Tech Feature: Jeep TJ Cylinder Block Casting Information – UnderhoodService

Tech Feature: Jeep TJ Cylinder Block Casting Information

It was considered one of the best off-road engines ever made. The extreme low-end torque is ideal for trailing and rock crawling, but "no mas" for the 4.0L Jeep. 2006 was the end of U.S. application production.

o the center of the bearing register. Two additional bolt bosses added to block where fuel pump would sit (lower right front) for coil mount.

1996-1998
C/N 3010341, 53010449

Cast iron block, left side has five 2" cast plugs. Second bolt from pan rail on right side of timing cover is a through hole, coil mount bosses lower right front. Basically it is the same as the 1991-’95 blocks except for dowel pins in the deck for head and block alignment. Oil filter mounting on left side of block is pointing downward. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness" reductions (no visible differences).

1998
C/N 53020514, 53020515

Cast iron block, oil filter mounting surface is 90° to pan rail of engine instead of pointing downward. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Has 1/8˝ pipe thread oil tap into main oil line in rear of block. Will retro back with filter kit available from Daimler-Chrysler. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness." Grand Cherokee application.

1999-2006
C/N 53010327AB, 53010328AB

Cast iron block, oil filter mounting surface is 90° to pan rail of engine instead of pointing downward. All kinds of configuration and boss changes with long mounting boss protruding off the lower left of block. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Camshaft thrust plate block. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness." No coil pack mount bosses, now mounted on cylinder head.

1999-2001
C/N 53010449AA

Cast iron block, second bolt from pan rail on right side of timing cover is a through hole. Oil filter mounting on left side of block is pointing downward. Uses long main bolts and stud girdle. Basically the same as 1996-1998 except that it is a camshaft thrust plate block. Has "NVH" on side to denote block strengthened for "noise, vibration and harshness."

Article courtesy of ENGINE BUILDER magazine.

You May Also Like

Solving Intermittent Overheating

New cooling systems anticipate and influence changes in coolant temperature.

If a vehicle is overheating, the diagnostic process has become more complicated in modern cooling systems. Part of the reason is cooling systems have become more integrated with the engine management and emissions reduction systems. Old cooling systems reacted to heat generated by the engine. New systems anticipate and influence changes in coolant temperature. 

How (And Why!) To Clean An Engine

Beauty is more than skin deep. Here are 11 steps to help clean any car’s engine compartment.

Spark Plug Fouling

Understanding why spark plugs get dirty.

Aging Plastic Intake Components May Cause Leaks

BMW valve covers and intake manifolds made of plastic are susceptible to warpage and gasket failure.

Diagnosing Intercooler Boost Trouble Code P0299

The criteria for setting the code is very basic.

Other Posts

Understanding Coolants

All-season coolant used inorganic acid technology and worked great for almost 30 years.

Misfire Codes P0300, P0301-P0312 and P0313+P0314

The only way to clear the code is to use a crankshaft position relearn with a scan tool.

Belt-In-Oil Timing Systems

Oil contamination of the belt drive has been a death sentence, due to the rubber and fiber construction of the belt.

What Caused The Turbo To fail?

Up to 50% of turbocharger failures are due to oiling problems.