2nd Gen Dash Swap?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 884
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From: Baltimore
Year: 2002
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L (AMC) Straight Six
I've occasionally seen MJ Comanches (same basic setup) appear on eBay with a '97+ dash swap... it can be done but you may need to do some wiring changes, PLUS get all of the necessary components (gauge cluster, chime module, HVAC controls, dashboard switches, steering wheel and ORC (airbag) circuit... etc). You may as well grab some new front door speakers and front door panels while you're at it to make it look all up-to-date. Good luck! (:
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1
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Model: Cherokee
Bump to bring this thread back to life
I've occasionally seen MJ Comanches (same basic setup) appear on eBay with a '97+ dash swap... it can be done but you may need to do some wiring changes, PLUS get all of the necessary components (gauge cluster, chime module, HVAC controls, dashboard switches, steering wheel and ORC (airbag) circuit... etc). You may as well grab some new front door speakers and front door panels while you're at it to make it look all up-to-date. Good luck! (:
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 26
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From: United States, California
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L 6-cylinder
I have a 96 Cherokee and I HATE the interior. I plan on tearing everything out and upgrading to things like leather seats, new carpet and padding, a new suede headliner, new center counsole, and I definitely need a new dash. The question is; is it possible to swap a 97-01 XJ dash into an 84-96 XJ? Would I run into any issues with the VIN or is it attached to metal that goes to the firewall? What would I have to do to make it all happen? Let me know!
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I have a gen3 that im swapping the gen2 dash into. just about everything is a little different. you'd also be swapping the hvac system and all the wiring. plus all the spot welded brackets that hold the column and pedals, plus the whole steering column is different. it can be done, Just a little more work than it seems to make it function.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
You need to change the whole wiring harness, engine computer, brackets welded to the firewall, hvac box, pedal assembly, steering column...its not impossible, best to have a whole running jeep to use for parts.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3
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Model: Cherokee
many thx
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 60
From: Pasquotank, NC
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
It's a waste of time. Cherokees are dirt cheap. If you want the 97+ interior and front clip, buy one. A lot of work for no gain.
The only reason it is common on the Comanches is because they stopped building them in 92. To have a 97+ spec Comanche is cool because you can't buy one, was never built. Worth the effort to someone with the time and skill. Even then, it is best to have an entire 97+ Cherokee beside the Comanche to pull EVERY bit of wiring and EVERY panel from.
The only reason it is common on the Comanches is because they stopped building them in 92. To have a 97+ spec Comanche is cool because you can't buy one, was never built. Worth the effort to someone with the time and skill. Even then, it is best to have an entire 97+ Cherokee beside the Comanche to pull EVERY bit of wiring and EVERY panel from.
Seasoned Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 83
From: Pittsburgh
Year: 1999, 1996X3, 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,469
Likes: 26
From: North canaan Connecticut
Year: 01, 99, 98, 98,98
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I’ve always had a liking for the first few years of the XJ with red or plaid interiors for some reason. If it were me I would get an 84 and swap in a 4.0 from a 96. Or probably not even bother. I would just love a clean 84. I had an 87 about 16 years ago and loved it. If you like the 97 up just get one and put the 96 back front clip and stuff on it.
Anything can can be done with lots of work. But is it worth it just for aesthetics? Probably not.
Anything can can be done with lots of work. But is it worth it just for aesthetics? Probably not.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
2nd gen dash swap?
I have a 96 Cherokee and I HATE the interior. I plan on tearing everything out and upgrading to things like leather seats, new carpet and padding, a new suede headliner, new center counsole, and I definitely need a new dash. The question is; is it possible to swap a 97-01 XJ dash into an 84-96 XJ? Would I run into any issues with the VIN or is it attached to metal that goes to the firewall? What would I have to do to make it all happen? Let me know!
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