what years best KJ

[rattlesnake]

From Rattlesnake
Having been an XJ owner for many years, I knew which years were better. Are there any special years and /or body models to look for which would be better for off road and lift kits??
Snake

 

[kjweston]

Only differences i know of are the 02s have 45RFE ****** and i think 03+ have the 42RLE. 45RFE is stronger. and 06s are notorious for being the worst for breaking window regulators. all other differences are cosmetic or optional i believe. such as limited slip or renegade package. oh another thing is 02s and the rare 03 are what they call "prelowered" the coils are actually longer than the newer ones. but by now they are sagged so it doesnt matter anymore. hope this helps

 

[ptsb5a]

I kinda favour the 05's, and black Renegades in particular. But hey, that's just me. Mine's got 116000 kms (72500 miles) on it and no real trouble yet.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

02's also had drum brakes (rear) for the most part, 06's and up got the ESP/ABS/BAS systems standard. ABS was an option on 05's and down. And the CRD from 05-06, and the 2.4 for 02-05. And the cloth in the 05+ is notorious for staining.

Other than that, I can't think of much else besides cosmetics, we could write a book with just that.

 

[ptsb5a]

I totally agree about the fabric staining in the '05s. We get in with moist bathing suits after putting the boat back on the trailer and we all leave "bum prints" in the seats. Good thing my kids are still kinda small. I don't mind, it's all just evidence that we had a good time.

 

[rockymountain]

I'd look for an '03 that was made before April. you'd get the 45rfe and most likely rear discs.
I love my 04, but man I wish it had the 45rfe. I had an 03 with the 45 and I still miss it. It just felt more solid.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

If ThunderbirdJunkie's '02 were to meet an untimely demise, he would look for another '02 with an auto, or an '05 Sport or Rennie with a stick.

 

[incommando]

'05. NSG370 6 speed/ 241j combo. No electronic nannies & abs was optional. Yes, the seats stain of you ook at them wrong. But covers start at$20....

 

[HoosierJeeper]

The staining seats would drive me nuts....I get bothered when I find a dark spot on my leather...

 

[ridenby]

If ThunderbirdJunkie's '02 were to meet an untimely demise, he would look for another '02 with an auto, or an '05 Sport or Rennie with a stick.

X2

 

[rattlesnake]

Thanks guys, that gives me a little ammo to work with.

My XJ has 6' Skyjacker lift with 33", articulation links, Asian auto ******, shock extenders, OPEN AXLES, KN filter system, extra electric fans, the good old 6 cyl, 118,000 miles and still in great shape

 

[uctke283]

02' ftw
45RFE, stock front suspension skid, pre-lowered. Mine has 101k on it and it still sits higher than most other KJ's I've seen around here.

mine to...my '02 (prelowered) is about 2 inches higher than my wifes 04. I don't think it has really sagged all that much, but does have 138,000 miles on it...