what makes the 99' xj better than the 97-98 xj's

[Jeep nasty]

What makes the 99' XJ better than 97-98 xj's

i'm still on my quest to get a great deal on a newer style XJ and from other forums and others info i'm told that 99 was one of the best years, i'm just curious as to what upgrades were made to the 99's that make them superior to the 97-98's i.e. drivetrain upgrades, fixes or additional features.

also is the a website where i can find out all the options availibles for the different years of XJ's so i know what to look for when shopping the used maket. somthing that states all the stats on the xj's.

or does anyone know how to decode the VIN for 97-99 cherokee because i'll ask the owners for it before i go to see it so i know exactaly what is in it and so i'm not going off the owners guess for those that dont know about the differences in there vehicles.
thanks for any help :)

[M. Lake]

VIN decoder (http://jeep.avtograd.ru/VIN/vin_en.asp)

'84-'86 didn't come with the 4.0 at all, engine bay needs mods to use a 4.0

'87-'90 had the option of the 2.5-4banger, 2.8 v6 and 4.0 NON-HO, AW-4 for the 4.0 had different input gear, and is stronger then the other ones used on weaker blocks

'91 is start year for the HO motor

'94 is last year made with out the air bag

'95 is the last year the 7120 heads were used, better flow exhaust ports

'96 switched to the OBDII, new head, intank FPR and single fuel line (no return), went from 39# FPR to an adjustable 49# FPR, longer output shaft on the x-case and requires a short shaft SYE kit to lift above stock, girdle on main caps interduce or maybe in '97

'99 changed the intake manifold, but the 4.0 block on the '99 up GC has the longer runners, and have to remove stock ABS to use in an XJ.

'01 last year of XJ.

If I missed anything, sorry.

[john swann]

I believe 98 was last year for distributor. 99 and up has individual coils on the plugs

[Jeep nasty]

great info, thanks for the VIN decoder.
heres another question; Are the 4.0 in the XJ's the same motor that are in the tj. I only ask because i have a spare 4.0 engine out of a 97 TJ with only 3500 mi. on it and was wondering if i could use it for the XJ also as long as it was being put in a later style xj with the same setup ie distributor style engine.

thanks again, i really appriciate the help.

[Grizzley]

Take a look about 1/2 way down this page. The specs for the 4.0's used in different Jeeps are listed. Seems that the SWB's got a detuned one or something.

http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/index.html

grizzley

[TOZOVR]

I believe 98 was last year for distributor. 99 and up has individual coils on the plugs


Nope 2000 was the Coil on plug...

My '99 has regular plugs and wires.

[dogtired]

Nope 2000 was the Coil on plug...

My '99 has regular plugs and wires.

I thought so too, mine is a 2000 Sport 4.0L, no distributor or wires

[Jeep nasty]

anyone have some opinions on the benifits of a distributorless enging
besides not having to waterproof the distributor.

also anyone have so tip on waterproofing the distributor


BTW: TOZOVR i never had a chance to really thank you for the RE lift on my TJ after i picked it up from you, i'm sure kruger has shown you some pics since i had gotten it on though. so thanks for the help getting the kit.

[dogtired]

anyone have some opinions on the benifits of a distributorless enging
besides not having to waterproof the distributor.

also anyone have so tip on waterproofing the distributor


BTW: TOZOVR i never had a chance to really thank you for the RE lift on my TJ after i picked it up from you, i'm sure kruger has shown you some pics since i had gotten it on though. so thanks for the help getting the kit.

I heard you get the full spark from the coils from being in contact directly to the plugs, so no middleman via spark plug wires to rob you of power, and you save money and time not to worry about replacing wires

[XJ Saga]

I heard you get the full spark from the coils from being in contact directly to the plugs, so no middleman via spark plug wires to rob you of power, and you save money and time not to worry about replacing wires

The newer ignition coil also fires the spark plug twice vs. the older set up, during a normal intake/exhaust stroke. Timeline wise, starting in late 99, some XJ's were coming from the factory with the newer ignition and then obviously all 00-01's had it. Pretty robust set up, once again the Jeep engineers knew what they were doing. No recalls/problems to date with the newer style. I like it. :us:

[TOZOVR]

No worries man!! Sorry to hear about the Disco though!!!

Really wishing you still had those 33" TSL's for sale now!!!!!


RJ


anyone have some opinions on the benifits of a distributorless enging
besides not having to waterproof the distributor.

also anyone have so tip on waterproofing the distributor


BTW: TOZOVR i never had a chance to really thank you for the RE lift on my TJ after i picked it up from you, i'm sure kruger has shown you some pics since i had gotten it on though. so thanks for the help getting the kit.

[dogtired]

The newer ignition coil also fires the spark plug twice vs. the older set up, during a normal intake/exhaust stroke. Timeline wise, starting in late 99, some XJ's were coming from the factory with the newer ignition and then obviously all 00-01's had it. Pretty robust set up, once again the Jeep engineers knew what they were doing. No recalls/problems to date with the newer style. I like it. :us:


didn't know that they fired it twice, i guess thay burn a bit more efficient as well as increase hp's :laugh3:

[TOZOVR]

didn't know that they fired it twice, i guess thay burn a bit more efficient as well as increase hp's :laugh3:


Same HP as far as I know....

[dogtired]

Same HP as far as I know....

oh... do they fire the spark in the exhaust stroke to get at the remaining gas that would be otherwise wasted?

what year is yers? :)

[TOZOVR]

oh... do they fire the spark in the exhaust stroke to get at the remaining gas that would be otherwise wasted?

what year is yers? :)

Mine is a '99...

[Jeep nasty]

No worries man!! Sorry to hear about the Disco though!!!

Really wishing you still had those 33" TSL's for sale now!!!!!


RJ

Funny thing about the disco is i had only made 1 payment on before totaling it, so it ended up being the nicest and cheapest "rental" car ive ever had. ( 2months in a 98 Landrover discovery for only 400 bucks)

looking back int retrospect, i think it was best that it happened, i think i may have been a lemon. With in the first week o f buyiung it form bournival i had several problems like the o2 sensor blowing on the drive home from the dealership. and bournival wasnt going to pay for it. The sevrice guy siad "the manager said he'd split part and labor with you 50/50, but if you try to push it and ask for more he pay for any of it." So after that was said i was like Hell no i'm definitly talkign to him now, don't try to scare me out of going after what you guys should be paying for anyway.

well anyway they paid for it but several problems went wrong in 3 days of buying it so i learned a couple lessons, don't deal with bournival, and land rover parts are freaking expensive.( almost $500 dollars for an o2 sensor)

[john swann]

Hmmm, couldn't remember for sure TOZOVR, whether it was a 99 I almost bought in 2000 or a 2000 I almost bought in 01. At any rate, I have driven both the distributor and the coil on plug setup. Coil on plug seems to have a smoother power delivery through the r's n gears.

[sidriptide]

all i can add to the original post.... remember him?? although the XJ wasn't toatally new vehicle in 97, there were several completely redesigned systems... as a rule-of-thumb i avoid the first 2 model years of anything after a design change of any kind.... it gives them 2 years to work out the squeeks and bugs of new systems... and as stated there were some significant changes in 2000... another one i know of was the transmision mount for the 2000 and newer is offset to one side by a full inch for some reason.. i learned this when helping a friend install an ORGS cross member/skid plate... his t/case shifter was bound up and would not give him any 4WD.... a swap to a 99 trany mount which is centered (rather than offest) cured the problem... they sure spent a bit of $$ on the XJ just to kill it in the US... i'd love to just get a close lok at one of those ones on the ASIAN market....
mike

and to correct the info given earlier.... 1986 was the LAST year for the V6 engine... 1987 was available with only the 2.5 I-4 and the 4.0L I-6....

[M. Lake]

Are the 4.0 in the XJ's the same motor that are in the tj?
Yes, to cut down the HP/TQ rating for the YJ, TJ, and XJ, Jeep inserted a venturi in the air box to reduce the output of the motor by 10 HP, as far as I understand, the GC did not come with the down rated motor (venturi) due to the weight of the GC. :passgas:

There is harness differences, and ECU differences, but not related directly to power output.

[dogtired]

ummm if the 99's are better... what about the 2000 and 2001 models? are they freakin chopped liver??? :laugh3: don't tell me that my 2000 4.0L XJ sux ;)

BTW, I couldn't wait for 2 model years after they changed the last two model years to distributorless design... because it was the LAST 2 model years! :laugh3:

So the last 2 model years are the "cream of the crop" after 16 years of the XJ, they had plenty of practice to make it right... I wish they reinstate the XJ back again, its too bad they had to retire it. Couldn't they improve the platform, like fix the unibody design to become more stiffer and the like? I like the boxy design, it made it unique and tough looking... in other words it looked "manly" :) , and they had to screw it up with the Liberty :mad: ! It looks like one of those jellybean SUV's... I think I wanna puke. The Grand Cherokee was ok, but I am not impressed. After 30 years... they completely redesigned the Mustang, and still called it the Mustang. Hmmmmpgh! :( Why can't they do the same with the Cherokee???

I think the volkwagon beetle had the longer shelf life... right?

[TekkaMaki]

I'm not aware of any big differences between 97 to 99 (?) ...
00 and 01 got the distributorless ign. (+)
00 and 01 have a low pinion Dana 30 (-)
00 5 speed has NV3550 instead of AX-15 (+ but rare, no 5 speeds made in 01 I don't think)

I'd say the front axle is the main reason a 99 is recommended over a 00 - 01. Also look for the 29 spline Corp 8.25 rear axle in 97 - 01 XJ's without ABS (all w/ ABS are weaker Dana 35's, and possibly some w/o ABS too)

:sunshine:

[dogtired]

I'm not aware of any big differences between 97 to 99 (?) ...
00 and 01 got the distributorless ign. (+)
00 and 01 have a low pinion Dana 30 (-)
00 5 speed has NV3550 instead of AX-15 (+ but rare, no 5 speeds made in 01 I don't think)

I'd say the front axle is the main reason a 99 is recommended over a 00 - 01. Also look for the 29 spline Corp 8.25 rear axle in 97 - 01 XJ's without ABS (all w/ ABS are weaker Dana 35's, and possibly some w/o ABS too)

:sunshine:


aww crap, so I guess mine sux then, and I still have no 4x4, so I am out of luck for both the front and rear axles, will i be ok if i do some light offroading? I am about to join a local Jeep club. Should I be worried? My buddy has a 5 speed on his 01. How weak is the low pinion Dana 30 compared to a 99's Dana?

another question, mine suppossedly has ABS, but how do i know if it works? I got my XJ used. I haven't really locked up the tires yet... so it should pulse when i stomp on it right?

[XJRubicon]

99' and newer has a much larger intake to make up for new emmisions (10 hp)

The older style holds about 2.8L of liquid volume and the newer one holds 4.3L if I remember right...

They did it becaue of increased emmisions regulations. they lost power with the emmisions but gained it back with this intake. so... it basicly keeps the same HP on the newer ones, but when installed on an older motor 10HP can be found in this.

Read that on that australian guys website. the one who did the 16 inch fan conversion.

[TOZOVR]

The two main differances between the HP30 and the LP 30 are these

1) The Low Pinion is excactly that...lower...less clearance and worse driveshaft angles

2) the gears are not reverse cut so you are spinning on the weaker side of the ring gear...word is it's about 15% to 20% weaker....but I know guys flogging LP30's with 36" SX's and no issues

[1xxxj]

88 xj 4.0 5spd is the best xj made!!!

[alwayzAMC]

well, my opinion is that the 87 is the only year to go, last year it is still AMC, and has the 4.0

weren;t there other years they went to a cv joint rather than the solid axle that is in mine??

[Dr. Dyno]

Take a look about 1/2 way down this page. The specs for the 4.0's used in different Jeeps are listed. Seems that the SWB's got a detuned one or something.

http://www.jeep4.0performance.4mg.com/index.html

grizzley

Yeah, that's my site. To summarize why the HP/TQ outputs varied between models:

1. All XJ 4.0's from '91-'99 were rated at 190hp/225lbft, but the '96 and later models produced these numbers at lower rpm due to a change in cam timing. From '00 onwards, XJ 4.0's were rated at 193hp/231lbft due to a distributorless ignition, a more efficient water pump, revised intake and exhaust manifolds, and a better downpipe to the cat.

2. YJ's have a more restrictive intake and exhaust than the XJ so they're rated at 180hp/220lbft.

3. '93-'95 ZJ 4.0's were rated the same as the XJ's of that vintage, but from '96 onwards they dropped 5hp/5lbft due to tighter OBD II emissions.

4. '96-'99 TJ 4.0's were rated at 181hp/222lbft but from '00 onwards they received distributorless ignition, a more efficient water pump, revised intake and exhaust manifolds, a better downpipe, and outputs increased to 190hp/235lbft.

5. '99 and later WJ 4.0's were rated at 195hp/230lbft. The 10hp/10lbft increase over the ZJ 4.0 was due to the same revisions that appeared in the TJ and XJ a year later.

[urbanXJ]

i work on my 2000, sisters 97, buddies 97, buddies 98. No 99 voucher.
suttle changes in design make the 2000 much more gerage mechanic frendly than the 97. Yup, the exaust changed, for the better. Also, if you've installed hitches and gas tank skids on those years you know.
I like the 2000,
the passanger window control goes out on all of them though.

[98XJ]

DIS ign systems fire twice in different cylinders....
Each coil pack is paired and fires on compressin stroke in one cyl and on exhaust stroke in another cyl (it's called waste spark) no power gain from that.
Just to clarify!!!

[Nay]

The real question is what makes the '97 better than the '96 and back (if anything...there are pros and cons). There aren't any material differences in '97 to the end of the model run, except the introduction of a low pinion D30 in 2000, which is a major disadvantage.

Now as to what makes a '97 much better than a '99 for an offroader...its gonna be cheaper and you'll have more coin for mods. Buy a 2wd '97 for dirt cheap and convert it to 4wd. You don't really want anything behind the transmission on an XJ, so why spend the $$$ on a t-case that needs lots of $$$, axles that need to be replaced...etc, etc, etc. There is no question that's how I would go if I was doing it again.

Nay

[TOZOVR]

i work on my 2000, sisters 97, buddies 97, buddies 98. No 99 voucher.
suttle changes in design make the 2000 much more gerage mechanic frendly than the 97. Yup, the exaust changed, for the better. Also, if you've installed hitches and gas tank skids on those years you know.
I like the 2000,
the passanger window control goes out on all of them though.


The exhaust on the '99 is a tubular manifold with one Cat....the later model got 2 cats and reverted to the old manifold? Better? Worse? What is the reasoning?

The Ignition would seem Less friendly to deal with than plain old cap, rotor distributor especially for a moot gain....

[sweetjeep]

But can you upgrade a dist. ignition to a non-distributor ignition?

[Hawaiian Style]

Wasn't '99 the first year of the cracking heads problem? I'd say that makes a 99 worse than a 98.

[XJ Saga]

Well, from late 96 and up until the end the cam is a dual pattern set-up which allows the exhaust valves to stay open longer increasing effeciency and power. Very good thinking on Jeeps part.

[NN4S]

After 30 years... they completely redesigned the Mustang, and still called it the Mustang. Hmmmmpgh! :( Why can't they do the same with the Cherokee???


Because that's what the Liberty is called overseas... talk about an insult to a great name! :(

I've got two 88s, a 94 and a 01 two-door that I had to order since they weren't selling them off the lot. My 01 is one of the last ones to roll off the line before they shut it down; took delivery of it mid-March of 01. Other than recently croaking the rear end while towing a way-too-large load home for a friend (a 1-ton Chevy 4x4 on a 16' dual-axle trailer), the only problem I've had with it has been the #6 cylinder misfiring while idling for any length of time. It isn't noticable from the driver's seat, but it does set the MIL light and you have to reset the computer to clear the fault. No big deal so far since I've got ready access to EDT & DRBIII equipment (I work at the Huntsville DCX electronics plant), but that may change soon when Siemens takes over the plant in the near future.


Don T. NN4S
2001 Solar Yellow 2-door, auto w/6" Rock-Ready lift, 4.56 Trak-loc (soon to be a No-Slip!) & 33" BFG AT/KOs
1994 Navaho Turquois 2-door, auto w/4" Tomken lift, 3.73 Trak-loc & 31" Dunlops
two 1988 white 2-doors, 5-speed stockers

[climbon]

The 99 had a recall with it's air bag going off on it's own. I own a 99 and had to take it into the dealer to get it fixed. I have thrown this out there before, but in the JP magazine March 2003 issue they have an article called "how to buy a used cherokee". They seem to lean towards the 96 and 99 plus models calling the Engine and tranny the 300,000 marriage. Read this article has lots of info.

[tireroastin93XJ]

ummm if the 99's are better... what about the 2000 and 2001 models? are they freakin chopped liver??? :laugh3: don't tell me that my 2000 4.0L XJ sux ;)

BTW, I couldn't wait for 2 model years after they changed the last two model years to distributorless design... because it was the LAST 2 model years! :laugh3:

So the last 2 model years are the "cream of the crop" after 16 years of the XJ, they had plenty of practice to make it right... I wish they reinstate the XJ back again, its too bad they had to retire it. Couldn't they improve the platform, like fix the unibody design to become more stiffer and the like? I like the boxy design, it made it unique and tough looking... in other words it looked "manly" :) , and they had to screw it up with the Liberty :mad: ! It looks like one of those jellybean SUV's... I think I wanna puke. The Grand Cherokee was ok, but I am not impressed. After 30 years... they completely redesigned the Mustang, and still called it the Mustang. Hmmmmpgh! :( Why can't they do the same with the Cherokee???

I think the volkwagon beetle had the longer shelf life... right?
Actually, the Liberty was supposed to inherit the Cherokee name orginally, but when it came time to axe the Cherokee and launch the Liberty, sales were a lot higher on the Cherokee than expected so they extended making them for another 6 months, I think. Otherwise, if the Cherokee got axed when it was supposed to, then the Liberty would be called the Cherokee adding insult to injury in my opinion.
Mike Harris

[BlueMJ]

Perfect timing on btt'ing this thread. I got my eye on a 1999 sand XJ classic. The distr- less IMO isnt worth all the potential hassle for a few horses & couple lbs of torque. I'd rather have a distributor & wires, plus the HP30 up front, besides the HPs can be gained through some mods later on.

Good info guys.

Tis thread should be archived somewhere so it isn't lost.

[Go Go]

the passanger window control goes out on all of them though.


what the F*** is up with that. I thought it was just mine! My passenger window ctrl is intermittent. If I get a new control will it break too? I've replaced the fog lamp switch 3 times!!!

Jim

[Go Go]

Actually, the Liberty was supposed to inherit the Cherokee name orginally, but when it came time to axe the Cherokee and launch the Liberty, sales were a lot higher on the Cherokee than expected so they extended making them for another 6 months, I think. Otherwise, if the Cherokee got axed when it was supposed to, then the Liberty would be called the Cherokee adding insult to injury in my opinion.
Mike Harris


It is still called cherokee overseas. I was told at camp jeep the same story you told but that because it was soooo different (and ugly imho) they decided to rename it. They kept cherokee for overseas markets because liberty has different conotations in different countrys.

Jim

[XJVenom]

I personally would go with with a 91-95 model. The HO head found on these models flow much easier than the others, especially if it's been ported. The remaining intake/exhaust bolt-on mods can easily be done to increase the power (even the 99+'s new style intake manifold can be swapped.)
Install a MSD or Jacob's ignition kit if you're worried about missing out on the benefits of distributorless ignition, as these types of ignition kits will perform much more efficiently than the distributorless style anyway.
Also, these years tend to have less vibration issues pertaining to the drive line when dealing with lifting the vehicle.

[sintax]

Nope 2000 was the Coil on plug...

My '99 has regular plugs and wires.


As does mine :greensmok

-Scott

[basalt51]

You don't really want anything behind the transmission on an XJ, so why spend the $$$ on a t-case that needs lots of $$$, axles that need to be replaced...etc, etc, etc.


You how many newbies you needlessly scared the crap out of with that statement? Other than needing a SYE there is NOTHING wrong with the 231 or 242 for the majority of people. I assume you're recommending replacing it with a $2000 Atlas?


Buy which ever you like and can afford. If you like the new body style just find a good deal and get it. There's nothing really "wrong" with any of them. If you're most likely going to replace teh rear axle anyways, then don't worry about the d35.

[G.Q. Jeeper]

I have a 1994 no ABS or Air Bag, is there any difference in the wheel well openings? I know they are different, but is the 96 and older model better or worse than the 97+.

If I had the cash I want to get a 2000+ and mod it up from there

GQ

[Big Red]

I'm bringing this thread back as I'm looking for a 97'+ xj & selling my 98' grand cherokee laredo. What models in the 97'+ had leather? I know the limited model up to 93' or so I believe were called a limited, but weren't those fazed out by the "Up Country" or "Country" model? What do the Sport, Classic, etc trims mean? Can all of them be optioned out from the factory to be similiar?
Troy

[Dr. Dyno]

Yes, to cut down the HP/TQ rating for the YJ, TJ, and XJ, Jeep inserted a venturi in the air box to reduce the output of the motor by 10 HP, as far as I understand, the GC did not come with the down rated motor (venturi) due to the weight of the GC. :passgas:

There is harness differences, and ECU differences, but not related directly to power output.

Nope. The YJ 4.0 and TJ 4.0 produced "only" 180hp/220lbft and 181hp/222lbft respectively because they had more restrictive intake and exhaust systems than the 190hp/225lbft XJ. The engines themselves were exactly the same in all models in each respective model year.
The WJ 4.0 produces 195hp/230lbft because it has a less restrictive intake system, better intake manifold, better exhaust downpipe, distributorless ignition, and more efficient water pump. Unfortunately it also has the crack-prone small exhaust port heads that rob it of much of the HP that it would have gained from the other changes.
The XJ followed suit in 2000 and the TJ did the same in 2001. The outputs of these engines rose to 193hp/231lbft and 190hp/235lbft respectively. The difference in outputs between the most recent 4.0's in the TJ, XJ, and WJ are probably related to slight differences in cam timing.
The best 4.0 engine setup would probably be a '99+ WJ, '00+XJ, or '01+ TJ with a ported '91-'95 head (casting no. 7120) swapped onto it. That would not only increase HP/TQ, but it would also get rid of the crack-prone WJ head (casting no. 0331).