ok so i have seen write ups on transplanting 97 and newer front fenders and grill to a 96 or older xj, but can you sub the rear hatch as well? i was just curious to get your thoughts.

 

it won't bolt in. the hinge mechanism and i think latching mech are totally different.

and taillights different shapes

 

you can swap the entire hatch and hinge assembly but some mods may be required, and you'll have to put the newer tail lights in

 

I'd like to see the writes ups for swaping a 97 front end on a 96 and older. You have those handy?

s

 

The later front body work just bolts on and JP magazine has a article on swapping the front doors from a 97 onto a 91 MJ they will also fit the earlier XJ but there are some mods required too. The tailgate is a much harder swap to perform I thought about doing to too.

 

What's gained by swapping tailgates? is it steel over fiberglass?

 

i've got a nice 97 rear hatch if anyone wants to be the first here to try the swap.

 

ya, i'd like to know the benefits, and i know the tail lights are different. whats the benefit on the front end stuff also?

 

I don't see the benefits of either. Now the front swap yeah that's an aesthetic issue but to me not worth the money nor effort..I could think of much better mods then that.. Still curious on the rear hatch..

 

So people will look at your rig and say hey what year is that a 2000... No it's a 89. Just cosmetic stuff, It's also supposed to be more aerodynamic cuase we all need that when going 5 miles an hour over a rock

 

rear hatch on 97-01 is steel

 

I am pretty sure you can't swap the rear just because the body lines are different enough, and the rear taillights play a big part in that since they are completely different design to the old ones. My buddy had looked into doing it before and we compared between mine and his, and it wasn't looking good.

 

curiosity mostly and the newer hatch is steel but otherwise just and interesting thought. the wife likes the looks of the 97 and newer rigs, i may buy her one later this summer.