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Looking for XJ

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:14 pm
by Scott
Yup, I'm looking again. Feb 11th I'll have my money from big uncle Sam and I need to give my truck a rest. So, looking for an XJ in the 2k range. I've found plenty on Craigslist, just need to know a few things. And YES, I will be throwing some dough into it and building it up a bit. 8-)

What year(s) can I find a D44 in one?

Were their optional front diffs? D30 or 8.1?

I know there are a couple different intakes that were available, what one do I need to stay away from and how do I identify it?

Any links to all this info out there?

I will NOT buy a red XJ! To many in this club. :ugeek:

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:34 pm
by norstar

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 8:44 pm
by Scott
norstar wrote:Scott, check here... http://jeephorizons.com/tech/xjstockspecs.html
Thanks, Thats a good list, little dated though. Looks like I wont find a D44 in anything newer than an 89. I'm going to shoot for something in the 96-01 range.

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:15 pm
by DDewar53
you should be able to find something decent in that year/price range. If I see anything I'll let you know

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:18 pm
by nostaw
D44 was available in the late '80s, but was very uncommon. Only came with the factory tow package and most yards have crushed those XJs for scrap at this point.

D30 is the only front end ever offered. The first gen XJs (again, late 80s) could have a LP D30 w/ a vacuum disconnect like the YJs. Also, the last model years (2000+) could have LP D30 (from a TJ) when Chrysler ran out of the HP D30.

Generally, the '99 and up intakes are considered "best", but that is relative. The "better" intakes are most interesting if you have an older, 'pre '96 XJ. From what I've ready you probably want to avoid a '96-'97 (early/mid) model -- they hadn't worked out the wiring harness.

The '96+ models are all OBD-II. Most are automatics (all have AW-4) and will come with 3.55 gears D30/C8.25. I think in the late 90s models they didn't offer too many D35 rears, but I'm not positive (I've usually see C8.25 on '96+)... If you get the '00+ with a manual it could have the NV3550 (I think), but most manuals were the AX-15 in the 96+ models.

The transfer cases were either NP231 or NV242 (on the full time 4WD models).

JW

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2011 10:32 pm
by ZAEDOCK
nostaw wrote:D30 is the only front end ever offered. The first gen XJs (again, late 80s) could have a LP D30 w/ a vacuum disconnect like the YJs. Also, the last model years (2000+) could have LP D30 (from a TJ) when Chrysler ran out of the HP D30.
All YJ's and all XJ's up to late 99 - 00 had high pinion Dana 30's. I think that's what you meant though.

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 12:49 am
by johnsxj
In my opinion '91-'95 XJ's are the best ones to look at. '96 up have OBDII engine systems that will require you to pass emissions testing (plus the OBDII is a bit more picky if you plan to do much engine modding). '87-'90 4.0 used a Renix injection system that's harder to do diagnostics on and the parts are more $$$ due to it being used only on the XJ for four years.

We all know the D35 rear is a turd!!!!!! But that's what was used in the vast majority of XJ's. As Jon pointed out, the D44 was a very limited offering into the late '80s. The Chrysler 8 1/4 started showing up in the early/mid '90s with 27 spline shafts and 29 or 30 (can't remember which) splines in the late '90s. They're stronger diffs and gears than the D35 but the early 27 spline isn't any better than the D35 shafts (at least you'd have a stronger diff!). Also, C8.25 upgrade parts tend to cost more $$ than other axles. If all you can find is the D35, you could pick up a late model 8.25 and bolt it right in, or do the famous 8.8 swap for fairly short $$.

I wouldn't worry too much about intakes at this point! The '99ish up "horseshoe" will give a bit more power in the mid to upper range on an earlier engine, but it's not enough to make a big difference. The best part of doing that swap is converting the power steering pump to one that's MUCH easier to adjust the belt tension on than older models (that in itself was worth it to me!)

The biggest thing to look for is RUST!!!!!!!!!!!! Contrary to what the used car dealer told Eve, newer vehicles DO rust and the XJ is a pro at it!!!!!!!!!!!
Rocker panels are famous for rotting out on 4 door models, so unless you're planning to box the rockers like I did........ The floors also love to go away allowing you to pretend to be Fred Flintstone! (I'll take a pic of my brother's '88 with 217K on the clock to prove it :P ) Sometimes the uni-body will rot where the gas filler tube passes through, and main eye bolts on the rear springs are known to fuse to the bushing sleeves.

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 5:24 am
by Scott
Thanks for all the great info!!!

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:58 am
by Frank
Your going to look great in that station wagon ! Welcome back Scott :) FjR68

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 12:19 pm
by nostaw
johnsxj wrote: We all know the D35 rear is a turd!!!!!! But that's what was used in the vast majority of XJ's. As Jon pointed out, the D44 was a very limited offering into the late '80s. The Chrysler 8 1/4 started showing up in the early/mid '90s with 27 spline shafts and 29 or 30 (can't remember which) splines in the late '90s. They're stronger diffs and gears than the D35 but the early 27 spline isn't any better than the D35 shafts (at least you'd have a stronger diff!). Also, C8.25 upgrade parts tend to cost more $$ than other axles. If all you can find is the D35, you could pick up a late model 8.25 and bolt it right in, or do the famous 8.8 swap for fairly short $$.
The factory C8.25 were initially offered in 27-spline and then switched to 29-spline. I *think* they switched over around '96, but I've never found anything definitive on that -- I think it is like of like the later D30s (the installed HP D30 until they ran out) where they installed the 27 spline C8.25 until they ran out, then switch to the 29 spline. I know my '98 has a 29 spline...

I'd also point out that the housing on a C8.25 is a lot sturdier than the D35, so even with the 27 spline shafts it will be pretty solid -- you won't bend the tubes!

If you find an XJ you like which has the D35 I'd go ahead and buy it... You can find a junk yard C8.25 from a newer XJ fairly easily and bolt it in without a lot of hassle...
ZAEDOCK wrote:
nostaw wrote:D30 is the only front end ever offered. The first gen XJs (again, late 80s) could have a LP D30 w/ a vacuum disconnect like the YJs. Also, the last model years (2000+) could have LP D30 (from a TJ) when Chrysler ran out of the HP D30.
All YJ's and all XJ's up to late 99 - 00 had high pinion Dana 30's. I think that's what you meant though.
I thought the YJ was a LP... I've talked to a couple guys who had pre-'90s XJs with a CAD, so I assumed it was LP as well... It may have been a HP -- I just don't know for sure.

JW

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 1:23 pm
by nostaw
I forgot that JP did a really detailed article in the Jeep Autopsy series on the XJ which had all the juicy tech tidbits about the various model years... Don't ask why I remembered, but here it is:

http://www.jpmagazine.com/featuredvehic ... index.html

JW

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:18 pm
by Scott
http://maine.craigslist.org/cto/2165609564.html

2" lift "professionally installed" for $1,000. I'm in the wrong business. :lol:

$2,500 for an 2000 XJ w/ 214k on the odo.

Whats a "center console computer"?

There definitely is a lot to chose from across NE and NY.

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 6:53 pm
by ZAEDOCK
nostaw wrote:
ZAEDOCK wrote:
nostaw wrote:D30 is the only front end ever offered. The first gen XJs (again, late 80s) could have a LP D30 w/ a vacuum disconnect like the YJs. Also, the last model years (2000+) could have LP D30 (from a TJ) when Chrysler ran out of the HP D30.
All YJ's and all XJ's up to late 99 - 00 had high pinion Dana 30's. I think that's what you meant though.
I thought the YJ was a LP... I've talked to a couple guys who had pre-'90s XJs with a CAD, so I assumed it was LP as well... It may have been a HP -- I just don't know for sure.

JW
Nope, every YJ ever built was a high pinion. Michaela's '89 XJ is also a high pinion CAD axle (with the CAD fork "fixed").

Scott - I picked up a 29 spline 8.25 from a 2000 XJ for a $100.00. The housing is much beefier than a D35 and obviously the axle shafts are too. That will be going into the XJ this summer.


I agree with John on the 91-95 XJ. I like the square shape too.

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:01 pm
by Scott
I had a 29 spline 8.25 that was out of an explorer. I sold it in pieces. I'm going to look for something in the 1999-2001 range so it should have an 8.25. IF I can find a 91-95 w/o a bunch of rot I'd go for it but this is going to be a DD also so, something newer may be better for me.

Re: Looking for XJ

Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:37 pm
by Frank
Wont a TJ 44 fit ? Chris has one for sale. Doug has a CJ 44 thats probably in the 59-60" range ? FjR68