Xj88

So im stuck with what I wanna do. I have 2 xj's, my first one ive had since I graduated high school is an 88 with a 4.5 lift, a dana 44 rear, some small goodies here and there and decent 31" bfg km2's with 232k on the original motor. 2nd jeep is a 98 Sport 195k with a small 2.5 lift (full coils, aal), tc skid, gas skid, tc drop and some almost new 30x9.5 bfg a/t's. I hate seeing my 88 go cause ive put a lot of work into it but I feel like the motor and other big ticket items have a higher chance to shoot the **** since they are older and have higher mileage. I have the 88 up for sale which was going to fund the 98. Should I keep the 88, sell the 98 and use that cash to build it up, or sell the 88 and build the 98. The 88 is in my build thread in my sig, the 98 has some trail rash, but has the nicer interior and isnt renix. What do you guys think?

sthon

I just had pretty much the same dilemma, I've had my 92 for over 3 years and have put a lot of time and money into it. My engine was old and worn, some other minor things wrong here and there etc. Got a 98 with a bad transmission and had to decide if I should put my parts on the 98 or put the engine and rear axle from the 98 into my 92.

Well my 92 has a strong running engine now and a fresh 29 spline 8.25 rear axle. The newer interior would have been nice, but I'm a bit partial to this XJ and will drive it until it folds like a taco.

Xj88

Haha, I hear ya. The 88 is pretty sound, has some brake problems, and the suspension isnt quite the best ever. It has its rattles and its creaks, and leaks. The 98 is solid, good running engine (other than taking 2 cranks to start), smooth shifts, nice 4wd engage no leaks no rust. Hard decision.

Atmos

Part out the 88 and use all the money to build that D44

thatXJguy

The lift kit shouldn't be all that much different from the 88 to the 98 and the 98 is going to last you a whole lot longer than the 88 with some TLC. I would recommend doing some part swapping and then keeping the 98 with some of the 88's larger lift parts on it. I personally prefer the newer body style over the older body style. I have a 99.

Ultimately, the sentimental value of your 88 is going to be an issue in the decision as well. I guess it makes sense to want to keep it after all the work you put into it.

As long as the Jeep you choose in the end has an inline 6 engine and reliable parts, I would go with it bud

Xj88

I had planned on re-building the 98 with another 4.5-5.5 inch kit.