looking for info on the 97' conversion

Hi Guys,

I'm am going to do the 97' front end conversion to my 87' MJ. I read on her that someone found fenders for 82.50 each. where can I find the vendor that sells them for that price and is there anywhere else I can look for the other parts at a good price? Also, do I really need the header panel to make the upgrade? hasn't someone on here done the conversion and didn't use the panel? I'll be ready to start gathering up the parts needed in about 2 weeks. does the headlights from the MJ work with this swap or do I have to buy separate ones? thanks in advance for your help.

Bear

u only need the fenders if your gona use the bumper. you can cut your stock ones if u you are using the 97 up bumper to.

You wanna do the 97+ front conversion without changing the header panel??? That doesn't make much sense. The header panel is the main component in the conversion.

And yes, you can use the same headlights.

u only need the fenders if your gona use the bumper. you can cut your stock ones if u you are using the 97 up bumper to.

Ya but it looks pretty half assed if you don't replace the fenders.

Hi Guys,

I'm am going to do the 97' front end conversion to my 87' MJ. I read on her that someone found fenders for 82.50 each. where can I find the vendor that sells them for that price and is there anywhere else I can look for the other parts at a good price? Also, do I really need the header panel to make the upgrade? hasn't someone on here done the conversion and didn't use the panel? I'll be ready to start gathering up the parts needed in about 2 weeks. does the headlights from the MJ work with this swap or do I have to buy separate ones? thanks in advance for your help.

 

Bear

www.certifit.com

was wondering if anyone has any pics of the conversion when it 100% completed. and why does it have to be a 1997?

and why does it have to be a 1997?

It doesn't, it's just 1997 and up (to 2001).

was wondering if anyone has any pics of the conversion when it 100% completed. and why does it have to be a 1997?

There are tons of pics of this out there, it just looks like the newer XJ front end.

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This is with Trailer Products/Ajax fiberglass fenders for the 97-01 XJ

THOSE LOOK GREAT!!!!! ILL HAVE TO KEEP MY EYES OPEN FOR A 97-01 CHEROKEE ROLLER!!!! HOW HARD IS IT?

its all bolt on I'm assuming.

It's pretty close to bolt on. Only hitch (which is minor) is the turn signals and the running lights. You'll need the factory 97-01 socket for the inner turn signal, the 96 and older turn socket should fit into the outer socket hole, and the factory 97-01 sockets for the running lights and just splice them in. I didn't use the bracing that the 96 and older fenders use, I just bolted the fender to the corner of the header panel and then bolts that hold the header panel do the main job of holding it all together. I beat mine pretty good and haven't had any issues with it being loose.

It's amazing what just that little change does to the look of the truck.

What if I wanted to keep my old fenders, hood, headlights, and front bumper and just swap in the 97+ clip and grille? Haven't seen this done - doable?

What if I wanted to keep my old fenders, hood, headlights, and front bumper and just swap in the 97+ clip and grille? Haven't seen this done - doable?

its doable (well, not sure about the headlights), i know someone on here has done it...i'll see if i can find the project thread.

edit: I found the thread i was thinking of...its watchamakalit's build

The header panel is a little more rounded in the corners, so there ends up being a gap:

:agree: Is the only issue I really know of. The headlights do cross over.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll get the fenders too. :D For those of you who have purchased the new fenders, do the earlier fender liners work with them, and can I retail my original flares and bumper w/o any issues?

What if I wanted to keep my old fenders, hood, headlights, and front bumper and just swap in the 97+ clip and grille? Haven't seen this done - doable?

Hood is the same 87-01, headlights are the same

you need to switch the headlight housing left to right if you reuse it on the 97+ front.

fender liners are the same, as yes you can reuse your flares with the new fenders.(though you will be cutting some on the fenders)

here's mine i just got finished and painted. I picked up a 97 XJ with low compression for $600, parted out a ton of stuff and got all my money back, and still had all my front end parts, seats, console, etc. But I did spluge on the $30 chrome set-up off ebay

1986 hood matched perfect. I replaced the fenders, bumpers, bumper caps, and header panel/lights.

dam that chrome front end looks sexy. anyone wana trade for my waggy panel :D

here's mine i just got finished and painted. I picked up a 97 XJ with low compression for $600, parted out a ton of stuff and got all my money back, and still had all my front end parts, seats, console, etc. But I did spluge on the $30 chrome set-up off ebay

 

1986 hood matched perfect. I replaced the fenders, bumpers, bumper caps, and header panel/lights.

 

That does look super smartazz. :D Since you have done it, and in looking closely at it, I don't see any reason why I swap out the clip and fenders and couldn't retain the original bumper and flares w/o trimming anything. Do you agree?

 

That does look super smartazz. :D Since you have done it, and in looking closely at it, I don't see any reason why I swap out the clip and fenders and couldn't retain the original bumper and flares w/o trimming anything. Do you agree?

Agree. The bumper is "optional" and you can just swap the clip and leave your original bumper. I just wanted to finished off the "look" of the 97+ front end. Heck i have even seen old 87-96 Bumpers on 97-01 Cherokees.

To use your original flare you would need to keep your old fender mounting clips. 97-01 plastic flares "clip" on to a different style of mounts.

EDIT: found pic of old bumper, new cherokee..

The 97+ fenders aren't full length in the front. There would be a gap bottom side near the bumper end cap. I considered doing this...and the only way I would do the swap keeping the 84-96 XJ bumper is by cutting/ welding the "lower" portion of a pre-97 fender in this area.

That's what I was looking for smartazz. :D I think it would look great with the old style chrome bumper, new style chrome grill and clip. The bumper seems to fit around the corners well too. 'Course, I like chrome. :cheers:

you could just get a bodyshop to make the headerpanel match your orginal fenders....

The 97+ fenders aren't full length in the front. There would be a gap bottom side near the bumper end cap. I considered doing this...and the only way I would do the swap keeping the 84-96 XJ bumper is by cutting/ welding the "lower" portion of a pre-97 fender in this area.

Yeah, I see what G is saying:

Pre 97 Fender:

Post 97 Fender

I think JB is right - easiest way is to make the new FG header fit the upper fender contour.