1999 vs. 2000 XJ
#1
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
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After nearly 11 years of happy ownership of my stock 1999 Cherokee Sport, I've decided to replace her with a slightly newer model with fewer miles. My current ride is up to 348,000 and needs a few thousand in repairs to pass inspection. The cost of repair is nearly the amount I'd pay to get a new/old Jeep (transmission clutch solenoid, front suspension coil replacement, exhaust pipe repair, muffler replacement, replace brake lines). Not to mention I inflicted some body damage to the rear hatch and roof a couple years ago and it's not worth repairing that, either. I've been looking at a few 2000's here with about 100K on the odometer and I'm thinking that's the way to go.
So I've checked out a few Jeeps, and since I've only driven my stock XJ since 2002, I have some questions.
- I notice the 4x4 gearbox on the 2000 only has 4 positions, 2H, 4H, N, and 4L... Is there no part-time or 2WD on the 2000?
- Seems to ride a little higher than my '99. I'm thinking it's because I haven't completely worn out the springs on the captain's chair yet!
- DONUT. So the 2000 and 2001 have a donut instead of a full-size spare. Are the rim/tire sizes the same? Was going to keep the full-size spare from my '99 and toss the donut.
- Sunroof - One XJ I looked at came equipped with a sunroof. I didn't even know this was a factory option.
Those are my questions, thanks in advance for thoughtful answers. I couldn't find a similar thread that answered these questions, so I hope this is okay.
-otto-
So I've checked out a few Jeeps, and since I've only driven my stock XJ since 2002, I have some questions.
- I notice the 4x4 gearbox on the 2000 only has 4 positions, 2H, 4H, N, and 4L... Is there no part-time or 2WD on the 2000?
- Seems to ride a little higher than my '99. I'm thinking it's because I haven't completely worn out the springs on the captain's chair yet!
- DONUT. So the 2000 and 2001 have a donut instead of a full-size spare. Are the rim/tire sizes the same? Was going to keep the full-size spare from my '99 and toss the donut.
- Sunroof - One XJ I looked at came equipped with a sunroof. I didn't even know this was a factory option.
Those are my questions, thanks in advance for thoughtful answers. I couldn't find a similar thread that answered these questions, so I hope this is okay.
-otto-
#2
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Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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The 2000 is a bit different.
Coil packs instead of the distributor, the 0331 cast head which is more prone to cracking, and a low pinion dana 30.
The 4wd options depend on the t-case. The NP231 has 2wd, 4wdHI, N 4Lo (all part time)
The NP242 has a full time 4wd option in addition to what the 231 offers
Sunroof is a rare option.
Coil packs instead of the distributor, the 0331 cast head which is more prone to cracking, and a low pinion dana 30.
The 4wd options depend on the t-case. The NP231 has 2wd, 4wdHI, N 4Lo (all part time)
The NP242 has a full time 4wd option in addition to what the 231 offers
Sunroof is a rare option.
#3
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
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i second everything XJ88 said. The 2000 and 2001 XJ's had a bad casting of heads, number 0331, that gained a reputation for cracking early. So, if you are looking at an XJ of those years just make sure the head isn't of that casting. You can tell - there shoudl be a casting number half way down the head on the right side.
For what it's worth, i think 99's are the best (...I may be a bit biased). High Pinion Dana 30 in the front, no issues with coil packs, no issues with the 0331 casting (there technically a few late model 99's that may ahve been in the same casting, but rare). The only other, very small difference is the '4.0 L' on the tailgate. the 99's had a sticker in silver/white that was just the letters '4.0 L'. the 2000 and 2001 had a small silverish emblem, not just the letters. it's a completely unimportant factor.....but it's the way i distinguish between 99's and up! hahaha.
no matter what, you should be able to find a few examples of each year within a few miles of you. There's always a few XJ's for sale!
Good luck
For what it's worth, i think 99's are the best (...I may be a bit biased). High Pinion Dana 30 in the front, no issues with coil packs, no issues with the 0331 casting (there technically a few late model 99's that may ahve been in the same casting, but rare). The only other, very small difference is the '4.0 L' on the tailgate. the 99's had a sticker in silver/white that was just the letters '4.0 L'. the 2000 and 2001 had a small silverish emblem, not just the letters. it's a completely unimportant factor.....but it's the way i distinguish between 99's and up! hahaha.
no matter what, you should be able to find a few examples of each year within a few miles of you. There's always a few XJ's for sale!
Good luck
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Year: 1999
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Thanks for the feedback guys. So the 2000 and 2001 don't have a 2WD option at all? Interesting. And I'll be on the look out for the head casting, one XJ I looked at was great except for a bad header.
I agree, I love my '99, but I haven't had any luck finding low-mileage examples around here... (Rochester, NY).
No difference in tire/rim size, right?
-otto-
I agree, I love my '99, but I haven't had any luck finding low-mileage examples around here... (Rochester, NY).
No difference in tire/rim size, right?
-otto-
#6
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The 2000 is a bit different.
Coil packs instead of the distributor, the 0331 cast head which is more prone to cracking, and a low pinion dana 30.
The 4wd options depend on the t-case. The NP231 has 2wd, 4wdHI, N 4Lo (all part time)
The NP242 has a full time 4wd option in addition to what the 231 offers
Sunroof is a rare option.
Coil packs instead of the distributor, the 0331 cast head which is more prone to cracking, and a low pinion dana 30.
The 4wd options depend on the t-case. The NP231 has 2wd, 4wdHI, N 4Lo (all part time)
The NP242 has a full time 4wd option in addition to what the 231 offers
Sunroof is a rare option.
ALL 4wd XJs have a 2wd mode. That is the normal, forward most position on your transfer case lever.
I have a '00, i love it, but do wish I had gotten a '99. For the reasons proposed: no-coil packs, high pinion Dana30. My '00 head isn't cracked and i maintain the cooling system so I'm not worried.
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Year: 2001
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Engine: 4.0l
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The OP didn't say what transmission he wanted, unless I missed it.
I"ve had a 2001 for a while, and although the 0331 head issue is something to be watched, assuming you take care of your cooling system, it shouldn't be a problem.
It doesn't sound like he offroads much, if at all, therefore the LP vs. HP shouldn't be an issue for him.
That being said, if he wants a manual, I think the NV3550 is the best manual Jeep ever used.
Just my opinion.
I"ve had a 2001 for a while, and although the 0331 head issue is something to be watched, assuming you take care of your cooling system, it shouldn't be a problem.
It doesn't sound like he offroads much, if at all, therefore the LP vs. HP shouldn't be an issue for him.
That being said, if he wants a manual, I think the NV3550 is the best manual Jeep ever used.
Just my opinion.
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#9
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Year: 1999
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Thanks all for the replies... I'm about to embark on a new adventure with a 2000 XJ... It's low-mileage, no rust, and I look forward to putting another 300K on the odometer! I'll keep in mind all the points brought up here, as I hadn't realized there was such a drastic difference between those two model years. Appreciate all of the experience of the members of this forum, thank you.
#10
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Year: 2000
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Sorry if I'm thread jacking but is there any advantage of the coil rail over the regular distributor? I have a 2000 and it seems to be a the worse year:/
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#13
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I can think of only 1 advantage of the COP vs dizzy.......after spending $500 on a new a/c bracket/pulley hub, alternator and fan clutch chasing a momentary squealing noise at cold start-up, it turned out to be bad bushings in the dizzy......pop another C note for a dizzy and bingo, noise is gone $600 later.
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#14
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Year: 2001
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I have a 01 never had a problem with the coil pack. The coil packs are actually better because you don't have to worry about water messing anything up. The 0331 head issue is only a worry for people that let their jeeps overheat.
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Does the 0331 flow better or anything?