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I've been off the web for a while...lots of things going on, trying to pay for my wife's school, pay bills, no work, the usual. Then last week my in-laws home burned, and they lost everything, and their insurance had dropped them because an addition of the house didn't have siding yet. Or internet keeps going down, so internet access is iffy at best.
While looking, I've found several '97+ XJs for $1000-$1500. I know there were emissions changes for '99, with changes to the intake and head. Are there any problems with the newer years? Or am I better off sticking to '97-'98? In a way I prefer the '97-'98, since my old one is a '98, so the engine and any other parts would be identical, in case there are future problems. The ones I've found have 150-200k miles, but as long as the body isn't rusty (they are from southern NH, MUCH less rust than here), I'm not worried. I know they should be good for another 100k, if I can keep rust away.
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Man, sorry to hear about the in laws home - how devastating!
I recommend any year except the 2000 for two reasons; there was a block casting issue with some of them that causes a crack and the fact that they have some goofy emissions equipment (multiple pre-cats, etc).
I believe the casting issues were resolved by 01.
Keep your head up my man.
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Whenever similar questions come up on the forums I'm on, the general consensus seems to be that 1999 is "the" year to get. It's the "latest and greatest" XJ that still had the high pinion front axle, and they don't have the multi-cat emissions system that 00/01 XJs had.
Personally I kinda like the distributorless ignition system used on the 00/01s though.
I'm not aware of any major changes btwn 98 and 99.
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Who the hell did you all piss off in a previous life? Holy crap!
On that, I know it's small but sell me your GD power steering bracket for the "big intake" arrangement (late 99+). The crappier, more busted/ruster one is fine (sure ain't no show XJ). Save the other for a good eBay sale or something. I know it's not a windfall, but I will happily pay market for it (plus s/h of course). I'll probably break something when I do the install and give you another part request!
Looks like others have covered the bases: 97 - early 99 has the HP front without the emissions garbage and if you have access to a late intake and P/S bracket, icing. Also the brakes and stick are better than earlier ones, though I don't know specifically when (you probably know better). Honestly, the HP front was the big thing for me, knowing I'd eventually get bigger tires. And I actually like have a distributor. Our other vehicles are full electronic so it's nice to have such a mechanical vehicle in the corral. I like variety. Minor detail.
I admit I'm very happy to hear you're alive and kicking, you honestly had me nervous. I still have feelers out for work, but nobody's biting yet. I know they _need_ the man-power, they just aren't looking to actually pay for another employee right now. Sucky, dude.
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I think this is the one everyone wants - '99 HP D30, larger intake
everything about the different years has been covered, I think.
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Thanks all. By the sounds of it, I'll try to avoid a 2000, and try for 97-99 if I have the option. If I find a screaming deal on an '01 I won't turn it down though, or even a 2000 if the price is really good. But so far the best ads have been for around $1500 for '97+. I want to avoid the earlier ones, unless i find a REALLY killer deal (like $500 bucks for a nice '95/96).
So far it looks like the XJs are winning. My father is going to loan me his truck, so that means my wife will have wheels until the reg. runs out at the end of this month. For the $400 or so registration would be for it, I could use it longer, but its funds i don't have. So I have til the end of feb. to find her a vehicle. I had a line on a Sentra for $700, but it sold today before the guy replied to me.
At least I get her Durango as a part's rig for mine (what it was originally bought for, until she stole it from me!)
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I had wondering where you had been and was spoken about here as well as on Facebook too as missed your posts. Sorry to hear everything that has happened mate and hope you climb above it all soon.
Only thing I can add to the XJ talk is wasn't there a head that was prone to cracking more than others and one or the same had the smaller ports too?
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that's the 0331, small ports and dis. wj got it in '99, xj and tj '00.
they fixed it about '02-'03 but early ones are crack prone.
that said, my gf has a yellow '01 xj ['the short bus'] with ~160k on
it and running smooth. her commute is almost 60mi each way, so she's
piling the mileage up.
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I have a friends 2000 XJ in my yard I am putting a long block in. He had oil in the coolant. Took it to the dealer that sold him the extended warranty. They changed the head gasket (breaking bolts and leaving some out). A few months later the problem returned. Out of warranty now and dealer won't stand behind their work. Hence the long block and friend doing the labor. We have discovered the hard way about the head problem with the first of the new heads before the problem was fixed. The long block we bought came with the later head. Still the smaller ports. $1,300 for the long block with 3 year unlimited mileage warranty.
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I guess we are officially XJ owners again, although just as the other '98 started out, its not really MINE. I'll only get to work on it and drive it once in a while. Its no gem, but it will do until we can find something better for the Mrs.
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sounds like a fair catch on the '98; i've never really been a fan of
blue in general, but i have to admit that blue specifically is one of my
favorite colors on an XJ... and that's my second-favorite style of
wheels. (i'm pretty partial to the Grizzlies.)
if anyone could whip one into shape, i'd bet it would be you.
here's wishing you better luck from here on out for you and yours!
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Any XJ's better than no XJ ;) Though it sounds like maybe you DID get a gem. I mean, the important stuff is solid, it would seem.
I'll take this as a sign that things will be turning around for you and yours, if slowly.
Keep us posted. It's good to hear from you.
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