98 vs 99?

[KMW-NWXJ]

I am looking to get a XJ probably by spring. I kind of have it narrowed down to looking for a 99. But I was wondering if there was anything wrong with 98? Here is my understanding so far:

97-99 are generally considered the best years.

97 had wiring harness issues.

99 was the last year for the hp D30.

99 has the newer style head, but can crack.

So, is there anything else besides the head different between the 98 and 99? Is there really much of a noticeable difference in power between them?

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[Brasscatz]

Honestly you'll be fine with either. The 99 has the better intake manifold and is widely accepted as the best year. You won't be sorry with a 98 at all though

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[Brasscatz]

Oh, and I don't think the 99 has the head that's prone to cracking... I think that is 2001, but I may be wrong on that

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[nickyg]

I'm not too familiar with 97 -01. But In my opinion an Xj is a XJ. They all have some pros and cons. Just look for one that is in the best condition for the money.
I have a 96. It's more like half 95 half 97
If i was to buy one now. I'd go for a 95. Just because in my state anything older the 96 don't have to get an emissions test.

[nickyg]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3favjuZPPM

This may help.

[KMW-NWXJ]

What about the hp D30? I've heard both 99 and 2000 named as the last year for that.

I know that I want the I6, (obviously!) the AW4, the NP231, hp D30, the bigger u-joints and 8.25 rear with 29 spline axle shafts.

If the 98 meets all this and there isn't much power difference between that and the 99, then I'd be fine with that. Of the 2000 still had the hp then that would be fine too. I don't have a problem with the coil pack ignition.



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[KMW-NWXJ]

Honestly you'll be fine with either. The 99 has the better intake manifold and is widely accepted as the best year. You won't be sorry with a 98 at all though

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Thanks. I'm just wondering why is considered better. Is it just the intake?

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[XJ Wheeler]

The '99 was the last year for all 4x4s to have the high pinion Dana 30 and 4.0ls to have distributor type ignitions (cheaper to fix than coil packs), and was the first year for the more free flowing "horseshoe" intake manifold. Some '00 4.0l XJs had the dreaded 0331 head as well as all 4.0l XJs in '01. All '97-'01 8.25 rear axles had 29 spline axle shafts. Just to clarify.

Honestly, yes the '99 is generally considered the best year the others aren't far behind. ;)

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[ArmyGuy45]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3favjuZPPM

This may help.

I thought it was 00-01 that had the head cracking issues?

[Mudderoy]

I am looking to get a XJ probably by spring. I kind of have it narrowed down to looking for a 99. But I was wondering if there was anything wrong with 98? Here is my understanding so far:

97-99 are generally considered the best years.

97 had wiring harness issues.

99 was the last year for the hp D30.

99 has the newer style head, but can crack.

So, is there anything else besides the head different between the 98 and 99? Is there really much of a noticeable difference in power between them?

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Hmmm I thought it had the old style head, same one that was on the 98. Maybe it was a mix that year...

I have a 98 and a 99. I'd say the only thing better about the 99 is the curvy intake. You can get one of those from ebay for $100 though.

[KMW-NWXJ]

Hmmm I thought it had the old style head, same one that was on the 98. Maybe it was a mix that year...

I have a 98 and a 99. I'd say the only thing better about the 99 is the curvy intake. You can get one of those from ebay for $100 though.

My mistake. I was mixed up with head and intake there. Sorry about that.

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