F1Addict

Quadratec offers an OMIX-ADA header panel for "91-96 Jeep Cherokee XJ". When I asked what the difference was between this and a pre-'91 header panel they responded:

They claim that they have "completely different shapes" and provided a link to a '97-01 header panel which, I agree, is a completely different shape but has absolutely nothing to do with my question. When I explained that the link they provided was for a '97-01 Cherokee and not a pre-'91 they stopped communicating.

Can someone here please tell me if the header panel for a '91 XJ will work on an '89 XJ.

fb97xj1

I think the grille was different at some point, but the rest remained the same. I think.

Dave51

Is this what you want?

https://www.quadratec.com/products/7...ext-_prd-17272

F1Addict

Yes. Thanks for finding that.

I'm still curious about the difference and/or compatibility between the pre and post-'91 header panels. My plan is to get one from my local junk yard which only occasionally has a Cherokee in stock. If I can use one from an '84 to '96 that will greatly increase my chances of finding one there.

Ralph77

I spend a lot of time researching stuff. One of the things is compatibility. Comes in handy knowing this for boneyard searches or Craigslist part outs. I need "fill in the blank" for my '00 but what other years will fit.
Part numbers. Won't tell you why it is different but I have to figure if the part for the same part is different from one year to another then it won't work.
Which is why I think you should read this:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/research-249236/

F1Addict

Yeah, I've read that. You would think that if the part numbers are different there would be a compatibility issue but that is rarely the case with XJ body panels. For right now it was easier to just ask those here who might have first hand experience rather than downloading every parts catalog on the internet and cross-referencing part numbers.

Dave51

It's only 95 bucks! Put some of that $$$ you're hoarding back into the economy!

Actually, they just might interchange. The only difference that is clearly known is that in 91 they went to stickum letters:

84/90 w/ Holes for Emblem Mounting 83506616
91/96 w/out Holes for Emblem Mounting 55294926

cruiser54

The headlight surrounds and top grille molding are a different configuration. Get it all for a 91 to 96 or stick with 90 and earlier header panel only.

Dave51

Yeah I see that now.

<90 faces left, >90 points to the right:

cruiser54

Huh?

The headlamp surrounds, marker light surrounds and upper grille moldings are different but interchangeable as assemblies with the header panel.

Spencer_P

Explains why my new emblem I got has studs on the back of the letters haha

Dave51

Dat be humor, son.

cruiser54

Now I get it.

F1Addict

My XJ is Chinese enough. If given the choice between salvaging a little piece of Americana from a junkyard or contributing to an enterprising communist's new GT3RS by buying his cheap, knock-off plastic replacement part... I think you can probably discern from my previous responses which I'll choose.

I need it all. And a bumper.

cruiser54

easy then.