VIN #'s

Is there anyway to tell if you have an H.O. motor by checking the VIN numbers? This is the first XJ I have owned, and I have never owned a car this new (with a computer), so if I ask some questions that sounds like anybody should already know, its cause its all new to me.

Anything '91 and up with the 4.0 was a HO.

4.0L I6 EFI "Power Tech" - 177 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4000 rpm - used 87-90
4.0L I6 MPI "Power Tech HO" (High Output) - 190 hp @ 4750 rpm, 220 ft lb @ 4,000 rpm - used in 91-95 and updated in 96-01 to 225 ft lb torque @ 3000 rpm (00-01 models use a distributorless ignition system)

Thanks you for the info.

1984-1996 - Options were either the AMC 2.46L inline four or the GM 2.8L V6.

1987-1990 - Either the AMC four or the AMC 242ci/4.0L inline six. The 4.0 featured the RENIX control system, built by Bendix/King under contract to Renault.

1991-1995 - Still the AMC four or AMC six - but the controls were changed to the ChryCo SBEC (Single Board Engine Controller.) System was now OBD-I compliant.

1996-2001 - Same engines, but now the ChryCo OBD-II control system.

Transmissions -
I don't recall all of these, and I'm about ready for sack time, so I'm not going to look them up right now...

AMC I6 - either the Peugeot BA-10/5 (1987-89 five-speed,) Aisin AX15 (1990-up five-speed,) or Aisin/Warner AW4 four-speed automatic (all years.)

AMC I4 - As I recall, this would be either the AX4 (four-speed manual,) AX5 (five-speed manual,) or ChryCo TF727 or 904 automatic.

GM V6 - TF727/904 or Borg manual (? - I'd really have to check on this one.)

From 1987-up, transfer cases were either the NP231 or NP242 - either can be readily identified by a 2" round ID plate on the rear of the case. The plate is retained with a screw in the centre. Also, the NP231 has the positions of "2WD - 4PT - N - 4LO" and the NP242 shows "2WD - 4FT - 4PT - N - 4LO" on the shifter bezel. The "4FT" (four-wheel drive full-time) may be left in four-wheel-drive at all times (with a slight loss in fuel mileage,) while leaving the transfer case in 4PT or 4LO for extended periods on "clean and dry" paving will result in transfer case damage over time - just a stretched chain if you're lucky...

Axles were a Dana 30 (front) and either a Dana35 or ChryCo 8.25" (rear.) The two rear axles can be told apart by examining the cover surface of the case - the Dana has a more nearly oval shape, while the ChryCo is quite hexagonal (with a flat bottom.)

Some 1987-88XJ (4.0) may feature the very rare Dana 44 rear - hexagonal and resting on a corner.

Gearing for the AW4 is usually 3.55:1, and the Peugeot (and, I think, the other manuals) is 3.07-ish. "Trailer Tow" XJ's may have 4.11 gears - and I think the 4.11 shows up on a lot of four-cylinder versions as well. Look for a tag retained by cover bolts on the front or Dana rear - and the ratio will be stamped on it.

5-90