Going back to an XJ... Need an opinion.
 

So, after long days and nights of debating, I have decided to come back to the XJ. I traded my 88 for a 91 YJ, put a crap ton of money and work in the YJ, got it completely street legal, and it doesn't feel like my old TJ at all. I also have a 97 Ford escort wagon, both are 5 speeds. I plan on offering both for trade for a XJ, so basically 2 street legal cars for 1 XJ. I figured I would ask on CL for a lifted XJ that runs well and all. Basically, I need advice on what you guys think I should specifically lok for in a trade, so I am properly prepared. I know the basics, but should I trade for one that is lifted? Or would it be better to get stock and lift it myself so I know what has been done throughout?

Thanks in advance

YJ will never feel like a TJ. It's just a bad ride because of the full leaf suspension. Didn't like the YJ very much myself when I first got into one.

Get the XJ stock and lift it yourself, that way you know what's going into the lift. People do all kinds of sketchy work on lifts and I wouldn't want myself, or anyone else for that matter, to get stuck with a Jeep that was lifted the wrong way. One loose bolt, one missing bolt, or even some idiot who thought he'd weld stuff to the unibody, could be a problem in the future that you might not quickly find.

So I really recommend getting a stock Jeep and lifting it yourself. Play it safe; safety first.

You're probably far better off selling both outright and just buying an XJ rather than trading. I'd also wait like two months til people start getting their tax refunds back and have more cash to spend.

Thanks. So far I have been leaning towards stock. If I were buying, I'd buy from somewhere on here. The reason I am trading is because in April my 6 month premium is due. I just graduated college, and started work, and don't have the money for 2 cars insurance. lol. Thanks.

start with a clean slate. whatever combo you decide to buy, (2 dr/4 dr, auto/stick...) just make sure you find one with as little rust as possible. good luck!

If your YJ is in decent shape you should be able to sell it and cover the price of the XJ. That means you'd be able to keep the escort for a driver while wrenching on the XJ.

I only paid 3650 for my 01 with 163000, bone stock, 4wd. In the past few months the only things to go wrong is the water pump, front drive shaft out of balance and the blend door not working properly for the a/c /heat, so not a bad price overall. As a matter a fact, I sold my 91 YJ to cover the cost! Of course, it wasn't that I didn't like it, it was because driving across country in a YJ with 35's woulda sucked ***.