i have done some research, but i'm a newb to the xj. i am trying to pick the better of these 2 jeeps. both have about the same mileage, and same price.

1999 - better head, but has the Dana 35, select trac

2000 - may have the 331 head, but has the 8.25 rear end. command trac

i need a reliable daily driver, and to go surf fishing on the weekends.

i'm trying to read a lot from this forum, and so far i've learned about rear ends, high pinions, 242 vs 231 t-cases. but i am seeing advantages in each choice above, what does the crowd think?

thanks,

(oh, and i have the build sheet for each if it helps)

 

The 2000 has the low pinion D30 front axle, but a better rear axle. I would pick the 99 though, HP D30, better cylinder head (if it's an early 99). The rear axle can easily be swapped later down the road.

 

The D35 gets a bad rap. Unless your lifting your XJ and putting 35" or taller tires the D35 shouldn't be an issue. It's like saying Lou Ferrigno isn't strong because he's not as strong as Arnold.
What is your plan or goal with this XJ?

 

Any difference in color..?

 

Freaking epic!!!!!

OP, go with the 99. Like said before, the Dana 35 is no deal breaker unless you're adamant about running 38"s right out of the box. Not to mention, it has the less problematic engine and THAT should be your deciding factor right there.

I'm sure if you look again, you could find a 97-99 with a 8.25. They're not rare. Finding a 242 does seem to be harder to do though - that's what I wanted initially (still kind of do) but I found an AX15 so I went with it.

 

98.....usually comes with HP Dana 30 and 29 spline C8.25. Or at least mine did

 

Never mind.....didnt read the OP thoroughly

 

Double check the head on the 99. Some late model 99's did come with the 0331 head.

 

(besides the color) That would be my biggest worry....that 0331 head.

 

I believe that all model year 1999 XJ's had the 0630 head. The Grand Cherokee, however, introduced the 0331 head in '99.

 

the 99 is bright red, the 2000 is gray.

I'm not planning to ever run anything bigger than 31s. just plan to use it for surf fishing, not rock crawling. maybe light mud.

thanks for the responses everyone.

 

Get the 2000 and swap the head, or get the 99 and swap the transfer case and rear axle. I personally would keep looking until I found a 99 or older with the 231 transfer case. Even a D35 rear axle should be fine if all you want to run is 31's, I'm running 35's on my welded D35 rear and it works fine. But I avoid 00-01 XJs for the low pinion D30 and the head issues, and I never buy an XJ unless it has an NP231.

 

I would say stay looking and the right one will pop up, Mines a 99 with a HPd30, 8.25, and a 231 I love it. I personally wouldnt get the d35, the 8.25 is such a better axel. What are your plans after the purchase?

 

The 99 sounds perfect for you. The negatives you mention, seem a non issue, for your use. I believe the 2000 may have twice the cats, and twice the o2 sensors. The potential head issue, is more worrisome.

 

For whatever its worth, I personally prefer the coil/distributer set up of the pre-2000/2001 XJs. Even though it has more components, it makes ignition troubleshooting a little easier. That said, I've not had any ignition related issues with my '00 after 180K.
And could someone educate me on what's bad about a low pinion (vs. high pinion) D30?