Newer body panels on and older cherokee??????

dlh9350 · #1 01-19-2007, 10:13 PM

Hello I was wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to put the 97-2001 body panels ( lift gate,front grill, ect.)on and older cherokee. I have an 87 and would like to make it look more modern. So I did some research and what I have found is the cherokee body was the same up to 1997 and then the only major body changes for the 1997-2001 were smoothed front and rear panels??? So I would like to put the newer style lift gate and newer style front end on mine. But I was just wondering if it would fit to my older cherokee. And if anyone has ever done this conversion if its possible??
Thanks...

XJBOB498 · #2 02-03-2007, 12:23 PM

Looks like nobody has done this. I have a 90 and 97 XJ, I will take a look at some of the mounts to see if the rear gate might work. The front end is not so easy to tell,but I will look it over. It is Currently 20 below zero so I won't do it today

Soon
bob

Fletch1 · #3 02-14-2007, 08:16 PM

The front fenders, nose, bumpers, are easy. I'm not sure if you need the radiator support as well. You will need an extra bulb/holder for the front marker/turn signal. As for the hatch, no. The earlys have external hinges, and the lates are internal. Unless you have much fab skills.

Fletch1 · #4 02-20-2007, 01:34 AM

I just found where I read about the conversion. http://go.jeep-xj.info/BensXJ.htm

dlh9350 · #5 02-20-2007, 02:55 PM

Your are the man!!!! Thats everything I need to know. Looks like this guy was in the same boat I am in. I only paid 150.00 for mine( with a bad motor)though. So I dont have much in it. I had a 89 laredo years ago. And always wanted to get another one. I have been looking for an SUV to pull the boat and camper with but but didnt really want to get into another payment. This works out great. I figure spend a couple of grand fixing it up and I got a nice looking rig. Thanks again..