Which XJ? Help me decide.

13bullets

13bullets

Chris
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Location
Lincolnton
Before long I'll be buying an XJ. I've got a family of 4 and I'd like to be able for us all to ride together. I have found 2 I'm interested in, but I need some opinions. On with the details...
1) 98, 8" lift, rock guards, 35's ARB bumper, $2800
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2)84 XJ New hub bearing assemblies, brakes (Rotors, Drums, Calipers, Cylinders, Brake Booster, Master Cyl), U-joints (ALL including Axle shaft joints), Flex Terra Flex 4" lift complete with Adjustible Track Bar, Adjustible flex links, Drop Piman arm, Sway Bar disconnects and more. Aftermarket composit halogen headlamps, ARB Bull Bar Winch Bumper, roof rack, Sony Stereo, Bushwacker fender flares, Pro Comp 12.50 X 33 tires (less than 5000 miles on tires).
$1800
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I'm currently leaning towards #2, because it seems more economical, but I think I like #1 the most. I haven't contacted either of the sellers, so I have no more details than what is listed.
 
I would avoid #2. The price seems to be so good because it will have the 2.8L V6 which is a completly craptacular motor. It's the same 2.8 V6 as in the S-10's and small Blazers. No power and short life. Unless you plan on doing a 4.0L swap I'd 100% avoid it. Find out some more specs on both. If #2 is locked and regeared it may be worth doing a 4.0L conversion if you could get him down a few hundred more. #1 at first glance doesn't seem too bad but there isn't much info to go off of either.

While you're looking keep in mind that 87-90 had the 4.0L standard output and 91 and newer had the high output 4.0L. Also axles on all XJ's are weak and you will break shafts fairly easily on anything larger than 33's. A XJ with 4.5" lift, 33's and locked f&R will be a very capable rig.
 
Motorman said:
From pic, and it's small and hard to see, but #1 doesn't look like a '98. Old style running lights. '97+ had the new body style. You might want to double check that #1 is "as advertised"
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Yep #1 def is a 96 and down.

*edit* after seeing the pics below it is a 97+ body with a 96 and down grille and header panel.
 
Marvilusone good point on the 2.8, I hadn't thought of that, but I definately don't want that engine.
 
Well, I would recommend number 1 because #2 has already been bought, by me! How funny is that! I was really happy to find this Jeep for such a good price, and it does already have the 4.0 in it. But if your still interested in buying it...
 
#1 is a 97^ with a 96 and down front clip.....hmm could be a good story there. Even if it was bumped and the fornt changed (proablly due to how $$$ the 97^ body crap is still) it looks like a decent jeep for the cash.

^good buy on the 86-87 or whatever. looks like a nice jeep for the price.
 
chromerunner said:
#1 is a 97^ with a 96 and down front clip.....hmm could be a good story there. Even if it was bumped and the fornt changed (proablly due to how $$$ the 97^ body crap is still) it looks like a decent jeep for the cash.
Click to expand...

how can you tell its a 97 and not a 98 as advertised?
 
I'd run #1 if I had to pick between the 2. Who cares if it's a 97 and up or a 96 and down. The real important part is that you'll the 4.0 I6. Much better engine than that hunk of trash V6.
Make sure you stiffen the unibody and jam out with your clam out :Rockon:
 
Lol definatly run with #1 if I were you.

HO 4.0 is a great motor, arb bumper alone goes for like 500+ and it looks pretty mean.
When you find out more info will be alot more interesting to see, hopefully its got some 4:10's or higher and being that high Definatly SYE's. Possibly alot of custom parts.

8 inch lift is only mad by RE I think... Could be wrong though, my bros 98 has a 8.5 Skyjacker kit. Just good stuff. +1 on the jamming out with your clam out haha
 
the one with 35s had to have been wrecked. the front is off of a older 96-. its not bad for the price. but if the axles arent regeared then its gunna suck gas. but between the two the 98 is the one i prefer. i like the newer interior
 
I'm going to look at #1 tomorrow, since #2 has already sold...and I'm going to look at 66bronco's 95 xj
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OK, I'm going to pick up #1 this afternoon. Got him to come down off his price a little. :bounce2:
 
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