I might be looking at getting my first XJ soon. Its a '95 with a rebuilt 4.0L, automatic, 4 inch lift on 31 inch tires. Interior is very clean. I am willing to go look at it soon but its like an hour and half away. The owner said its been rebuilt but what is the best way to tell? I can't exactly take pans off this thing and see if there is anything new underneath. Compression testing?

Also, how can I tell what kind of lift is on the jeep? How can you tell between manufacturers and the actual size of the lift by looking??

What else should I be looking at in a used XJ?

Thanks!

 

Compression test would be good. Look at the motor close for oil leaks if it has been rebuilt it should be fairly clean.

 

Look at things like the valve cover gasket, exhaust/intake manifold gasket, and water pump gasket to see if they look new, a clean fresh painted block and new hoses should be a good indicator if the engine has in fact been rebuilt. If they put old hoses and water pump on a fresh rebuild, you have to think where else they may have cut corners during the rebuild. Take a peek down the oil fill hole and see if the rockers look fresh and clean. Look at the oil pressure gauge while the engine is warm and idling.

 

ITS AN XJ... BUY IT !!! you'll either love driving it or working on it

seriously like the others said do a nice thorough inspection and make sure you're getting exactly what you expect.