While scanning Craigslist, Offerup and, Other sites for A 4X4 XJ I have seen quie a few Renix years available, (89 and earlier, if thats right?)
What are the downsides of the Renix XJs?
Passing Smog Test?
Weak trans/transfer case?
Compatibility with later XJs?

Thanks.

 

Pros and cons of Renix (90 and earlier) have been debated thoroughly online. Many love it, many dislike it, many are indifferent.
I personally have no experience with them but from what I've read, I wouldn't pass on an XJ simply because it's a Renix year, although I was leaning toward a non-Renix year when shopping. The only bad tranny that came on the XJ was the early manual, BA10, I don't remember exactly when the AX5 replaced it. Transfer case were the same 2 choices throughout the run if I'm not mistaken.

 

Nothing wrong with them.

87 to 90.

The 5 speed manual through early 89 was junk.

 

Would an A-15 be compatible? Just i dont own one but just wondering

 

Yes. It was used from mid 89 through 90 Renix 4.0s.

 

Nothing wrong with renix jeeps. The reason why most people hate on it is because they don't know how to diagnose anything on it.

If you get a renix, the first thing you need to do is to do the Cruiser54's tips and go from there, you would be amazed how well it will run after that.

 

i still have a renix. love it. i have more problems with my newer jeeps.
the only downfall is they're getting very hard to find up here now, so trying to find parts is getting pretty hard for us canucks. nothing mechanical from 91 and up works for the most part. but if you can find a decent one, and can score a parts jeep, you will have it for years to come.

now if i can just find a good 21 spline 231 case...

 

Reap what you sow. Treat your Renix well and it will behave mighty fine.
My 89 Renix Peep's past 745000 km, original intake, exhaust manifold, injectors, and ignition system. Starts right up, no smokin, any and all conditions. Usually boosting the imports in the February parking lot after work day.
Original driveline, including the non C clip D35. Bearings and seals replacements along the way. AW4 loves yearly fluid changes. NP231 likes a rear seal every 300Kkm.
Replaced the accessories:water pump, alternator, harmonic balancer, IAC, TPS, oil filter O rings, pan gasket, oil pan, rear main seal, rocker cover gasket, and hoses.
The internals are all original.
Nothin works better for cleaning the throttle body than some brake clean and brother in law's toothbrush. Attend to servicing your fluids, filters, and grease nipples regularly.

 

Only thing I don't like is the antilock brakes.

 

Then convert it to non-ABS and use a 99 to 2004 WJ booster/master.

 

Is that better then the 96 xj booster and mc? I recently replaced my 90 xj booster and mc with the 96, I've also got the discs from a 95 zj on the rear.

 

Not better. Just easier to find and easier to swap in.

 

This might be a dumb question. When that conversion is made do I have to change axle shafts to ones with out the gear thing by the antilock sensor?

 

nope. you can keep them in.

 

Happy to say my 2000 Renix runs great (touch wood). Terrific engine and drive train.