1999 vs. 2000 Models

[Shifty]

Hi. I am currently looking at two jeeps. One is a 1999 with 40000km and the other is a 2000 model with 67000km. I have heard that in 2000 that there were some improvements made. My question is, should I go with the 1999 jeep with less kilometers or are the improvements significant enough to go with the 2000 model with more kilometers? Note: The asking price is the same. Also if somebody could tell me the actual improvements made it would be helpful. I test drove both and the 1999 actually felt a bit stronger.

 

[JEEPZZ]

What are you going to use it for? street, off road, big a$$ rocks?

street, get the 2k
off road, get the 99 (high pinion 30 & the lower mileage never hurts)
rocks, probably doesn't matter since you'll end up ditching the stock axles anyway.

 

[Shifty]

I will be using it mostly as a daily commuter. It will experience moderate offroading and probably no rock climbing. I was thinking of gettin the Detroit Trutrack for both front and back also.

 

[wheelin99xj]

99 or 00

Hi. I am currently looking at two jeeps. One is a 1999 with 40000km and the other is a 2000 model with 67000km. I have heard that in 2000 that there were some improvements made. My question is, should I go with the 1999 jeep with less kilometers or are the improvements significant enough to go with the 2000 model with more kilometers? Note: The asking price is the same. Also if somebody could tell me the actual improvements made it would be helpful. I test drove both and the 1999 actually felt a bit stronger.

I have a 99 XJ with 115,000 miles on it and it is still doing great and I haven't had any problems. I use it for everyday use and wheel on the weekends, I couldn't be happier. I don't know what improvements they made in 2000. You might check and see what axles they both have in the rear, most prefer Chrysler 8.25 over Dana 35. Good Luck and enjoy

 

[thompson97]

i would definitely go with the 99.

 

[BrianJr]

The only thing I can think of that 2000 will have that some people might think is an improvement a distributorless ignition. The 2000 will have a low pinion front axle. I've heard horror stories about lifting XJ's with that axle. My 1999 has a high pinion but I have heard that some of the 1999's have the low pinion front axles.

I love my 1999 XJ.

-Brian

Hi. I am currently looking at two jeeps. One is a 1999 with 40000km and the other is a 2000 model with 67000km. I have heard that in 2000 that there were some improvements made. My question is, should I go with the 1999 jeep with less kilometers or are the improvements significant enough to go with the 2000 model with more kilometers? Note: The asking price is the same. Also if somebody could tell me the actual improvements made it would be helpful. I test drove both and the 1999 actually felt a bit stronger.

 

[XTrmXJ]

My friend has a 2000 and I have a 98... The engine is a little more different, distributorless and accually has more horsepower due to the intake and exhaust change... Roughly 15-20 more horsepower....

 

[Safari Ary]

As has been said above they went to the distributorless ignition in 2000 which is nice if you ever plan to play in the water. As for HP vs LP, I've talked to people with both axles under their 2000's. It seems to depend more on when during the year the Jeep was built than anything else. If the 2000 has a HP, I'd definately get the 2000.

Ary

 

[Eagle]

The changes from 1999 to 2000 were mostly in the engine -- ignition and intake manifold. However, according to factory literature there is no difference in power -- both were rated 190 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque.

IMHO, the combination of the high-pinion front axle and the lower mileage (kilometerage? What do you lads call the distance showing on the odometer?) makes the 1999 a no-brainer.

 

[JeepSpeed]

My friend has a 2000 and I have a 98... The engine is a little more different, distributorless and accually has more horsepower due to the intake and exhaust change... Roughly 15-20 more horsepower....

More like roughly 2-3. Wait, if that.

 

[xj-grin]

The changes from 1999 to 2000 were mostly in the engine -- ignition and intake manifold. However, according to factory literature there is no difference in power -- both were rated 190 horsepower and 225 foot-pounds of torque.

IMHO, the combination of the high-pinion front axle and the lower mileage (kilometerage? What do you lads call the distance showing on the odometer?) makes the 1999 a no-brainer.

Actually, the 99 also has the better flowing, larger intake manifold - the only differences are the distributorless ignitiona and a low pinion 30 on the 00. Personally, I would go with the 99 for the front diff, cause I cannot believe the ignition makes that big a difference, or everyone would be doing it -- that, of course and thefact that I do own a 99...

 

[evilpresence]

I have a '99 and love it. 27000km is a huge difference so go with the '99.

 

[OILBURNER]

My vote would have to be for the '99 - better front end & lower mileage (or is that kilometerage for you?)

Also, FYI if either has the 8.25 for the rear axle (very popular) they do not make a true track for it (yet) Your only options would be a clutch-type limited slip or a locker.

 

[BLKXJ33]

some of yall said that the 2000 does not have a high pinion axle--i have a 2000 and mine is a high pinion--never switched either...explain?

 

[xj-grin]

some of yall said that the 2000 does not have a high pinion axle--i have a 2000 and mine is a high pinion--never switched either...explain?

My guess would be that yours was early in the production year and used a 99 D30 rather than the TJ versions that are in most 00-01. Lucky you!

 

[JEEPZZ]

some of yall said that the 2000 does not have a high pinion axle--i have a 2000 and mine is a high pinion--never switched either...explain?

It's been rumored that a few early production 2k's got out of the factory with a high pinion 30 although, AFAIK, no one has ever posted picture proof.

I'm curious as to what your production date on the door jamb says?
Also, are you sure that it's a high pinion? It's not that I'm questioning your integrity, it's just that I (we) have no idea of your mechanical knowledge or background blindly over the internet.
In the past, many others have mistook their low pinion for a HP30.

 

[Aloha365]

Hi. I am currently looking at two jeeps. One is a 1999 with 40000km and the other is a 2000 model with 67000km. I have heard that in 2000 that there were some improvements made. My question is, should I go with the 1999 jeep with less kilometers or are the improvements significant enough to go with the 2000 model with more kilometers? Note: The asking price is the same. Also if somebody could tell me the actual improvements made it would be helpful. I test drove both and the 1999 actually felt a bit stronger.

I have a 1999 XJ Limited with a 3" skyjacker double flex lift, 4.0L, AW4, JB Conversion 231HD, Tom Woods Driveshafts, 31x1050R15, Superior axle 30 spline shafts and ARB Air lockers front (D30) and rear (D35). My front is the high pinion and after changing out the axle inards, I have had no problem and my D35 is very strong now. I hear that unless you are doing extreme hard core off roading, the D35 is strong enough. The 8.25 is stronger overall, but there are less aftermarket parts for it. Go with the 99, just because it is a daily driver and it has less miles. The only thing that changed between 99 and 00 is the ignition as far as I know and it is not worth that many miles.