ZJ engine swap to XJ; accessories?

SouthSeaPirate

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Florida
Looking at swapping a 98 ZJ engine into my XJ.
Aside from exaust issues, will the accessories work?
I really like the idea of having a belt tensioner instead of loosinging all powersteering pump bolts.
Are they the same parts; pumps, AC, alt etc?
Also, i do have an elec fan from a volvo i plan to put in in place of the clutch fan issue.

Thoughts? Tips? Issues?
 
You mean swap out another 4.0? (You may have the year and engine listed, that stuff does not show up on the phone app,)
Plenty have adapted the accessories newer style to work on the older XJ

But if it's a 4.0 we are talking about you'd need to double check the block will work, I think 1999 they changed the block for the GC, so I think you are ok. But stay tuned I'm sure somebody who has better knowledge of the interchanges will let us know for sure.

The nice thing about the 4.0 is it is so versatile, most of the blocks interchange for 80% of the years and applications.

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All XJ and ZJ blocks swap. My concern is the accessories. Namely belt tensioner ;)

XJ is 01 with cyl 2 galled.
Replacement engine is ZJ 98.

I already know of the coil over plug, distro, exhaust, etc.
 
The 99+ are different as far as I know. The engine Im looking at is 98 ;)

I havent found a single remark about the accessories. Been reading threads all day today and nothing :(
 
I know I've see write ups on this. I'll do a search. As in remember it was older XJ changing to newer style to have easier belt adjustment .


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According to that article, power steering pumps are the same. Also, the PS pump is the only thing on the intake. The AC bracket looks to be same location too.
With the Volvo fan mod, this might be possible :D
 
No, and maybe yes on the accessory swap. If you're keeping the mechanical fan on the XJ then you'll need to swap over the accessory mounts, and water pump for the XJ (Remember it reverse rotation XJ specific due to the off set mount of the mechanical fan?). However if you're swapping out the mech fan for an electric I'd think use the accessory mount, and water pump off the ZJ as long as there isn't any clearance issues. You might only need to modify the water pump mounted mech fan mount to make things fit. FWIW If the ZJ stuff clears I'd look into the early TJ accessory mount. You'll need custom A/C lines (or the TJ might even work) if you still have A/C, and wanna keep it, but it'll get the alternator up off the bottom.
 
No, and maybe yes on the accessory swap. If you're keeping the mechanical fan on the XJ then you'll need to swap over the accessory mounts, and water pump for the XJ (Remember it reverse rotation XJ specific due to the off set mount of the mechanical fan?). However if you're swapping out the mech fan for an electric I'd think use the accessory mount, and water pump off the ZJ as long as there isn't any clearance issues. You might only need to modify the water pump mounted mech fan mount to make things fit. FWIW If the ZJ stuff clears I'd look into the early TJ accessory mount. You'll need custom A/C lines (or the TJ might even work) if you still have A/C, and wanna keep it, but it'll get the alternator up off the bottom.

No mechanical fan is the plan. Deff worried about clearance as I still dont know how the ZJ fan is mounted.
What do you mean reverse rotation? The water pump blade goes opposite direction? If so, does that affect other accessories?
AC is kickass and insanely necessary.
Why would I look into TJ acc mount?

I shouldve said the 98 ZJ block is rather a complete engine.
 
If you want ac use the bracket off the xj. I figured this out the hard way when I was swapping in a 98 Frankenstein stroker motor I built. The one to leave was in the xj to start(01) and I got arround to putting the coil on and realized the new ac compressor bracket is spaces for the coil. Easy lesson made hard. Now I have a 215 hp 230ft/lb 4.6L monster. It's a highway machine with the stock gears. Just my experience.


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Aha never would have thought of that!
Ive already been considering the Caravan coil pack mod tho.
I believe that would elevate that issue, although, if i ever wanted to go back...
 
Ok, so I picked up the 98. Now Im worried.

The oil filter is at an angle on both XJ's. Not so on the ZJ block.
Also, the oil filter location if a bit further back than on the XJ and theres no tap for the oil pressure sensor...
 
So looks like I accidentally got the 'feature' of not having to use the oil filter adapter.
Apparently only found on 98 ZJ blocks, and of course WJ and newer blocks, but those need modifications to fit an XJ.
Has the mounting holes of the XJ/ZJ, but moved oil filter location that of the WJ.
Going to be nice not having to worry about those leaky areas :D
 
Just change the accessories.
While the motor is out I recommend changing the front and rear main seals (much easier on a stand than in the xj) and you will need to change the water pump anyhow.
 
Might as well do the oil pump although you might not need to.

The easiest way to pull the motor is probably to remove the header and radiator core.

Interesting info about the oil filter set up on the 98 zj.


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Might as well do the oil pump although you might not need to.

The easiest way to pull the motor is probably to remove the header and radiator core.

Interesting info about the oil filter set up on the 98 zj.


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Is there a better pump out there? Ill spend money where it counts :greensmok
 
Well I just meant in general with all you are doing...but you can get a high volume, although some engine builds recommend against it. One motor I just built they don't recommend high volume with the parts we used.

OEM is pretty good, 10-15 psi at idle, some car are barely 5. I don't know if the 4.0 benefits from the upgraded pump,


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