i am going to go look at a new xj for my dad today what do you guys think of this cl add http://delaware.craigslist.org/cto/3008567761.html and what should i look for its a 1997 se 4x4 231 aw4 auto 4.0 with ac thank you for the help

 

97 is good year as far as power output from the 4.0L, High Pinion Dana 30 up front. If it has the Chrysler 8.25 then it will be the 29 spline which is considered generally equivalent in strength to a Dana 44.

Either check if it has ABS (ABS = Dana 35) or look up what the diff covers look like between a Dana 35 and a Chrysler 8.25. You want the 8.25 over the 35.

If I remember right from when I was looking, the 96-97 had some electrical gremlins that the 98-99 didn't so check as much of that as you can. Lights, blinkers, windows, radio, locks, etc.

 

It's a Dana 35 then because it has abs but will the dana 35 be bad for a stock dd? it is an se no power windows or locks if that helps what do you think of the price? I have a 1998 sport with close miles and love it is the 97 as good thanks

 

If kept stock the 35 ought to be fine.

As far as upgrading, everyone will have different experience/opinions on how far you can push the 35 but however far you can push a 35, the 8.25 would have gone further for you.

Price is going to have to be judged by you and is different by the area. For up that way, I'd guess that if it is clean (read: rust is none or superficial) then it is probably decent. I paid $2k more down here for one that was already lifted on 33s with a fair amount of upgrades.

 

It's hard to find a 97-01 here for lees than 4 I paid 5 for mine with 90k I have a 8.25 in my jeep and love it but I like the price on this one the person selling says there is no rust but the carpet is shot and headliner