10-31-2013, 09:27 AM
Go for 97-98.
Best years in my opinion. No worries about the head issues and no dealing with that coil pack nonsense. Plus, if you're intending on wheelin' it you're getting the High Pinion (HP) Dana 30 as opposed to the weaker and less desirable D30 Low Pinion (LP) in the 99+ models.
Ideal combo you're looking for is a 4.0, AW4 (AT), NP231 (Tcase) D30, C8.25.
Look for rust around the rockers, floor pans, etc.
Don't let mileage scare you. My last one had ~200k on the body when I got it. Engine was newer, but the rest of the drive train was still original and just fine. My latest one I picked up for about $3k and it had 144k. I'm at about 154k and so far no major issues.
Widow switch dead is an easy fix. Just need to jump two wires.
I like TJ's and all but I still just can't swallow the lack of people/gear space. I've put so much crap in my XJ and hauled so much crap with my XJ it's ridiculous.
List of mods I would do for a dead nuts DD?
-Full tune up (cap, rotor, distributor, plugs, wire, ALL fluids, filters, etc)
- Upgraded Headlight Harness
- Autopal Ebay e-code headlights
- External transmission cooler
- Throw on a set of General Grabber AT's or BFG AT's and you'll have a zombie apocalypse capable DD
Best years in my opinion. No worries about the head issues and no dealing with that coil pack nonsense. Plus, if you're intending on wheelin' it you're getting the High Pinion (HP) Dana 30 as opposed to the weaker and less desirable D30 Low Pinion (LP) in the 99+ models.
Ideal combo you're looking for is a 4.0, AW4 (AT), NP231 (Tcase) D30, C8.25.
Look for rust around the rockers, floor pans, etc.
Don't let mileage scare you. My last one had ~200k on the body when I got it. Engine was newer, but the rest of the drive train was still original and just fine. My latest one I picked up for about $3k and it had 144k. I'm at about 154k and so far no major issues.
Widow switch dead is an easy fix. Just need to jump two wires.
I like TJ's and all but I still just can't swallow the lack of people/gear space. I've put so much crap in my XJ and hauled so much crap with my XJ it's ridiculous.
List of mods I would do for a dead nuts DD?
-Full tune up (cap, rotor, distributor, plugs, wire, ALL fluids, filters, etc)
- Upgraded Headlight Harness
- Autopal Ebay e-code headlights
- External transmission cooler
- Throw on a set of General Grabber AT's or BFG AT's and you'll have a zombie apocalypse capable DD
Current
2006 4Runner V8 Limited|| Currently no BRAPS
Past
2007 DRZ400S || 2007 SV650 || 1998 Yamaha RT180 || 1998 XJ Sport || 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon || 1998 XJ Classic || 2002 VW Passat Wagon || 1992 F150 Custom
2006 4Runner V8 Limited|| Currently no BRAPS
Past
2007 DRZ400S || 2007 SV650 || 1998 Yamaha RT180 || 1998 XJ Sport || 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon || 1998 XJ Classic || 2002 VW Passat Wagon || 1992 F150 Custom