I've always liked the 91-96 body style best
no air bags to worry about
paint is usually busted up and dont have to worry about messing it up on a trail
less power window and locks. pop the doors off...
theyre cheap!

but is the 97 and later models any more off road capable than early models?
If I can get my hands on a cheap 5 speed one and its better for crawling, I want it

 

Basically all the same minus the looks. The 97+ did have the Chrysler 8.25 29 spline vs the -97 with the 27 spline. As well as the stronger 297-760 u joints in the front axle. But the 2000 and 2001 have the low pinion dana 30 front vs the high pinion in almost every other xj built.

I went from a 92 to a 2000 and my 2000 is so much nicer. Mainly comfortably wise but i just like it more. I used to not like the newer body styler and its curviness(sorta) but it grew on me and when i had to buy a new one i knew i wanted a 97+.

 

A 5 speed will be harder to crawl with naturally. I like the old body style, much easier to mod and find junkyard parts for.

 

I like old body style. 97+ seems cheaper inside and out.
Swapping in a 97+ 8.25 is easy. Or if you know how to set up gears just get the carrier and axles out of a 97+.
D30s from 95+ had the bigger ujoints, IIRC.

 

thats what I figured. if I was only to have a jeep as a daily driver,
it would be white 97 with black tint, black rims, and smoked tailights
but I like the old style because who gives a **** I can beat it up its not about looks
as long as the components are no better than each other, minus newer vs rusty

 

also, how hard is it to find the reverse cut HP D30 front?
heard that one is better but no one told me why
I know its off topic but dont feel like starting new thread

 

I was gonna do a dana 44 from an 87 xj because its also drop in
and theres no c clip. then just put in brand new gears and a front driveshaft.

I'm pretty sure thats what I want to do, but I could always use a second opinon