What to look for on a 97 XJ

[Dirtoyz]

Were there any particular issues associated with this particular generation of Xj's? I know some of the 99+ had head problems.
I'm going to look at a 97 Sport with 190K on it and hopefully trading my 99 Grand for it. Thanks in advance.:pray:

[Mudderoy]

Were there any particular issues associated with this particular generation of Xj's? I know some of the 99+ had head problems.
I'm going to look at a 97 Sport with 190K on it and hopefully trading my 99 Grand for it. Thanks in advance.:pray:

The 1997s can be 100% 1997 or a mix of 1996 and 1997, it just depends when during the year it was manufactured.

Unrelated (I think) I would just verify that it has a high pinion Dana 30 up front and a Chrysler 8.25 in the back. If it has ABS then the rear axle is a Dana 35. Now this assumes you'll want to lift, put on larger tires, and take it off road.

[Dirtoyz]

I've already located a 44 out of an Izuzu for transplant. What were the years for the high pinion?
The jeep currently has a 3" Rusty's and 31's and adj. track bar. I'm sure it will get bigger as time goes on. My last one had a 6" long arm running 33's and I had a Golen's 4.7 stroker that never made it into the jeep.:cry:

[Mudderoy]

I've already located a 44 out of an Izuzu for transplant. What were the years for the high pinion?
The jeep currently has a 3" Rusty's and 31's and adj. track bar. I'm sure it will get bigger as time goes on. My last one had a 6" long arm running 33's and I had a Golen's 4.7 stroker that never made it into the jeep.:cry:

1984–1996: Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 27-spline axleshafts (1989 – 1995 : with ABS used 5-297x universal joints, non-ABS had 5-260x universal joints. Certain XJ models were produced with constant-velocity joints instead of universal joints.)

1996–1999: Dana 30, High Pinion, Reverse Cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.

1991–1996: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
Late 1996–2001: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts.

[Dirtoyz]

I just heard back from the current owner. He's 99% that it's a HP30 an it has the C8.25
He's going to check the build date at some point.

[xjmarc]

Love my 97 and out of curriosity why the Rodeo 44. I ask because it's 6 lug and you'd need to swap the front axle to match the bolt pattern. If it has the 8.25 it will be 29 spline and almost as strong as a D44, almost. They'll hold 35s locked all day long.

[Dirtoyz]

I sourced the 44 before knowing if it had a 35 or 8.25. and they are usually overlooked in the boneyard Rodeo's and Troopers both had disc brake 44's.

I got the 97 today and love it so far.

[xjmarc]

I know all about the Rodeo and Passport 44 but people pair them with waggy 44 fronts because of the bolt pattern. You'd need wheel adapters for the front or rear and spacers for the other axle so you didn't need to run wheels with different bolt patterns if you swapped it and kept the D30. Nice looking XJ by the way.

[Dirtoyz]

She'll stay this way unless I break something. Well I'll have to lock it at least, and lower the roof rack. :headbag: