PolishX said:
00- 01 have head issues .
Ehh, the 0331 head issue is somewhat blown out of proportion in my opinion. There are thousands of XJs out there (mine included) running around on the 'timebomb' 0331 with no problems. Yes, there has been a higher percentage of 0331 heads cracking compared to other years - but I'd be interested in seeing some stats comparing build dates to head failures: my suspicion is that there was likely a bad batch or two of the heads that were delivered to Jeep, but that not all 0331 heads are bad. It'd also be interesting to know how many of them went because basic maintenance wasn't followed, thus accelerating their demise.
The one big advantage of 2000 & 2001 XJs: distributorless ignition on the 4.0. They don't have quite as nice a character as the Renix and HO engines in my opinion, but you don't have to worry about moisture in distributor caps, rotor arms eating the big green weenie, or plug wires rotting out over time. The torque curve for a distributorless 4.0 also comes on approximately 1000 RPM lower than in an HO or Renix.
get a D44 or 8.25 rear AVOID dana 35
You're only likely to find a D44 in an '87-'89 model. While it's certainly a better axle to have than the D35, the D35 is just fine for DD and moderate wheeling use. If you really feel the need for something stronger, you can always swap in an 8.25 or D44 later - but spending time trying to track down a D44-equipped XJ (which, given its age, is likely to be a beat-to-hell vehicle otherwise) probably isn't worth the effort.
Again, I'll reiterate my earlier point: find the nicest one you can for the money and go from there. You're pretty much always better off in the long run spending more on a clean, well-cared-for vehicle than trying to put right neglect.
cjovertj said:
99 and later models are good choices but they had more emission bullshit to deal w/, this caused a 15hp loss so chrysler redesigned the intake to get it back, so using this intake you can get an extra 15hp
But overall the later emissions system is much easier to deal with - a pre-cat, catalytic converter, and either two or three oxygen sensors depending on whether you had a California- or Federal-emissions-spec vehicle. No EGR valves, fewer vacuum lines. '95-up would be a good timeframe to be looking in; a friend of mine picked up a Lapis Blue '96 a couple of months ago in very good condition despite its 175,000 miles for $3500. It also came with a Garvin Wilderness rack, rack lights, a Hi-Lift, and 3 inches of lift (RE, if memory serves) on 31" BFG T/A KOs in nearly-new condition. There are deals to be had out there, you've just got to sniff them out.