1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

[s1xty7]

I'm new and didn't see this explicitly covered when I searched. I've owned a 1990 Cherokee and currently have an 1987 Wagoneer XJ. While those have been great for mud trips, etc I was thinking about getting a nicer, newer XJ to have as a family vehicle with eventual upgrades to something a little more expedition like. My question is, what is THE best year to start with on an XJ? The 2000 and 2001s have the redesigned head and COP along with the low pinion D30, so those are out. The 1997s had so many changes in the wiring as a transition year that I'd prefer not to take my chances with those. Now, I know the 1999s came with the newer style intake but what are the other differences between 1998 and 1999? I would likely do a header and exhaust on either to take care of manifold problems and cat restrictions (higher flow cat). Any reason to choose one over the other? If I got a 1998 I'd probably try and track down a 1999 intake.

TL;DR: 1998 vs 1999 differences?

Thanks!

s1xty7

[XJ Wheeler]

If there is any others, i don't know of them. "Mudderoy" would be a good one to ask, as he has one of both.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[finneys98xj]

Roof rack lenght , emblems, intake, late 99s had something different compared to early 99 but I can't remember I think it has something to do with the brakes.

[Rocco83]

I think early to late 99s had a few differences.

[Brasscatz]

99's are definitely the best year. Best head, intake, everything. 96 was the switchover year that has the most issues, my 97 has been a dream so far. I'd go 99 though if you can swing it.

[s1xty7]

Thanks for all the feedback. I certainly didn't know about the rack length and emblems before. I am curious about the possible mid 99 switch over stuff. I did read that some of the late 99s could have the 2000/2001 head stamped "0331".

Now I need to find the right 1999 (although, I might go for a 1998 with the right options but 1999 seems to have a slight edge). Tracking down a sub 100k mile gunmetal gray (steel blue) for $4000 or less. Just missed out on one and I've seen plenty of other colors fit that criteria.

Any other differences between 1998 and 1999?

[XJ Wheeler]

The "0331" head was supposedly on late '00s and all '01s. Now, i say supposedly because i've never seen an '00 with the older head. So, you should be safe with a '99. They changed several things somewhere through the '00 model year, none for the better.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[Rocco83]

I wish you nothing but luck finding one with under 100k for 4k or less. Most of them I see for 4k in these parts are running 180-240k. Jeeps I've noticed (except for ZJ) hold their value better than most other brands. I feel I got luck finding my 98 with 252k on the body, but with a fresh remanned engine for $1400. Looking at right around $2250 after putting it all back together and replacing what I felt should be replaced. Body is pretty much rust free and clean though. I too wanted gunmetal grey :(

[grainofsalt]

I have a '98 and had a '99 at one point, Other than a few little things like the ski rack cross bars, there really is not any difference.

And the only difference that I noticed between the '98 down intake and the '99 up was the '98 had a small bit better low end torque.

And don't let the miles scare you off from a rust free body.

[cpttuna]

composite to cast rotors sometime in 99

[s1xty7]

Are there any physical differences in composite or cast dimensions? Could one be interchanged for the other? When doing a brake job, is one better than the other?

Thanks. First I've ever heard of this change.

Also, the miles don't scare me. I'm just looking for the lowest miles to maximize the overall life span. If I can pay the same approximate price for a 200k jeep as I can a 120k jeep, I'm likely to go with the 120k jeep, all other things being equal. Takes a little more patience but should pay off in the end.

[cpttuna]

I believe newer are all cast. There is a difference. Use the search function to get pics.

[s1xty7]

As a follow up, I finally tracked down a 1998 in gunmetal pearl with 126k for $3800. Got it from the original owner with records for everything (every plug, filter, tire rotation, etc). It's almost too nice to do anything to it. Classic w/ 4.0, AW4, 231, and HP30/8.25 combo.

http://1001uses.com/images/XJ/1998/1998_xj_from_po_side_1_sm.jpg

Thanks for all the help and good luck to those looking!

[denverd1]

boom! thats how you buy a jeep! well done.

[Brasscatz]

Nice!!! I know the feeling about it being too nice to modify... all the red jeep guys have that problem at first :D Then after that first mod, it's hard to stop!

[Rocco83]

Wish I could of picked up a color like that rather than a white one :(

[Brasscatz]

Wish I could of picked up a color like that rather than a white one :(

:D :smiley-scared003:

[Rocco83]

:D :smiley-scared003:


Going to spray paint it OD Green. Thinking of practicing on the tow rig first so I don't completely make the XJ look like crap....red lol

[Joliet Johnny]

I believe newer are all cast. There is a difference. Use the search function to get pics.

Last brake job I did on my 99 was a nightmare. Advanced Auto showed two different rotors so I bought the cheaper ones. Everything bolted up fine but when I went for the test drive it wouldnt move. The new rotors were stuck to the spindle. I read somewhere they changed the brakes mid 99 when they went to a different wheel bearing setup. Also cruise control switch may be different cause I have yet to find one that bolts up.

[ThinkReferrals]

Interesting thread. I recently bought a 98XJ Sport and just picked up a 99XJ Sport as a parts donor yesterday. I was surprised to find the transfer case was different in that there is a full time 4X4 High position as well as a part time 4X4 High. It turns out it is a simple swap so that is moving over to my 98. I did not know of any other differences, can someone discuss the engine differences in more detail? I am wondering what else I should move over to the 98.

[4.3LXJ]

You can move the intake manifold over, but use your old sensors off the 98 and gain some horsepower

[prerunner1982]

Interesting thread. I recently bought a 98XJ Sport and just picked up a 99XJ Sport as a parts donor yesterday. I was surprised to find the transfer case was different in that there is a full time 4X4 High position as well as a part time 4X4 High. It turns out it is a simple swap so that is moving over to my 98. I did not know of any other differences, can someone discuss the engine differences in more detail? I am wondering what else I should move over to the 98.

The different transfer cases isn't indicative of a difference between the 98 and 99 models. The two transfer cases were used from 1987 through 2001.
The tcase in your 98 is an NP231 and the tcase in the 99 is a NP242. Most prefer the NP231 for offroading as it has a bit more aftermarket support and is considered to be stronger. The NP242 though is great in a daily driver where there is the possiblity of winter weather or slick roads.

[ThinkReferrals]

You can move the intake manifold over, but use your old sensors off the 98 and gain some horsepower

Good to know, I will give that a try.

[ThinkReferrals]

The different transfer cases isn't indicative of a difference between the 98 and 99 models. The two transfer cases were used from 1987 through 2001.
The tcase in your 98 is an NP231 and the tcase in the 99 is a NP242. Most prefer the NP231 for offroading as it has a bit more aftermarket support and is considered to be stronger. The NP242 though is great in a daily driver where there is the possibility of winter weather or slick roads.

Thanks for the info, I had no idea they had been around for so long. I have now researched a bit more and I think I will be swapping transfer cases and keeping the 231 as a spare.

[cpttuna]

jeepforum.com/forum/f11/any-difference-hubs-360959 should give you pictures to look at