Buying XJ in the next few months.

[Knudsonm3]

Should I be selective on any certain year?

I know that with some cars, there are years that one wouldnt like at ALL. :twak:
Anything I should be aware of that isnt in teh FAQ's ect ect?

I am not looking for a rock crawler or anything. I want this for my DD. I will also be 4x4ing lightly it as well.

I dont want bone stock. I want something with a good maintainance history ect ect.

TIA gents.

[TORX]

I know that with some cars, there are years that one wouldnt like at ALL.


That would be 84-86 with the XJ.

[Knudsonm3]

That would be 84-86 with the XJ.
:cheers:

[2xtreme]

It sounds like you have done some searching, so none of this is probably new to you, but here are a few basics.

Basically anything with the 4.0 I-6 is a good platform.
You don't want the Peougot 5 speed (The AT or other Stick are good).
Either 242 or 231 TC are both good but they each have adv/disadv of their own that you should be aware of.

Outside of the above, I wouldn't worry about anything else.
Michael

[AIbandit]

87-90 had a D44 option
91+ HO engine is good for a few ponies over the renix (87-90)

[88xjlover]

If you are going to spend some cash for a DD/mild wheeler, go for a newer year like 97 up. Lot's of nice options and OBD2 makes troubleshooting easier. You'll also have upgraded front u joints and Chrysler 8.25 in rear which is a better option than the dana 35.
How much you are going to spend will help make your decision for you.

[Knudsonm3]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I was wanting a 97 plus as a buddy of mine had one and it was a good car.

I will be spending roughly 4 grand. But you know it goes, it started at 1 grand, went to 2, then 2.5, then 3.5 now its 4 haha.


Edit: these are known to be dependable, yes?

DIYing isnt a problem for me either.

[RedJeep2.0]

So the best years to get are 97 and up?

Cuz my girlfriend is looking at getting a jeep.
She wants a 2 door auto.

I don't want Her's to have problems like mine 10mpg, bad oil blow by, and rust...

[AIbandit]

"best year" is situationaly dependent

[2xtreme]

So the best years to get are 97 and up?

I don't want Her's to have problems like mine 10mpg, bad oil blow by, and rust...

I don't think you can make a statement like that. The newer body style does have a few more "luxeries" that may be of value to a DD/WW type rig, but the "Basic" drivetrain are basically the same. Each year and option package has it's own advantages and disadvantages.

10mpg, blow by and rust have nothing to do with the year and everything to do with the one you purchased. The first two are easily fixable, the 3rd may or may not be.

Michael

[Knudsonm3]

obd2 rules imo

[Knudsonm3]

whats gearing is good for DD use and wheelin?

[AIbandit]

obd2 rules imo

There's nothing OBD2 scanner can tell you that a multimeter can't.
But there's plenty the scanner can't do :D

[Knudsonm3]

its not so much that a scanner can tell me whats going on.

And obd2 will imo, be a better running motor. And can easily mod the ECU.

theres other things as well that I personally like better. But to each his own:)

[tjs88xj]

3.55's were pretty much the normal gearing on the 4.0/aw4 combo. I was running 32's and just went back to 31's with mine still stock gearing. Cant complain too much, still has get up and go. Gas milage suffers slightly. I'd say depending on your tire size, 3.55 (stock) would be the gearing to go with.

[squidd]

Aren't some of the 99+ years prone to cracked heads?

[WaXJ_Skier]

whats gearing is good for DD use and wheelin?

I got twenty loaded down with a mountain pass at last years NWfest using 4.88 and 33s.

[Knudsonm3]

Aren't some of the 99+ years prone to cracked heads?

erm, really?

[Ba-Riedo]

The 00-01 have the head issues to the best of my knowledge as well as a LP30 front end.

-Alex

[squidd]

95+ you get the dual diaphram master cylinder. Older than 96 and you don't have to deal with OBDII. (I'd rather not) Anything with a 8.25 or D44 in the back.

[fubar XJ]

IIRC, the 4.0L was Renix from '87-'90, OBDI from '91-'95, OBDII from '96-'01. The Chrysler 8.25" was pretty common from '96-'01, with the last few years having 29 spline shafts as opposed to 27 spline shafts in the early ones. The D44 is listed as the factory tow package axle from '87-'89, but I've only seen them in '87s. The tow package axle for '90-'95 was the 27 spline 8.25" I believe, at least that's what's in my son's '92 with the factory hitch.


As usual, there are variables with most of this, depending on what Jeep had on hand during a particular phase of the production run. There are some D44s out there for sale, they tend to be expensive and few and far between at times. The 29 spline 8.25" is common and a great bolt-in swap. The Ford 8.8" from mid '90s Explorers is also a great swap, requiring new spring perches and shock mounts, but it's a little narrower. I've heard some guys run 1" wheel spacers on them to compensate for that.

Concensus seems to be '91-'94 and '98-'99 are the best of the bunch for a base package to build up. As far as gearing goes, many people run stock (3.55" in an auto) gears up to 31"-32" tires, 4.56" for 33"s, 4.88" for 35"s.

[WaXJ_Skier]

erm, really?

You should be ok with a 00-01 now from what I understand most of the ones that cracked, had the issue withing the first 40K, my dad has one @ 150K right now the only issue he had was a bad oil pump.

[Knudsonm3]

You should be ok with a 00-01 now from what I understand most of the ones that cracked, had the issue withing the first 40K, my dad has one @ 150K right now the only issue he had was a bad oil pump.
ill stay away IF possible :)

[Knudsonm3]

when i start really looking ill be making a new thread....thanks for all the input guys.

I look forward to hittin teh rails wiv yea :D