Best years for XJ

[ARokCrwlr]

I'm thinking about buying a XJ for my son to wheel, tinker with, etc. I'm more of a Ford guy, but I know that i have seen several capable XJ's on the trail, so I'm willing to give one a try. Is there a particular year that is more desireable than others? Anything in particular to watch out for?

TIA,

[bigredjeep1]

Depending on your budget....get a 91'+ with the 4.0L/AW4 4 speed auto trans/231 t-case/rear 8.25 axle This is the best factory setup. The year breaks for the XJs are 84-96' & 97-01'. So I'd suggest a 91-95' 4.0L that had OBD1, you can get body parts for it from 84-96', the 96'+ was OBD2 and harder to modify and you need a OEM cat if you need a replacement and that is twice as expensive as the OBD1 aftermarket cat compliant.
The 91'+ 4.0L was High Output and had 190 hp compared to 177 hp in the Renix 4.0L from 87-90'. Stay away from the 5 speed manual trans prior to 91' as this was the weak and expensive to fix Peagot French tranny. Also stay clear of the 84-86' XJs as they had weak drivetrains, don't let their cheap price fool you. Unless you plan on a complete engine/tranny/t-case etc swap, pass them up.

You can find a dana 44 rear axle mostly in the 87' XJs with the tow package etc, but this is no guarantee, you have to look for it. They appeared mostly in 87' but also in 88 and 89' year models sparatically. The 242 Select Trac t-case is very nice for dd/wheeler as you get 4 high full time/4 high part time/4 low/2wheel compared to just 4 high part time/4 low/2 wheel The 242 can be run in 4 full time high all the time if you want and it will not hurt the t-case. The 4 part time is not meant to be run on pavement for any length of time. Also 4 full time is more reactive and on call, and not as intrusive as 4 part time, it's there when you need it, you can still make a tight turn and not get all bound up. I hope this helps. Check on NAXJA.org for more XJ questions (North American XJ Assoc).
Troy

[ARokCrwlr]

Thanks for the info - it helps a lot. I was looking at an '01 with 68k on it (for $8k - is that a good price?), but maybe I'll keep looking for a 91-95 model.

One other question - is there a wheelbase difference between the 2 door and 4 door models?

Thanks again.

[Geesh]

My '99 had 29spline shafts on the Chrysler rear 8.25 (versus older 27 spline units) and a high pinon D30. It made a lot of horsepower too; I believe '99 was the change to more power. I'd vote for the newer flavors; better interiors. But keep in mind there are gremlins, like the power supply to the guages going out, etc. good luck

[grin]

Most of the above is correct, although OBDII is nothing to be scared of (I have a 99 with a 4.6L stroker, and the computor adjusted just fine). If you are going to leave it stock, stay '99 or newer, as the D30 front end went low pinion in mid '00 (like TJ's), and the high pinion version is significantly stronger. No wheelbase difference between a 2 door and 4 door, AFAIK, and that looks like an OK price for an '01... I think a 96-99 is ideal (agian if you are leaving the drivetrain stock), as the rear 8.25 will have 29 spline axles (avoid ABS models with the D35), both the automatic (AW4) and the 5-speed(AX-15) are up to task for wheeling, and the front end is high pinoin... just my .02

[ARokCrwlr]

This is great info...

I doubt it will stay stock for long. I'm sure the son will want to try to keep up with dad :-) I foresee lift, tires, gears, lockers, etc... in the near future.

[XJ_ranger]

One other question - is there a wheelbase difference between the 2 door and 4 door models?

Thanks again.


no wheel base difference

though the 2 doors are easier to trim in the rear, because there isnt an entry way for a passenger there...

[Capt. Nemo]

The two doors are easier to trim in the rear, but the four doors are more abundant for parts. It's a heck of a lot easier to load also.

If you have a junkyard close by, take a look at what years are in the yard. I have an '88 XJ and a '00. I've never seen a newer body style XJ at the local PnP's. There are so many older body style XJ's that it's almost ridiculous. It makes it really easy to get trail spares and extra expendables (I've broken 3 tail lights). The HO motors are more desireable, but I have no complaints with my non-HO. Stay away from the full-time (np242) t-cases, as there is less aftermarket support for them and they are generally regarded as weaker than the part-time (np231) cases. Post up as you have more specific questions. I've owned three different XJ's over the years, and they do very well on the trail - not to mention they can carry alot and travel well as a daily driver.

I'll have a very well built XJ 44 rear-end for sale in about two weeks if you're interested. PM me for more details. :grinpimp:

[geberhard]

good deal on the 01, I would definitely re commend that. If older, I would recommend 91 and up. 93 where very good as well. The 01 has the best stock XJ setup, and has som nice trims offered in the end. The rear axle, tranny and engine are up to par and will hold up to 35's in most cases :)

Install a long arm kit, regear, lock and 35's and you are good to play :)

Gui

[Jay5.9L]

The 97-01 had the nice interior and slight exterior update. Plus the later years got the 4.0L that was quieter (more ribs for strenght on the block) and coil over ignition. But on the flip side the wheel openings were a tad smaller.

[Cutch]

stay '99 or newer, as the D30 front end went low pinion in mid '00 (like TJ's), and the high pinion version is significantly stronger.

Unless you are going backwards :flipoff2:
But I would go with the HP Dana 30.

[tntcherokee]

The 96 and up Dana 30 HP's had the stronger 297x u joint. So I would say stick with the 96-99. But I agree that it is much easier to find older style xj parts. So I would say get a 96.:D

[bheit4x4]

definiatly get the ho 4.0 and i would do a 4 door easyer to put freinds in the back. I would also get non power windows and locks will make it alot easyer to pull the doors off and put them back on. it will happen sooner or later.

[84kludge]

My '99 had 29spline shafts on the Chrysler rear 8.25 (versus older 27 spline units) and a high pinon D30. It made a lot of horsepower too; I believe '99 was the change to more power. I'd vote for the newer flavors; better interiors. But keep in mind there are gremlins, like the power supply to the guages going out, etc. good luck

Correct.

The 99 has the new intake (good for about 10-15 HP, but is offset by the OBDII losses IIRC), and is the last year for the HP D30, mine also has a Chrysler 8.25.

AVOID the Dana 35!!!!!!! or plan on swapping in a Ford 8.8.

[Angler1979]

:usa: definiatly get the ho 4.0 and i would do a 4 door easyer to put freinds in the back. I would also get non power windows and locks will make it alot easyer to pull the doors off and put them back on. it will happen sooner or later.