what to look for in an xj

[jeeper89]

i am going to start looking for an xj for a dd for now and later a wheeler.. i dont know much about xjs at all so what should i look for. i know i want the 4.0 and possilby the 44 rearend. what else should i look for or look out for?

[swbooking]

Make sure you get a 92 or newer, that has the HO motor in it and it has the "open" cooling system (much better than the previous "closed system" and a little more HP than the Renix motor , (90 and below) and there are a BUNCH mre performance parts for it as well. I dont think youll find one with the 44 in the rear after 92 but that is the comon swap besides a ford 9. Check out www.NAXJA.org (North American XJ Association) youll learn a lot by searching around there and reading all the postings. Basically the only other difference is the body style and thats your opinon to which looks better. There was a disscusion about the best year XJ a while back on NAXJA and i think they decided that it was a 97 but im not for sure. anything else let me know. I think thats about the only REAL differences right there.
-Allen

[jeeper89]

cool thanks for the imput

[swbooking]

Oh and Make sure you look at the NAXJA Classifides theres ALWAYS XJs for sale from stock to total rock krawler. If i would have know about that when i got mine, i would have saved some $$$$ for sure. Anyother questions let me know.
-Allen

[RangerRick]

Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you build your XJ as none come in the "ultimate" form stock. Look for the following equipment for a killer XJ: A non-vac disco Hi-Pinion front D30 axle swapped in from an all wheel drive equipped XJ with big U joints, D44 swapped in from 87-88 tow package XJ, NP/NV-231J Part time equipped XJ T-Case 95+, 91+ open cooling system found on HO equipped engines, HO 4.0 I6 in 91+, 96+ HO 6 cyl OBD II is even better, GM style tilt column in 91-94 non air-bag equipped XJ with chrysler style key locks, 97+ body & dash desired by most, 2 door if you really wanna beat it off-road or cut for big tire fitment, pre 98 can be diagnosed without a scan tool for trouble codes, no 1D10T lamp cluster, you want gages & tach, AX15 5 spd for offroad crawling or the NV-3550 5 speed in 2000+ XJ's is even better, AW4 4 speed auto is good in most all but the earliest models. Most likely you will need to build your XJ to incorporate the desired equipment for off-road & performance. These are stock jeep parts listed above, not aftermarket or non-Jeep axle swaps. Remember, "Real Jeeps are ALWAYS Built"

Good luck,
Rick OllllllO