the head gaskets are the same.
Look at the intake gaskets below, you'll see the difference.

This is a 99-06 intake/exhaust gasket...

This is a 91-98 intake/exhaust gasket...

This means a 91-98 short block w/99-up head would work for your application.

99-06 is a direct bolt in, just keep in mind 00-up switched from a distributor to coils.
Also, on later model 4.0's the engine accessories attach differently, & the water pumps are different.
It's not a big deal, just drop in your distributor, & use your existing accessories.

Hope this clears thing up for you.

 

[yjdave]

I replaced my 95' with a 98 short block and had NO problems. Just transfer all your stuff over.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Time for a Stroker.

 

[rotjger]

thanks for the info I will have to make a decision soon. Still confused about the
dealers long block covering 1996-1999. strokers sound expensive