Newbie Questions - '97 - '00 XJ

[Bronco638]

Hi Everyone,

I'm seriously looking into purchasing a used 1997-2000 XJ for several reasons. One of which is it's ability to haul and tow but also to go off-road with my motorcycles. After doing quite a bit of research on the web, I've found that motor mounts might be suspect. I'm not intimidated by replacing them since there's a good after-market supplier.

Is there anything, in your opinions, that I should be aware of or look for?

Any information to help me find a good, stock XJ would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Dave.

 

[Bent]

Look for the Chrysler 8 1/4" rear end and the high pinion Dana 30 front axle. Factory tow option came with a trans cooler. Factory tint good in warmer climes too.

Good luck,
Tim B

 

[Bronco638]

Is there an easy way to identify the Chrysler 8.25" rear diff and a 'high pinion' Dana 30?

Thanks again - D.

 

[GSequoia]

For the Dana 30 you're fine, the HP 30's came in all XJ's except 2001, as long as you don't get a 2001 you'll be fine.

On the 8.25 rear, look for one with a definate flat bottom to it, not round, the D35 is rounded, the 8.25 has a flattened bottom. Somebody will throw a picture of them up here I'm sure...

Sequoia

 

[Bent]

don't get a 2001 you'll be fine.



Sequoia

I hate when that happens.

 

[Eagle]

For the Dana 30 you're fine, the HP 30's came in all XJ's except 2001, as long as you don't get a 2001 you'll be fine.

Unfortunately, you're off by a year. The low pinion front axle started in 2000. However, for the use Bronco seems to have in mind, I don't think that's a problem.

Bronco, what's the source of this rumour about motor mounts? All motor mounts give out evenntually, but I don't recall hearing or reading anything about '97 - '01 XJ motor mounts being "suspect."

In general, for '97 - '01 the Dana 35 rear axle was used in vehicles with ABS, and the 8-1/4 rear axle was used in vehicles that did not have ABS.

 

[Bronco638]

First, thanks for the feedback.

I'm very familiar with old Fords (Mustangs, Shelbys and (pre-78) Broncos. I can spot a FoMoCo 9" diff easily and figured there was a way to ID the 8.25" diff as well.

Eagle - I will attempt to find the article concerning the motor mounts. Perhaps the article referred to pre-'97 XJs and I wasn't paying attention. If I'm able to find the article again, I'll post the URL here.

As for modifications, I'm thinking about a mild lift kit (2" or 3" - shocks & springs), an additional set of wheels & tires (31") for off road, K&N cone filter swap and, perhaps, a header/down tube and exhaust.

Is the Dana 35 that inferior to the DC 8.25" that I'd want to avoid it?

Regards, Dave.

 

[Bronco638]

Eagle - here's the link for the motor mount article:

http://www.jpmagazine.com/howto/31818/index.html

If that URL doesn't work in your browser's address window, go to www.jpmagazine.com and search for 'motor mounts'. You're looking for the article entitled, "The 4.0L Jeep's Weak Link". It looks like the subject vehicle is a '97 XJ.

D.

 

[GSequoia]

As Eagle said, for your ideas either axles will be good for you, if you're thinking a max of 31" tires that 35 will be fine, I can tell you that you can abuse an XJ with 31's and a 35, just ask the California crew

 

[Bent]