soon to be XJ owner

[gtlegg]

tomorrow im going to look at an XJ in my area. Looking for something with more room and the 4.0L since i sold my JK. Anything i should look out for on a 2000 XJ

[xjtrailrider]

The 2k XJ is a solid unit but there have been issues with the cylinder heads cracking at 90+K. This is not a cooling issue but a casting issue, the cast iron used in the head casting number 0331 is low on nickle and tends to crack. Jeep should have recalled this but hasn't.

Another draw back to the 2K is the low pinion D-30. If you are not going to lift it its no big deal but if you plan on anything bigger than a budget boost you will have front drive shaft vibes.

I have 5 XJ's, 90', 94', 96', 96', 00'

I would buy another 96 in a heart beat, great year. The 97 is also a "very" good year.

[gtlegg]

ive got 130k and havent noticed any cracks, but ill keep a close eye on that issue...also im not sure which rear i have, but i think it might be ad35 ill have to take a look tmrw.

the kid i bought it from is also running 32x11.5 micky thompson tires, on a 3" RC lift that was $250. im def chaning things up to a better lift and 235/85/r16 tires

[xjtrailrider]

Hopefully you have the 8.25 which with your year will be a 29 spline unit and will be as strong as the D-44. If you have ABS you are stuck with the D-35 and you are pushing it on 32's, don't lock it= broken shafts!

Click on the link, it will show the different rears. The 8.25 has a "flat" lip at the bottom below the cover. The D-35 is rounded and smooth.

http://www.ringpinion.com/DiffList.aspx?SearchMode=Make&MakeID=7&MakeName=Jeep+%2f+AMC&ModelID=393&ModelName=XJ&Side=Rear

[gtlegg]

awesome link, ive been on google looking hi and low for something like this, awesome. thanks!

it appears to be a C8.25 as there is no notched area on the left like on the d35...mine is flat on bottom and round


sweeeet!!

[amt97]

I'm going to have to chime in here - the 97 is a good year for the XJ - the engine overhaul and refinements of the 96 model year with the trim and interior refreshes that make it more modern.

I had a 97 XJ "Country" (equivalent to the Limited in the 98-01 models) and found it to be a solid Jeep. It has well over 100k on it now and is being driven by my 21-year-old cousin.

Good luck on your purchase.