I have 2 xjs. An 88 cherokee chief. 4.0 5 speed. Np 231.
And a 90 cherokee laredo. 4.0 aw4 np242
Either one I keep, it's getting short arm 4.5 lift with 33s.

Which one would be a better rig?

 

I'd keep the 90.

 

90 Laredo.

 

90...

 

Keep the 88 imo. 5 speed transmission, and a better transfer case.

 

88 would have the ba/10 to costly to upgrade to ax15 ...were 90 would be cheaper and no c101.

 

I forgot 88's didn't have the AX-15. In that case, I say swap an NP231 in the 90 and keep it.

 

Keep the 90 and the np 242. Same setup I have and its great, people like to rag on the np242 just like the d35. Both of mine are going strong on 33's. With that in mind what rear axles do they have? The 88 might have a d44.

 

Yea my 88 has the ba-10. Not a fan but was considering just driving the thing till it went out.
Both the 88 and 90 have d35 rears. I have a Ford 8.8 to swap into the one I build.