Ive got a 2WD 95 and am in the market for a 4x4 XJ but its difficult to find one close to my year.

I am aware there are some years to avoid like the 99/2000 (correct me if those are the wrong years, I forgot. LOL) because of the head cracking?

But what about 90 to 95, is there anything wrong with these years and how different are they from my 95, meaning will I see the same things I have already fixed on my 95 such as the Trans cooler lines, leafs, coils springs, muffler, Nss, Motor mounts, Trans mount?

I may go the 4X4 Grand Cherokee / ZJ route because there are tons of them available on CL But I would really like another XJ close to the same year as mine.

Thanks.

 

'90 is still Renix IIRC. 91-95 should be the same pretty much.

 

The cracked head years are 2000-2001. 99 is the prime year to buy. Options they had on the 2000's but without the crappy head problems.

 

Yea 1999 is THE BEST year for an XJ

 

I think it's really subjective. I consider late 1996 to be the best. 29 spline shafts, first year of ODBII, stock driveshaft is the longest on XJs so you can run up to 4.5" of lift with no vibes, airbags and personally I like the older body style way better.

So that said, if you're looking in the 1991-1996 years, I'd suggest a 96, late 96 would be even better for the 29 spline

 

airbags is a good point. reminds me i need to disconnect them on my ZJ this weekend. Im always afraid those buggers are going to go off haha.

 

I have both a 1990 and a 1995 so here's my impressions:

1. Steering wheel on the 1990 looks like it is from the 1970's, but 1995 is relatively modern. Relatively in a 1990's kind of way, which to me is great.
2. The ignition key: see above comments about the steering wheel.
3. The 1990 Renix takes several cranks to start up. Just long enough to worry me. But the 1995 starts up instantly with the Chrysler fuel/ignition ECU system.
4. The 1990 front seat slider releases are these tiny little ***** that you have to find and flip left (or is it right?) But the 1995 has nice big ergonomic bar that you pull up.
5. The front seats have adjustable/detachable head rests on 1990, but one-piece monoliths on my 1995.
6. The 1990 had the funny pressurized coolant tank, and no radiator cap. The 1995 has a regular non-pressurized reservoir, and a radiator cap.

Overall, I like my 1995 better and will likely next seek out a 1996 to get ODB2.