pittman71

Anyone have any more input?

Demonoid369

Want to be safe? Make sure your money is Was used right? Get the stocker then. Newer, better axles, less chance of being abused(more lifted rigs get thrashed than stockers) the money you saved on the 97' you can use to get a 3" lift and then you would know it was done right by you and not someone who might have half assed it. This should be a no brainer. Now if you were looking for just a toy to play with, then get the 91' but if you want to do it right the first time, get the 97'

pittman71

Thanks again for the input. It definitely is helping.

captainwoot

Hello, they both look like decent rigs, It really depends what you are looking for. I had a 92 2dr xj 5psd, a 96zj auto, 98xj 4dr auto, and now i drive a 91 xj 2dr 5spd. Gone full circle in the last 10 years. I prefer the older 2 dr just for looks and the older for simplicity. Either jeep with proper maintenance will last as long as you want it!

FTHESHACK

Don't be afraid of an XJ that's already lifted, just be cautious. Take a flashlight and your camera phone, then crawl under that jeep and physically touch everything that has do with the lift. If something doesn't look right or you're not sure, take a pic and post it here. Many of us owners take a lot of pride in our work and you might just find a gold mine under there. You'll never know until you look for yourself and that advice stands for any XJ you're looking to buy. The current owner may not really know what he has. Take 30 mins or so and go see for yourself. Also, those 32's will help pay for a big part of those 31's you really want. Axles are pretty cheap at the junk yard if you want to upgrade. Just do it before you re gear or add lockers. Just my 2 cents.

pittman71

Thats funny...I like the older front end (looks meaner to me) and appreciate certain aspects of both interiors. Part of my dilemma.

Very good points guys. Thanks!

pittman71

Since you have had both. Would you say there are any pros or cons between 2 doors and 4 doors?

xjhawk

I've also had both 2 and 4 doors. I prefer the 2 door cause the "b" pillar is further back and not in line with my shoulders like the 4 door. Im 6'4" so I have the seat all the way back. With my window down in a 2 door I can have my arm out the window without obstruction. It can be somewhat annoying to climb over the seats to get in the back, but its my truck I dont sit in the back. Its not at all hard to get or put things in the back seat with the coupe, the seats get out of the way well.

jamurrin

Looked close at the '97...the hood looks like a different shade of green than the fender and front end. What I really notice is no JEEP badge...maybe I am just the paranoid type, but I would wonder what kind of body work (and why) might have been done...Maybe just a repaint? Maybe in a accident??

How did I notice?? I drive a salvaged/re-built JEEP! Haven't had major problems, but there are some minor gremlins that pop up here and there... Stuff like spliced wiring...oh, yeah....and the missing JEEP badge!

pittman71

Good point...I'm 6'2"

pittman71

I noticed the "Jeep" missing as well and asked. He is the 2nd owner and said he said he wasnt aware of any collision work. The hood appears to be a clearcoat issue. Heres another pic.

captainwoot

If you are not filling with passengers every trip (4dr would be the obvious answer), the 2 dr offers more room, as other have said "b" pillar, and with a larger door just easier to get in/out. And I am not a big guy....

and of course they look cooler!

pittman71

Yeah, don't usually have passengers in the rear seat. No kids yet. But can see the practicality of the 4 door. I guess I could always get the 2 door and sell it later to get a 4 door if necessary.

freegdr

Only difference betwwen 2drs and 4drs is doors nothing else . If ya got kids the wont be messing with windows and doors when there in a 2dr that applies to the adults also that have to play with them ...lol...

dude in an xj

The 97 has been hit in the front. No jeep emblem. Header panel looks like newer paint. Passenger end cap has been replaced. If you zoom in on the pic, you can see the bumper is bent on the passenger side.