95 Cam in a 2000 Block

[datmony]

I am building a new stroker but using a ton of the parts from the Golen built stroker that I already had since they were in really good condition. I am just starting the process of putting everything together as I just got the block back from the machine shop and got everything painted. Here is what I ran into.

Installed the cam from the 95 motor that I already had, everything went in just fine but I noticed that the cam from the 95 protrudes from the block and that you can't actually install the retaining ring from the 2000 engine with it. I then started taking a closer look at the differences. I noticed that the cam coming out of the 2000 block actually sits flush allowing the retaining ring to be used but then noticed that the 95 block does not have that provision at all. This leads me to a few questions I am hoping you all can help me sort through and provide recommendations:

1. In 95, is the cam primarily held in place with the distributor or is there another means that I am forgetting since it has been ages since I pulled the 95 motor apart?
2. Can I continue to use the 95 cam and just not use the retaining ring or should I do something else?
3. Is there value in buying a 2000 style cam to run that retaining ring? I am ok with buying a new cam if there is value in doing so.
4. If I was to go with a newer style cam, which should I be buying? I would like this motor to be good offroad but also very streetable since this will be a multi use CJ only running 33s.
5. If I go with a newer style cam, can I use the older style timing gears and chain or do those need to change as well. Initial look was that they would need to be changed.

If there are other key questions I should be asking myself please let me know as well. Many thanks for all of the help!!!

[Cheromaniac]

I am building a new stroker but using a ton of the parts from the Golen built stroker that I already had since they were in really good condition. I am just starting the process of putting everything together as I just got the block back from the machine shop and got everything painted. Here is what I ran into.

Installed the cam from the 95 motor that I already had, everything went in just fine but I noticed that the cam from the 95 protrudes from the block and that you can't actually install the retaining ring from the 2000 engine with it. I then started taking a closer look at the differences. I noticed that the cam coming out of the 2000 block actually sits flush allowing the retaining ring to be used but then noticed that the 95 block does not have that provision at all. This leads me to a few questions I am hoping you all can help me sort through and provide recommendations:

1. In 95, is the cam primarily held in place with the distributor or is there another means that I am forgetting since it has been ages since I pulled the 95 motor apart? The bolt that holds the sprocket on the '95 cam has a recess for a spring with a pin that rides against the inside of the timing cover.
2. Can I continue to use the 95 cam and just not use the retaining ring or should I do something else? Yes, and the answer is to use the early-style recessed bolt with spring & pin.
3. Is there value in buying a 2000 style cam to run that retaining ring? I am ok with buying a new cam if there is value in doing so. Not really unless you have extra money burning a hole in your pocket.
4. If I was to go with a newer style cam, which should I be buying? I would like this motor to be good offroad but also very streetable since this will be a multi use CJ only running 33s. A '96-'98 OEM cam would do fine.
5. If I go with a newer style cam, can I use the older style timing gears and chain or do those need to change as well. Initial look was that they would need to be changed. You can use the '94-'98 OEM timing set or go aftermarket e.g. Cloyes dual roller.

I have my original '92 cam in the '00 block that I used for my stroker so it does work.