I have been looking for quite a while and have found 2 possible candidates. Their odometers are within 15k miles of each other. Both are rust free and have the 4.0 and AW4 which run well and shift well. Whatever I get will be used as a weekend vehicle which will occasionally see trails. The original idea was to go 3" and 31's. Nothing crazy.

First is this 1991 2 door. 3 inch RC lift and 32's which don't look aggressive enough for me. Lots of maintenance items done recently.


Or this bone stock 1997 for $400 less than the 91?

 

That's not much info to go on. I would do a lot more investigation before I part with my hard earned cash.

 

Assuming that both XJ's are mechanically sound, my vote goes to the 91 two door.

 

Hmmm. You want 3" lift and 31s.

One of these choices already has 3" lift an 32s.


Unless having 4 doors is important to you, what's the question?

 

Such as? Not sure I understand what you mean.

 

I'd go with the '91 2 door. Looks pretty stout

 

Have you performed a compression test on either one? Checked level and condition of all the fluids. Jack it up and pop the wheels off have a look at the brakes/suspension. Last but certainly not least how bad is the rust? Just the normal stuff.

 

I would probably have to swap out the tires since they are a less aggressive all terrain. And though I didnt say it, I expected someone might chime in with how RC will probably sag and need replacing anyway meaning it wouldnt be such a plus. I guess I may be able to get a little money out of them though. The 4 door thing is one of the reasons why I wanted feedback.

 

Compression test, no. Driven both, yes. They run drive and shift well and are rust free and not beat up. The 91 has many maint items recently done. Such as newer radiator a/c condensor, clutch fan ,battery,exhaust system, headliner, front wheel hubs, front calipers,brakes, rear wheel cylinders, brakes, brake lines, fuel pump. The 97 has original equipment but has been well maintained.

 

If you have no preference of colour between the 2, or number of doors (2 doors look cool but for me the 4 door is more practical)...

I would go wih the '97 for $400 less. Assuming both have the 8.25 rear diff you're getting the bigger u-joint front axles, 29 spline rear axles vs 27 spline in the '91. Way nicer interior, 6 years less time for hidden rust to have developed, etc...

You can get a basic 3" lift for about $500 and would replace the tires on the '91 anyway so the 32's are of no benefit... seems like a no brainer to me.

 

I would go for the 97 as well. Great year, and its stock so you can modify it properly. Downside is you will likely need to do the maintenance that has already been done on the 91 (though you dont know who installed them or how lazy he was), which eats up a lot of the savings.

Bone stock FTW, in my opinion.

EDIT:
Wait, I think I just remembered that 97's were the year that had weird mixed electrical systems.

 

I thought it was the 96 that was the f'ed up year..
I would check the fluids, you don't want all kinds of un green stuff in you cooling system. And I always like red tranny fluid...

 

Hmmm....I never knew about there being electrical issues...?? Thanks for the input guys, keep it coming!

 

Good point on the axles.

 

Im not one to buy previously lifted vehicles, not to say it was done poorly, you just dont know. Looks like the 2 door has tinted windows were the 4 door doesnt. What other options do they have or not? You should go by personal taste. The interior of both are different, I'd go with the '91 cause I like the older interior, but if you like the updated insides go for it. You are the one sitting in it.