Here's the deal. I recently acquired a 2000 4x4 XJ that has some rust. Nothing horrible; mainly just surface rust but there is enough to make replacing things a pain in the a$$. For example I was going to replace my hub bearing assembly but all three bolts connecting it simply spun and rounded off due to rust eating away at them. So now I need to replace the whole spindle. Now I could take one from a junkyard but I was thinking this sort of problem will be reoccurring often enough that it would be nice to just have a non-running rust free donor to take from.

So my question(s) is... How far from my year would be acceptable for a donor XJ? Are there any other Jeeps that are mechanically the same?

 

97-01 for sure, some items from 96 will work.

 

Well I know 97-01 would work. But wouldn't anything from 91-on be mechanically compatible? I thought not much changed throughout the years except cosmetics and electronics. Thing is, it will be hard to find a 97-01 4x4 Cherokee that I can get for cheap. I'm talking $700 max. I know I will be able to find an older one though. Someone clarify this for me or direct me to a place where I can find this out. Thanks in advance

 

I've always understood it was 96 and below and 97 and above