Pilot bearing problems

okay so i am swapping in a 1996 4.0 engine that had an auto tranny behind it (no pilot bearing) in to my 1991 cherokee that has an ax-15 manual. i bought a pilot bearing from napa for a 1991 cherokee with the 4.0 and it fits right on the tailshaft on the transmission but seems like the OD of the bearing is way too big to fit in the crank i cant seem to get it even started in the crank. any ideas of what my problem is? PLEASE HELP!!!!! :flamemad:

no one? i need help!

I had the same problem. I swapped a 96 auto motor into A 87 manual cherokee. We had to mill down the OD of the bearing so it would fit. This was accomplished with a drill and sandpaper, took awhile but it worked great for 90k and still functioning!!

I know there are adaptor bearings as this is a common issue.

I think you need the pilot bearing from a newer manual equipped XJ. Not sure though as I run an auto.