Good morning. Looking to be come an XJ owner
 

Well, I am selling my car today and am in the market for an XJ. The Low-Dollar Wheeler on Xtreme 4x4 sold me. So, I am hunting for one but not sure which year, model would be most desirable. Any help would be great. I plan on doing as much of the work as I can. Also, I'm in the Port Richey/Hudson area of FL if there's any members close to me.

Cheers,

Frank

Welcome! I would suggest getting any years between 91 and 99. 00-01 have a head that is prone to cracking. And 86-90 are the Renix era motors with a closed cooling system, which is prone to overheating more easily than later years (although there is a way to convert it to the open cooling system). Good luck with your search! You're making a great decision

Hey Frank,

Attachment 384598

Is there an easy way to tell which ones have the 8.25" over the Dana 35? Doesn't look like they're too expensive used if the one I get doesn't have it. Common issues to look for, ask if has been repaired? I'm searching, but trying to streamline the process if I can.

Read this: http://sisoffroad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118

The diff cover on the 8.25 has a flattened spot on the bottom, when compared to the D35.
Attachment 384593

Excellent. Thanks! Printing that sucka off now.

Also, how are Grand Cherokees? I'm not set on what to buy. I'm doing this for something different. I wanna start of casual and see where it takes me, although I have a sinking feeling that I know I am doomed from the start. LOL

They have coil spring suspension front and rear, rather than leaf spring in the rear like the Cherokee, and a slightly longer wheelbase, so they ride better. They're also slightly larger inside, with more rear legroom, and usually have more creature comforts...better seats, more options, better trim, etc. They also had a V8 offered as an option, which the XJ didn't, in case you need more power at nearly the same MPG.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hdo/cto/2828511033.html
http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/2828219580.html
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/ctd/2826232884.html

Yay? Nay?

1. I'd stay away from a lifted truck, as it's probably had the snot rung out of it. Plus with that lift on short lower control arms that aren't dropped, it will give a harsh ride because of their angles.
2. Worth considering, it is a great price.
3. I prefer the ZJ's, but this one is priced too low for being at a dealer. It must have more issues than the obvious: the mileage, the damage on the right front bumper; the rear wiper isn't in the parked position on the hatch, it's on the glass (which opens on this truck)-which means it doesn't work.

How about this?
http://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/ctd/2823884099.html

Not a bad price at all. Looks pretty clean, even the interior, which has hauled a dog around quite a bit. You can tell by the scratched up door panels where it's been holding its head out the windows.
The '95 V8's are sometimes plagued by poor idle because of EGR issues. Last year for Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and it only came on the V8.

Well, I have a dog, so that's no biggie. Just trying to find the right one for a rig. Won't be driven much.

The EGT system can removed, no?

Yes, it can be disabled if there's a problem. But if it's working okay don't tamper with it.