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Thread: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

  1. #1
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    Question 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

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

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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?

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.

  10. #10
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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    composite to cast rotors sometime in 99

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.
    Last edited by s1xty7; 03-19-2014 at 11:19 AM.

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

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

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    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.



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

  14. #14
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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

    boom! thats how you buy a jeep! well done.
    Wheelin' East Texas in a RED XJ

    RED 98 XJ with 4.5" lift, ZJ steering, front and rear locked on 33's
    cowl intake, Cobra CB, SYE, bumpers, 10K winch, lights
    ,___________
    //___l__,\____\,00_
    l_--- \___l---[]lllllll[]|
    (o)_)--(o)_)--(o)_)

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    Default Re: 1998 vs 1999 XJ Differences

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

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