some background. I am about to start on a project xj. I already have the engine (4.7 stroker) at the machine shop, and I already have the ax15 and 231 to go behind it. I currently have a 90 with a lift that we drive, but I have a chance to get a good deal on a 99 with a blown motor. I plan on running MS, and all the power options will be removed (manual locks, seats, windows ect.) carpet gutted for vinyl floor ect.
The jeep will at a minimum be getting the HD frame stiffener set. I am also wanting to put my first full roll cage into this (jeeps don't need pretty, so I figure its a good learning platform). This will all get tied into 2x6 rockers as well. I was going to completely strip the frame down, do all the welding, and then get everything galvanized while it was stripped down so that it would actually last, but this means its going to get done in one shot so that it can get dipped afterward.
Here is where the question comes in.
-How much actual difference is there between the frames? Is the newer frame an "upgrade", I've read articles mentioning improvements for the nvh stuff, but little in the way of actual differences to the frame.
-the 90 is in good shape, and it has no power options, but if I use it I would be swapping all the front body parts from the 97+ style anyways. cooling system will also get changed to an open style.
-the 99 would get all the power options deleted. I see the electric speedo as a small plus.
I can get the 99 for a pretty good price, only about 200$ more than it would cost me to scrounge up the parts I want anyways separately. Really, if you were undertaking this project, and had two stripped down frames 90xj vs 99xj, which one would you choose to start modifying since its going to be pretty permanent after the galvanizing.
The jeep will at a minimum be getting the HD frame stiffener set. I am also wanting to put my first full roll cage into this (jeeps don't need pretty, so I figure its a good learning platform). This will all get tied into 2x6 rockers as well. I was going to completely strip the frame down, do all the welding, and then get everything galvanized while it was stripped down so that it would actually last, but this means its going to get done in one shot so that it can get dipped afterward.
Here is where the question comes in.
-How much actual difference is there between the frames? Is the newer frame an "upgrade", I've read articles mentioning improvements for the nvh stuff, but little in the way of actual differences to the frame.
-the 90 is in good shape, and it has no power options, but if I use it I would be swapping all the front body parts from the 97+ style anyways. cooling system will also get changed to an open style.
-the 99 would get all the power options deleted. I see the electric speedo as a small plus.
I can get the 99 for a pretty good price, only about 200$ more than it would cost me to scrounge up the parts I want anyways separately. Really, if you were undertaking this project, and had two stripped down frames 90xj vs 99xj, which one would you choose to start modifying since its going to be pretty permanent after the galvanizing.
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