OT-Used engine install q's

I guess this could apply to tractors, but not my point...

I have my faithful 01 Cherokee Sport 4.0. Its been my daily driver/work vehicle since 31k miles. Now has 294k on it. It sees about 35k miles a year in driving.
Anyways, wrist pin been knocking for over 100k miles. Finally got real bad couple months ago and I parked it - still runs, no "window" into the block.

So... rebuilding is not an option for me due to work and schedules. Just don't have that type of time these days and way too many other projects need weather dependent attention. Getting ready to get an 01 Cherokee Sport 4.0 engine from salvage with 88k miles on it. (I can swap quicker than rebuild).

My question - what items should I look into replacing/reworking on that used engine before I set it in there? My short list:

Water pump (replaced that on current engine)
Oil filter gasket (replaced that on current engine)
Oil pump
Possibly rear main seal? (current engine leaks)
Obviously anything that looks questionable or shows signs of leaks

I'm looking for input on items that tend to go or need work. I have rarely ever had issue with much on mine.

I'm planning to pressure wash/clean the engine compartment and engine, new belt, hoses, motor mounts, etc. I plan to get any new parts from NAPA or other recommendations on good quality parts - don't like to do it twice. Been there enough times on tractors with aftermarket/bad tolerance items.

Thanks for your patience in this long post. I also found a Jeep forum to post this, but knew you all would be helpful.

Tony

Tune-up

I'd definitely do the water pump just because they're cheap and it's so much easier to do it right while you've got the engine out.

I've heard of the oil pumps being a known problem in some jeeps of that era - but can't say for sure if it's a problem in THAT engine.

Definitely follow up with that one on the jeep board. All I can say is I've got a 96 and haven't had a problem with mine yet.

Also ask around about the head on that engine. I seem to recall heads cracking from over heating - not sure of the year though, but know it was around that year.

Otherwise, from what I know of them, they're pretty bullet proof engines.

For parts - I have an advance auto close by - but got so tired of them I started using NAPA - better, but found they tended to be over priced in many cases. Always flipflopped between the two.

Recently started using CarQuest - and have been very impressed with them so far (though still limited experience). I'll continue using them exclusively until they give me a reason not to.

If you've got one near you it'd be worth checking them out.

I have 2001 jeep cherokee and 1996 jeep cherokee
I replaced 2001 with low time engine out of a wreck jeep there are alot around and cheaper than a new overhaul they usely get worn out around 280000 to 300000 miles - easy to replace.

When you do the water pump I'd pull the timing chain cover and check it out too. It shouldn't need anything at only 88K but you never know when you are dealing with a 12 year old engine of unknown origins. If nothing else replacing the gasket might save you an oil leak a month down the road. I would definately replace the rear main seal while you have it out.

We swapped out the 4.0 in the wife's Ford Explorer Sport Trac a few months ago. Had 269,000 miles on it,bought an engine with 119,000 for $700. I knew the week spot on those was the timing chain and guides,so I pulled the tappet covers and checked those. Other than that,I used the water pump from the old one since I knew it was fairly new. I put a new starter on it and changed the oil. That was about it.

If it has a warranty, be sure to discuss this with the seller. My Dad was in the salvage business for 30 years and I worked with him a lot. For sure we didn't want a customer going too deep into an engine before installing and testing. Messing with the oil pump, bearings etc could void your warranty.

Wrist pins.

Like a couple other guys said, those are pretty bullet proof up to 300k. Y

I agree with changing the water pump and the oil filter gasket. I'd change the valve cover gasket. I'd check the exhaust manifold, they tend to crack. I'd replace the alternator because I had to change mine on the car parts store parking lot one Sunday morning in Des Moines with borrowed tools. I'd also replace the starter because it would be easier now than later.

swap it out n drive it for another 250k! still aint got my 99 wj done yet, but im soo looking forward to it. made my 4.0 a 5.1L should have a tad more giddy up. lol!