joining the unibody community

[hoggie101]

Im looking to get an xj and im wondering if any years are better then others and what thing to watch out for when looking at one thanks

[WAD357]

99is the supposed best year I believe it has the most power and the least factory issues as well as the High pinion front axle. Id stay away from 2000-2001 as theyre known for the head cracking issues. However older XJs are great too with no major known problems for certain years... Stay away from the late 80s 2.8 V6 XJs theyre JUNK. Renix system 87-89 can also be tricky sometimes

[wannabejeep]

96+ also has a bigger brake booster/master cyl which is helpful with larger tires. In addition 97+ can have the 29 spline 8.25 which is notably more stout than a dana 35 which is in many other years.

[clean4drxj]

91+ are HO's no french bullshit!, 2000 has head issues, and the 01 Has to much emissions IMO

[Zullock Holmes]

97-99 are the best years

[H8PVMT]

i have a 96 and a 00 (with non 0331 head) for sale

[WickedXJ]

IMHO I see more parts for 91-95 than I see for others and in those years parts seem to fit a broader spectrum of XJ's.

[hoggie101]

i have a 96 and a 00 (with non 0331 head) for sale

What does non 0331 head mean are the ones that have the0331 heads have the problems?

[customcreationsllc]

I would go with a 95 first year with the larger u-joint front axle, and last year before OBDII so a lot easier to pass emissions.
Some 96 came with 29 spline rear 8.25 but not all.

Even better if your going build it to wheel then your going to upgrade your axles anyways. Then get a 91 with the High output motor and the tranny got 23 splines like all the later jeeps. Soon if not already to old for emission not sure what he cut off is I think 20 or 25 years.
Rear axle is simple to replace front axle all the TJ XJ ZJ (WJ?) all swappable so easy to find and HP large U-joint axle for around $200.

The old body style 96 and down are a lot easier to get parts for like lights fender flares etc. all a fraction the cost.
But 96 and up got a stronger chassis.

A lot to think about.

But I would save your money buy an early 90's and spend what you would have spent on a 99 and buy axles.

Just my 2cents.
~Justin

[hoggie101]

Im on a little bit of a time line i want to get a opperational rig by oerIII and i already have a ford 8.8 so axles dont really come into play
thanks for your opinion i have a lot to think about

[WickedXJ]

Soon if not already to old for emission not sure what he cut off is I think 20 or 25 years.

cutoff is 25 years. 100% sure.

[cherokee-at-16]

Get a 96 or a 99(96 if you like the old body style). Hp d30, 29 spline 8.25, Right before the bad 0331 heads that are prone to crack when over heated. 99's will probably have lower miles seeing as they're newer. If your going to daily drive it thats what I would buy.
Are you selling your other jeep?
You said you had an 8.8 so you could sell the 29spl 8.25 for $100 and make some money back.

[hoggie101]

Zl

Get a 96 or a 99(96 if you like the old body style). Hp d30, 29 spline 8.25, Right before the bad 0331 heads that are prone to crack when over heated. 99's will probably have lower miles seeing as they're newer. If your going to daily drive it thats what I would buy.
Are you selling your other jeep?
You said you had an 8.8 so you could sell the 29spl 8.25 for $100 and make some money back.

Idk frames total shit have a dream of making it in to a buggie but if i have to to make ends meet ill part it out most likey

[clean4drxj]

oh and try to find 1 with 0 rust!

[jeepbogger4x4]

I would go with a 95 first year with the larger u-joint front axle, and last year before OBDII

My 94 came with 297's