My next rig...

[sixstringsteve]

In stock trim it handles corners like the shocks are full of jello - it wallows over bumps and generally behaves exactly how a soccer mom probably wants it to.

The scariest car I've ever driven was an old explorer. I thought we were going to roll everytime we hit an offramp. They sure feel topheavy. That being said, shocks are one of the easiest things to fix on a rig.

 

[SAMI]

The '88 FJ62 has the 4.0 3FE inline 6.

I you can't easily acquire a mechanically sound 62 for your price range, I too would look at the numerous options of the XJ variety. I feel that I got lucky with my 62, as it's been owned for decades by cruiserheads; meaning its been taken care of compared to other cruisers out there that turned into hand-me down rally wagons then retired to hunting truck status. I got te buyer to agree to a very fair price that benefited me probably more than it did him.

You should drive mine. Drive a solid 62 side by side an XJ just feel the differences.

 

[kmboren]

I am partial to XJs because I have owned two in the last 10 years and is my current rig. They are GREAT for off roading and like you said have a ton of aftermarket support. Find one that is stock and build it yourself. Support the steering box with a brace with be one of the first things to do. Or look at them if they have been lifted. They tend to crack the unibody if used to hard.

 

[JL Rockies]

06 KJ CRD.... too expo for most though.

 

[pELYgroso]

06 KJ CRD.... too expo for most though.

How did I know that was coming?

 

[pELYgroso]

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm going to drive my friend's 62 and see how it handles and feels. He's fixed a lot of stuff on it in the last couple years, and says that it runs really strong. Sami, maybe I'll come drive yours as well! I started out w/ XJ's and had 3 before going Toyota, and I do love them, so I guess we'll see what falls into place! I don't know a ton about Explorers, but that could be an option as well. What MPG's do you guys get with your XJ's? I've read that they have gotten from 14 up to 20....? and the 62's are at about 14 across the board it seems.

 

[pELYgroso]

What are the best years in the XJ variety? Which have the HP D30? I know the 87's have the D44 rear end but I think I'd like something a little newer than that.

 

[blznnp]

I don't own a XJ but I have been throwing around the idea of picking one up, from what I have read is that they can get 14-18, but once you start putting on some bigger tires then the mpg drops off a good amount, read a lot of guys where getting 11-12, but there are those of course that still claim 18-20 even with the bigger tires, some didn't say if they changed the gearing though to deal with the bigger size.

 

[gorillaxj]

I have 35's, 4.56's, locked, 6" lift, 4.6L stroker, automatic, lots of plated rails, bumpers front and rear, sliders, and I get an avg of 14.4 mpg base on a tank avg, about 70% street, 30% highway. Just for an idea on MPG when built. I was getting about 16MPG with 33's and 4.56's (with stock motor) both with calibrated speedo for the tires/gears.

if you do look into an XJ I would try and find a 97-99 with an aisan transmission. 4.0l and a... wait for it... wait for it... thats a TOYOTA transmission lol. thats how I keep my Toyota genes happy

97-99 seam to be the best years IMO, HP front diff, 29 spline 8.25(non ABS, just shy of strength of a D44) does not have the 0331 head casting (known to crack 00-01) newer body style that is slightly updated (from 96 and older) I would only buy an auto if its the Aisan trans.

 

[SAMI]

Thanks for all the input guys! I'm going to drive my friend's 62 and see how it handles and feels. He's fixed a lot of stuff on it in the last couple years, and says that it runs really strong. Sami, maybe I'll come drive yours as well! I started out w/ XJ's and had 3 before going Toyota, and I do love them, so I guess we'll see what falls into place! I don't know a ton about Explorers, but that could be an option as well. What MPG's do you guys get with your XJ's? I've read that they have gotten from 14 up to 20....? and the 62's are at about 14 across the board it seems.

She's ready when you are. Drive your pals 62 up so I can compare as well; for shits and giggles. Your spot on on the 14mpg for 3FE's. I've heard 62 and 80 guys joke that they get 14mpg bare bones vs packed and loaded for a week of camping with occupants. The 3FE is solid, the auto trans is massive for the size of truck; definitely oversized as Toyota knew guys would load them and use them.

 

[pELYgroso]

How do I know if I'm looking at the aisin tranny in the xj? Do all the 97-99s have that one?

 

[pELYgroso]

That's good to know about the beefy 62 tranny. Do toy know why yours went out?

 

[SAMI]

I'm not 100% sure what was up with my tranny. It sometimes had a difficult time shifting in the morning until it warmed up; especially if it sat for days. I probably should've done a gentle ATF flush when I first got it, but I didn't. It could've just been low enough on broken down fluid that when I pushed up several canyons in one day it overheated because it'd had enough.

Obviously it's a gamble when you purchase a vehicle of age. Plan on rebuilding/replacing something soon after purchase, and certainly budget in constant repair/maint costs.

 

[gorillaxj]

How do I know if I'm looking at the aisin tranny in the xj? Do all the 97-99s have that one?

Honestly I am not sure if it was the only auto option or not for the XJ. but I do know the dealer sold me the wrong kick down cable when I ordered one, they ordered one for a the Chrysler trans model so I have assumed they did... but may have just been for the grand Cherokee?

it will have a blue tag on the pass side before the T/case like this one. Says Aisin on it.

 

[bryson]

I'm 99.998% sure all 4.0 XJ automatics were the Aisin AW4. The Chrysler auto's only came behind the 4-bangers.

 

[gorillaxj]

I'm 99.998% sure all 4.0 XJ automatics were the Aisin AW4. The Chrysler auto's only came behind the 4-bangers.

Maybe thats it... IDK (everyone I know who has a XJ has the Aisin trans, there all 4.0's)

I just know its the one to have

 

[sLcREX]

What about a Grand Wagoneer? They have D44 under them I think, you can get them with power windows etc, 4-doors and spacious.

 

[pELYgroso]

I like the waggys but my wife isn't a huge fan. If the right one came along in my price range I'd take a hard look though!

 

[TRD270]

XJ are kick ass rigs, in fact it was my first rig. Just want to throw in a caveat if your over 6 ft tall it might not work for you. I recently climbed into a 97ish XJ to mess around because I missed mine and boy was it a tight fit

 

[N-Smooth]

The second gen XJ's have a little less head room than first gen's for some reason but it's not bad. I'm 6'6" and I fit. I would also suggest 97-99 for the reasons already listed