Hi all! New member here. Been learning alot about the XJ on this forum over the past couple of days. Anyway, Ive been thinking about trading in my 2011 JK Unlimited for an XJ. More or less just because I dont like having a monthly payment. Id rather spend that money on mods and stuff. What should I look out for on a new-to-me XJ? Ive read an article about what to avoid and what to look for that comes with the XJ, but had less information about common problems with certain model years. Im sure Im about to get blasted about using "search" and all that (already have) so fire away!

Thanks all!

-Jeremiah

 

Look for a 97 to 99. Newer body style, bigger u joints, no crappy 0331 head and imo they have a nicer interior. The older XJ's had vacuum disco axles and smaller u joints. XJ's are like any vehicle, they have issues, especially when not taken care of. Just look for rust holes in the rockers, uni rails, and floor pans. Find one the is in good shape and you will be fine. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

x2 about exactly what i was going to say. also in 2000 theys switched to the low pinion front axle so youll want to avoid that if you plan on lifting it

 

Welcome. I have a 95 2 door and a 98 4 door.love them both.

 

How can you tell if you have a low pinion front axle? Is that only for 4WD or both 2WD and 4WD? if you have it then what will happen if you lift it?
Just aswking cause I have a 2000 and just ordered a lift.

 

Well if its 2wd then it doesn't have an axle and if its a 2000 then yes, its low pinion

 

What is wrong with low pinion?

 

I would look for a 1999. I did some research on vehicle reviews for the Cherokee before buying mine and the 1999 had the least amount of known flaws and has the newer body style. I heard about problems with cracking heads in the 2000-2001 models, so I typically don't recommend them.

If you want a totally decked out luxury XJ with power everything and leather interior, get one with the limited trim style. If comfort isn't a big deal to you, check around for a classic or sport trim style.

 

The front da has a horrible angle when go up in lift. Can cause bad vibrations

 

Low pinion is only in 2000 and 01 XJ's... Thats it. 2WD has a straight axle with no inerds to it

It has a straight axle lol

Not as strong as a HP and when you lift it up 4-6 inches you can get driveline vibes out of it

 

Funny guy lol

 

Thanks for the input! I hope I can find a decent 97-99 XJ around here. Its gonna be a sad, sad day when I leave my JK I got with 11 miles for an XJ 100,000+. See you on the trails!

 

Dont be sad your getting a real jeep and getting out of a mini van

 

trade in your JK for a 2012 model with the new pentastar V6. 285 horses aint bad.

 

I definitely recommend a 98-99. I have heard 97s have some electrical differences that cause confusion with connectors and such. 98 and 99 are void of the 0331 head but have the older style intake manifold. Find one with a Chrysler 8.25 rear axle, it has a flat bottom. This axle is a lot stronger than the Dana 35. Depending on your location you might want a Selec-Trac transfer case (NP242) (2HI,4Hi full time, 4Hi Part time, N, 4Lo) which has full-time 4x4 and is ideal for snowy/icy areas. If its mainly an offload rig, try to find a Command-Trac (NP231) (2Hi, 4hi, N, 4Lo). It's a little bit stronger. Try to find as low miles as you can. Reciepts for maintenance are very useful in making a decision and who/where you're buying it from is important as well. For example would you rather buy an Xj from some punk kid or a grandma? Or from a reputable dealer or a used car lot? If you're coming from making payments on a newer JK, make sure you invest well, buy a quality XJ and not a project.