XJ 4.0 into TJ: Hardest engine swap ever

[JamminJ33p]

Hey! Thanks for all the help! Everything started up perfectly and has run about 2000 miles from Virginia to Asheville NC several times with no hitches. Strong motor, seems a bunch quieter than the TJ which is nice. Y'all are great!

 

[Ddiemer19]

View attachment 69427

I wish I would have found this earlier.
Still $400.00 for a good running 4.0 was a deal.

@Chris @UPJOHN

I am having a hard time understanding this... forgive me..

I have a 1999 TJ 4.0, ax15 transmission, and NP231 transfer case. The jeep is rusted to pieces, but the engine and tranny are new. I would like to swap the whole drivetrain into a non wrangler jeep. What are my options for swapping? XJ AND ZJ?

Thanks!

 

[Bursick]

Having a similar problem (possibly exactly the same) with a WJ stroker from a 99 Grand Cherokee I'm trying (AAAAAAHHHH!) to put into my 2000 Wrangler replacing my TJ that threw a rod. It was a great price, $400, but I'm freaking out because of all the issues.
I've got the engine in but my buddy noticed a space irregularity in the mounts. I will need to chain lift the engine again to adjust the motor mounts, which looks like your (thanks Upjohn!) suggestion might work out.
But then as components were going back in, I found a missing post for the alternator and no post for the ac condenser. As I struggle forward I'm wondering if pulling the engine back out and selling it to get the proper fitting motor in is the solution, or if I should fabricate some brackets. I have (till my cuz gets sick of me taking up his precious lift) the use of a full shop with metal fabrication and welding capacities. Any thoughts would be appreciated. One step forward, two steps back...

Hello Jamminj33p. I came across your post. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. I am in a similar situation. My sons TJs engine bit the dust after 251,000 miles. I have a motor from a WJ Grand Cherokee that I am supposed to look at this weekend. I have been told the WJ will work in the TJ. Can you verify that the engine you had issues with was from a WJ Grand Cherokee or was it from a Cherokee? I appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.

 

[JetBrett]

The WJ 4.0 will work in your son’s TJ as long as the TJ is 2000 model year or newer.

If your son’s TJ is 97-99 model year, you will need the 4.0 out of an XJ or ZJ.

 

[Junk97TJ]

Hey all. I have a similar question.

I have a 1997 Wrangler and wondering if anyone has already gone through my experience with replacing 4.0 that failed with a Cherokee 4.0. I think the Cherokee was a 98. My problem is with the flywheel. When I first installed the engine, it started right up but the torque converter bolts hit the flywheel and make a lot of noise.
The wrangler flywheel had a different bolt pattern so I drilled new holes. I know now that is my problem. I think the flywheel is now out of time and between the crank and cam sensors, it won’t fire. Been sitting like that for 3 years but I want to fix it.
Can it be as simple as buying a new flywheel and just replace the torque converter?
If you already solved this, I would be interested in how.
Thanks in advance.