whos favorite xj is it

XJride231 · 12-14-2006, 02:36 PM

I was wondering what you guys would consider to be the best xj you could go out and get. At this stage, having just totalled my 2000, i would like to get a manual, but automatic might be considered. What are the best years, what should I be looking for, and most importantly what miles do you think would be appropriate, considering I am hesitant to even test one with more than 100K on it. Is this a poor concern? every tells me and I know they will run forever, but a younger XJ just seems better. Thanks

XJHERO · 12-14-2006, 02:41 PM

As far as what year I cant tell you anything, but as for mileage... as long as its been maintained youre good. If the seller has all kinds of records of work done and oil change log I think it would be pretty safe to assume that the truck was well cared for. If I buy another one though... Im getting a 2 door with a manual trans. But thats me

conrasm · 12-14-2006, 02:44 PM

I'd have to say one of those pimped out ones from ebay that people start new threads on and then it ends up with 12 pages of pointless posts.

**balloo93** · 12-14-2006, 03:01 PM

IMO, if I had to get another XJ, it would be a 99 with a 8.25 rear axle.

That year gets you all teh good stuff including:

New intake design
biggr Ujoints up front
29spline rear axle shafts (on the 8.25 rear)
double diaphram booster
cup holders (had to mention that

)
Bigger alt mounting bracket for a smoother alt swap.

In reality, any 97-98 will have all the same without the newer intake design. You'd probably actually get more bang for the buck with a 97-98 and swapping on a 99+ intake.

JBassXJ · 12-14-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balloo93

IMO, if I had to get another XJ, it would be a 99 with a 8.25 rear axle.

That year gets you all teh good stuff including:

New intake design
biggr Ujoints up front
29spline rear axle shafts (on the 8.25 rear)
double diaphram booster
cup holders (had to mention that

)
Bigger alt mounting bracket for a smoother alt swap.

In reality, any 97-98 will have all the same without the newer intake design. You'd probably actually get more bang for the buck with a 97-98 and swapping on a 99+ intake.

what he said.

**sharpie** · 12-14-2006, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balloo93

IMO, if I had to get another XJ, it would be a 99 with a 8.25 rear axle.

That year gets you all teh good stuff including:

New intake design
biggr Ujoints up front
29spline rear axle shafts (on the 8.25 rear)
double diaphram booster
cup holders (had to mention that

)
Bigger alt mounting bracket for a smoother alt swap.

In reality, any 97-98 will have all the same without the newer intake design. You'd probably actually get more bang for the buck with a 97-98 and swapping on a 99+ intake.

agreed, and the 99 doesn't come with the 00-01 1331 intake manifold that cracks. My 98 comes close to the 99's in stuff, but still has the 35 out back

I guess it's time to go find a 44 in a junkyard.

bigsky89 · 12-14-2006, 04:03 PM

i like the renix ones, less complicated ecu and i like mine, its base model but has all the best hardware, dana front and rear and t-case, i love it. none of that irritation plastic trim other than the flares... just my 2c. id want to swap mine for a nicer interior though, and ditch the carpet and silencer, thats a rust trap waiting to happen

**RollerHman** · 12-14-2006, 04:08 PM

what balloo said. i love my 99 for daily driving purposes. i havent had a single probem with it and i bought it almost 2 years ago to this day... but if i were getting a second for project purposes, my tastes would be different, but thats another question.

Ivanito · 12-14-2006, 04:29 PM

98 all the way.

XJride231 · 12-14-2006, 04:31 PM

so what is the deal with 8.25 rears, why do they not work with ABS? if a jeep doesnt have abs, does it likely have this 8.25, and what is the reason for putting this axle on. I know its stronger, and in 88-89 the D44 was used as a tow package, in the new xj's is this a similar setup? when testing one at the lot,how do I know for sure what axles I get?
Any opinions against the 00-01 either than the intake? i hear the distributorless setup is a bit smoother in the 4.0, but other than that....

**sean883** · 12-14-2006, 05:03 PM

I'm pretty partial to my 98. I bought it with 103,000 on it and it now has 134,000. Mileage isn't a concern for me, how it was taken care of is.

olds442 · 12-14-2006, 05:46 PM

viva la 99!!!!!

XJLI · 12-14-2006, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XJride231

so what is the deal with 8.25 rears, why do they not work with ABS? if a jeep doesnt have abs, does it likely have this 8.25, and what is the reason for putting this axle on. I know its stronger, and in 88-89 the D44 was used as a tow package, in the new xj's is this a similar setup? when testing one at the lot,how do I know for sure what axles I get?
Any opinions against the 00-01 either than the intake? i hear the distributorless setup is a bit smoother in the 4.0, but other than that....

you are correct, its stronger. thats why people want it, duh. D35s can break with locked 31s and open 33s. pretty lame if you ask me. and not having ABS does not guarantee the 8.25. The D44 wasnt available after 89.

The chrysler has a streched-circle oval cover with a flat bottom, the d35 is an egg-like oval.

90% of the people on XJ boards will say a 99 is the best.