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I know it’s possible and there’s a bit of info online about it. I think you have to replace the whole header unit though for the headlight bezels and grille to attach to.
Thanks I'm going to be on look out for a solid front header and grill to do this swap
While you can simply bolt in a header from a later model and it'll fit, the fenders are a bit different. On older models, they're flatter towards the top and on newer models, they're more curved towards the top of the fender. It won't perfectly match the body line, i'm just a nit picker for small details but if that wouldn't bother you, go for it! While I like the older header panels, I much prefer the late model ones.
While you can simply bolt in a header from a later model and it'll fit, the fenders are a bit different. On older models, they're flatter towards the top and on newer models, they're more curved towards the top of the fender. It won't perfectly match the body line, i'm just a nit picker for small details but if that wouldn't bother you, go for it! While I like the older header panels, I much prefer the late model ones.
It's funny you mention that becuase not long after I had asked, I watched a video where some guy did just that. He swapped out the fenders and header to a early model XJ to conform to the late models. He does go on to explain how the fenders are not exactly the same in design and that they are more rounded.
I did yeah! Have been running them for just over a month now. The ride quality is superb. Very happy with the purchase and I think it was money well spent. I have pics but you can’t really see them too nicely. Will update the thread this weekend with the latest happenings on the XJ
The XJ has been doing great the last few weeks. I have been busy finishing up with freshman year at college and just started working, so things have been relatively slow the past few weeks. I did get the Bilsteins mounted as I mentioned earlier and I am very happy with my purchase. When I took out the RC ones I compared them to the Bilsteins by pressing down on the shaft. The Bilsteins had a much smoother bore action compared to the RC ones.
I had an issue with the XJ running horrible a few days ago. I thought it was my CPS which was giving way, so I replaced it with a Mopar replacement. The intermittent knock was still there and I thought I was very near to having to replace the engine. I pulled the engine code and it came up with P0301 (cylinder 1 misfire). I decided to pull the cylinder 1 plug, and to my big surprise I found the ceramic edge had completely cracked in half, and the gap was out of spec! I have never seen this happen before on a car and Champion plugs in general. I am certain if that ceramic edge completely broke off and fell into the cylinder then things would have been much different...
I ordered a new stainless steel exhaust header, downpipe, Bosch O2 sensors, Thrush muffler, Magnaflow cat and Browndog motor mounts which needs to be installed. The XJ's exhaust system is due for an upgrade... I will also be replacing the oil pump, rear main seal, timing chain and oil pan gasket in the coming weeks. I am hoping to get most of the major upgrades done and out of the way before school starts again August 16
Recently got a Porta-Bote which is a collapsable fishing boat. The XJ has been doing great hauling it around to the lakes for some good fishing
Exciting times for the XJ. I spent most of the summer working and using the XJ as a daily driver. The store room has been piling up with parts for both the XJ and ZJ. I just finished installing the Bushwacker flat fenders in the front. I decided to go with 295/70/17 Cooper STT Pro’s, mounted on a Pro Comp Xtreme 17x9 rim, sitting at a 4.75 inch offset. The tires tuck in perfectly beneath the flatties. I am hoping to get the rear fenders done this week. I need to get around to installing the new adjustable lower control arms and drag link.
Last edited by adriaanvn99; Sep 9, 2018 at 04:17 PM.
I've heard some sketchy things about those shackles. Drive safe
Agreed. The reviews were on and off about them. I luckily did not pay full price, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to try them out. Thanks for the note!
New steering setup is ready to go in. PSC pump, BlueTop steering gear, Gates replacement hoses and a Derale steering pump cooler.
Also got around to mounting my ViAir compressor in the back. Compressor is hard wired to a Carling switch in the center console and goes through a 12v style relay in the engine bay. Max draw for the compressor is 20A and circuitry can handle 40A, so everything is in order!
New steering setup is ready to go in. PSC pump, BlueTop steering gear, Gates replacement hoses and a Derale steering pump cooler.
Looking forward to some pics on how you handled the cooler placement. Also interested in the part numbers for everything you used. Especially the Derale Cooler. At the moment thinking this one?
I always figure if you are going to steal an idea from somebody that works always best to do it exactly like they did and use the exact same parts. LOL.
Looking forward to some pics on how you handled the cooler placement. Also interested in the part numbers for everything you used. Especially the Derale Cooler. At the moment thinking this one?
I always figure if you are going to steal an idea from somebody that works always best to do it exactly like they did and use the exact same parts. LOL.
I will upload pics during the week when I get my final plan in order. The plan right now is for it to be mounted behind the bumper crossmember on the unibody. My only concern will be if there’s enough airflow there so I will be doing some tests. For me it makes sense to mount it there as it is out the way and protected. The link is the correct one, I got the Derale 13200 off Amazon for just under $30. It’s a well made unit consisting of a copper core
