Did i find a good 4.0L candidate?

[Otto Man]

been lurking and dreaming for years....
Looking to build a low buck stoker for my 2003 Jeep Wrangler. I need to drive my Jeep while I build the stroker. I found a 4.0 complete engine on Craigslist for $250. Here is what the seller says about it:

The 4.0L was pulled out of a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I purchased knowing it had a bad engine. After purchasing I realized that the engine was locked up or tight. Dropped the pan, loosened the crank shaft caps to turn the crank, and found a spun bearing. Based on the sludge in the pan, looks to me like lack of oil changes. I believe it would be an easy rebuild with bearings and seals. For a project like you're looking for, I would say this is a good candidate. If you have any questions, you can call me on my cell ***-***-****. Engine does come complete with intake and exhaust manifolds, oil pan and valve cover, and whatever else is still bolted to it. And I would consider guns or automotive related trades.

I believe the accessories etc from my 2003 Wrangler would bolt to this block without issue (and they may be included with the engine) right? But my main question is: Is this engine a good starting point as described or should I keep looking since there might be damages I cannot account for?

[cruiser54]

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. (1991 to 1995 YJ and 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.


XJ: "Regular" (not Grand) Cherokees 84-01
ZJ: Grand Cherokee 93-98 (Gen1)
WJ: Grand Cherokee 99-04 (Gen2)
YJ: Wrangler 87-95 (Gen1)
TJ: Wrangler 97-06 (Gen2)

[Cheromaniac]

Engine does come complete with intake and exhaust manifolds, oil pan and valve cover, and whatever else is still bolted to it.

Is this engine a good starting point as described?

As long as the block itself is undamaged apart from needing a cylinder overbore, the answer is yes. The only non-stock internal engine components you're going to need are the 258 crank and IC944 pistons. Everything else like bearings, oil pump, timing set (not necessary if existing chain has less than 1/2" deflection), pushrods, gaskets/seals will be stock replacements. Other remaining parts can be cleaned and reused with the end result being a modified "poor man's" stroker.

[SilverXJ]

That block will work for you

[Otto Man]

Sounds like I found my starter 4.0 block. I start my 258 hunt this weekend. Thanks for the replies.