NickTheTrick

I recently wrecked my awesome 2000 Sport via minivan. I had a 3" Rough Country lift, 31's and some other stuff.
I had to put a new head on my 2000 about a year ago, and only put about three thousand miles on it before the Jeep got smacked.
I have recently bought a 1997 Cherokee Country in need of a head.
It was owned by a little old lady, and the body and interior are in perfect shape.
Could I put the head from my 2000 on this '97? I know they have different casting numbers, but what's the difference?
Thank You

Fred/N0AZZ

I would not do so as many people that need a head or complete engine for a 00/01 model just on here alone is a good reason to sell it and buy a new head for the 97. If you sold the complete engine you may have enough for a rebuild on your engine as well.

Firestorm500

If the 2000 engine is overall better/less miles than the '97's, swap the whole long block over.

This is assuming there is no insurance company or settlement involved. If the other driver was at fault and had insurance, you might negotiate to swap your wheels and tires between the '00 and '97. That's about it.

jpz

What head did you put on the 2000 when you swapped it out? Another 0331? Or a better quality head? That would be the question I would ask myself before making the change.

CR-Snow

I believe you'd need another computer and wiring harness and all that mess.

If you're insurance lets you, I'd buy the 00 back and sell the whole drivetrain. Maybe the axles if you had an 8.25. Could probably rebuild the 97 with that cash.

Apparently the best setup with all OEM stuff is 0669 head with 00+(?) intake manifold. It flows a bit better if IRC.

Firestorm500

No, you just use the long block from the '00 and use all the peripherals from the '97.

Edit: Unless the '00 block has no prevision to install a distributor.

CR-Snow

I think that's the issue.

NickTheTrick

I put another 0331 head on the 2000. But the company that manufactured it used a noticeably thicker casting.

NickTheTrick

I think I may keep the 2000 and possibly fix it if possible. It got hit right at the passenger rear tire and smashed the door jam in and shoved the rear over a couple of inches.
For now, my best bet would be to buy the '97 and put a new head on it.

Jeep Driver

The engine in the 2000 run well? correct?

Sell it as a complete runner for $800........leave it in the XJ so the buyer can hear it run.

Sell whatever good body parts......seats........trans........axles.......e tc........


You'll easily get $1200 or more.

Sell the carcass.........scrap........$150++



Now, take your proceeds and buy a new head for the 97........and related.........oil, gaskets........etc.......

You'll be $800 ahead.



I won't send you a bill for this advise.........saving you even more.

DFlintstone

You sure the 97 needs a new head? That 0630 has a pretty good reputation.

NickTheTrick

I am not positive, but I know the old lady cooked it, so I will get it tested.

Firestorm500

I had two bad 0630s before I finally found a good one. Cost me a lot of money and time.

Any head can go bad. I'm beginning to think an inline six has more problems with the head than a V-8 or V-6 does. Maybe due to its length. Leverage principal.

DFlintstone

You might just need a gasket. No argument with F-Storm that a longer head might be more prone to cracking and warping. In my personal experience both my 4.0's are fine, and my 4 banger 2.5 head is what cracked. The replacement was warped a bit out of spec, but bolted it up with a new gasket and it's been fine.

I have two 2686...one Is over 280k, the other I can't say much of it's history, but over 200K on the odometer and it passed CA smog easily. Anyway I like to post this link of specks now and then> http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/tech_specs.html



Two minute Head Gasket test.
A quick head gasket check. Preferably with it warmed up; remove the radiator cap, fill it to the brim, and power-brake it with the cap off. Do please be careful. In drive, pressing on the gas, of course something could go really wrong. Your foot is firm on the brake, and no-one is in front of the Jeep! Give it medium throttle and watch the coolant at the filler. If the head gasket is really shot it will bubble, or even geyser out the filler as combustion gasses shoot past the gasket into the water jacket. This won't tell you it's OK, but it can be pretty clear if its bad. Sometimes some surging is normal. If it just comes up a little or spills a little you may still be OK.

NickTheTrick

The issue being due to length is probable a correct assumption. And I am going to try this two minute tows tomorrow.