Greetings,

I'm trying to narrow down my selection process, and all of you have been very helpful in doing that - thank you.

From what I understand, there is a difference with respect to the ignition on the model years prior to 2000 and I'm wondering if there is a general consensus amongst XJ owners as to which model years are best, pre 2000 or the 2000 and 2001 year models?

Also, are there any other differences in model years I should consider?

Thanks in advance -

 

big differences are the rear axles, and high and low pinion front axles. I like the early ones but thats just cause I have a 90. Its a royal PITA but I love it.

 

I have a 94 and its been kinda a POS since I bought it. I used to have a 91 and never had any issues.

I dont want to offend anyone, but after searching around on here and other sites it seems that the pre 97's have fewer problems and are easier to work on . My bro-in-law had a 97 with lower mileage and he was always having issues with his, but 97 was also the first year of the redesign.

I would rather have a 97+ as they are newer but more $$.

I bought mine because it had an excellent maint history, did NOT have power windows and locks (always seem to have issues), No ABS (here it sucks), but had full gauges, 8.25 rear end and was fairly clean.

 

I have a '92 and a '98, and I haven't dealt with the Coil-On ignition system on these things yet, they don't seem to be that bad of a system, but I know I like my HP D30 front axle, and that's the only drawback on those that I know of.
I mean you can classify the XJ's by a bunch of things...
Pre-Renix
Renix
Post Renix/H.O.
97-99
00-01
They all have their good/bad points... I'd say be more specific about pre-00, as you ca see why.

 

before 2000....definitely.....
2000 and later = low pinoin diffs.
2000 and later = bad head castings on occasion.

 

I have a 2000 have 122k no problems, the coil on igintion is pretty nice, but i hear pricey to replace. i really like the dash setup and gauges alot better on the 97+ but the steering wheel on a 97 and 98 is kinda goofy..
and i beleive all the 97+ have the H.O. 4.0 which is a plus

 

My opnion is 91-95 is the best XJs out there.

1.) 4.0 litre HO motor
2.) Best flowing head design
3.) Has the open cooling system
4.) Has the HP D3O front axle
5.) Has the Chysler 8.25 rear axle
6.) Doesn't have Airbags
7.) Has the flexable OEM fender flares
8.) 92-95 has the non-disco front axle
9.) Has the AW-4 AT or AX-15 MT
10.) Has the OEM tubular exhaust manifold
11.) Has the injector in manifold design
12.) Best reason of all is you can get an XJ in this range that is in great shape for $1000-$2500.

 

Someone already mentioned it but the Heads are what comes to mind for me.. and the low pinion D30.. Me I'd stick to 91-99 models..I personally feel the older heads are the better heads with the 7120 casting. I also prefer pre-airbag models ie 91-94 for offroading...I personally do not thing air bags are conducive to offroading..

 

I got a 2001 with 130,000 on it love it coil on ignition makes for an awesome access to the oil filter no more reaching around and under the distributor cap. I got full gauges and cup holders!

 

One thing you can do if you buy a 2000-2001 model is find a HP D30 out of a newer model (lower miles) and swap it in over the LP D30 that comes in the 00-01 models. Then you'd have a solid setup and if the head does every give ya issues get one of the 99 model heads and swap it out.

 

I thought the 91-95 XJs had the better head and the 99+ had the better intake manifold could have gotten bad gouge.

 

the LP dana 30 doesn't bother me i figure if your serious enough to get vibes from it at 5"'s of lift chances are you probally want to upgrade it to a 44 anyways JMO

 

Why those 50 pound head, engineers went to the LP D30 in 2000 after having a better design on the rig for 16 years in the HP D30, is beyond me. Must have been a Chysler driven thing.

 

ahhh heck i love my old 87 waggy, shes no racecar but she moves well enough and i got the renix guru on here so i dont have to worry about repairs

 

the good heads are on the 99 and older XJ's. The good intakes are from the 99+ XJ's.