door compatibility

MNxj98

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Minnesota
got a 98 and wondering how compatible doors are from an older model. looking to make half doors and dont feel the need to pay what the local junkyards want for 97 and up doors. only concerned about hinges and latches.
 
When you take a door off, the hinge remains on the body. So yes, the hinges on your Jeep will bolt right up to older doors.

But the strikers and latches are different. The 97+ use a loop type striker which is attached with two bolts. The earlier doors use a post type striker attached by a single bolt. It would be pretty easy to drill a new hole for the older striker.

FWIW, the junkyards around here charge about $40 for a complete door.
 
cool! exactly the response i was lookin for. thanks johnny.

the u pull jy's around here charge about the same, but they rarely have 97 and up xj's in their inventory. they are usually right next to another "salvage" yard where you cant go have fun and pull your own junk but they have all the newer stuff.

thanks again man.
 
After reading your first post, I got to thinking. So you want to be able to switch between your 98 full doors and older half doors? That would be tough to do.

It would probably be a better idea to hold out for some 97+ doors that you can turn into half doors.
 
The hinges are "TOTALLY" different!
 
Yes, but both types of hinges mount to the door with the same six torx bolts. So you can put newer doors onto older hinges and you can put older doors on newer hinges. The hinges are a non-issue.

The only problem that needs to be addressed is the difference in the strikers/latches.
 
JP Magazine did an article a while back on putting newer doors on an older MJ and covered modding the latch/strikers. Might want to search their website, its on there.
 
im about to hack me some half doors too. you plan on keepin the windows or no?

no windows. dont see how that would be possible.

the more i think about it, the more i think i will probably hold out for some newer doors. and i guess it all comes down to what i find at the junkyard.
 
I have an older style XJ so I don't know this....but are the newer hinges bolted to the body itself? I know the older body side hinges are welded to the body. That's the only thing I would be wondering about.

But, half doors are friggen sweet. Here's a taste of what yours might end up like....(yes this is my Jeep!)

IMG_1416.jpg
 
i like it. ill be getting those ready for next season. its almost cold here now haha were already planning snow runs :(
 
JP Magazine did an article a while back on putting newer doors on an older MJ and covered modding the latch/strikers. Might want to search their website, its on there.
I believe it's actually johnnyc's MJ :thumbup:

I think it could be done, especially if you are cutting to the point that you'll need to do custom latches anyways. You can probably relocate the latch mechanism within the door with a bit of welding... really up to you though, compare and see what needs to be done.
 
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