97+ front clip or not.....

[GreenF350]

I'm putting this decision up for discussion, should I update my front end or not?? Normally I know exactly what I want and have no problem deciding on it. This time however, I'm not sure. I like the way the factory grilles look, but the new one has grown on me quite a bit.....I can get the new one for next to nothing, and have the truck in pieces, so now would be a good time. I know the newer style grille has become really common on our trucks, but I think thats why it growing on me.......thoughts?

[akamcbird]

i like the newer clip, but i think it depends on what the whole scheme of the truck will be. i dislike the newer bumper, and i hate the way miss match flairs look.

 

in my opinion, aesthetically speaking, if you don't have an aftermarket/offroad style bumper you have to use the newer oe bumper. if you use the newer bumper, the front flairs are mandetory. if you have late model front flairs, early model rear flairs look dated. i think tj rears would look ok with this setup but not sure, one mite be forced to go flat bed :brows:

after all that ide consider how the rear bumper will look with the setup. then the mirrors would come to mind.early model would look a bit dated but I'm not real fond of the new ones...

 

argg!!! whats a guy to do??? i think ima do it (some day) but ill probly be unsatisfied till i get the truck evened out.

 

:typing: too much? this has been on my mind too. :wall:

[blusteve]

In the prosess of changing mine to the 97 and up front end, Really like the look and it is a very easy swap. Haven't driven it yet ,but everyone that has seen it likes the look, Even had a couple offer on it. Putting an aftermarket front bumper on this week. Will post pics later after I finish.

[Blue XJ]

I think it makes a nice improvement to an old looking truck.

 

before:

 

after:

 

 

I swapped over to the newer style mirrors as well, I got tired of breaking the old ones off on trees, the newer ones fold in and are a LOT bigger. I picked up a set of door from a 99XJ as well to put on, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

[freakjeep93]

i like both ways myself

[DJM/78]

My personal opinion is the old school look , just black no chrome , but the way it looks with your truck ,

I think that looks real clean . Nice upgrade !!

[jimoshel]

If my uncle , who I learned most of my early mechanicing from, ever saw me lay a tool on a painted surface, like a hood, he'd kick my butt out into the goats pen. Dern nice lookin truck.

[Blue XJ]

If my uncle , who I learned most of my early mechanicing from, ever saw me lay a tool on a painted surface, like a hood, he'd kick my butt out into the goats pen. Dern nice lookin truck.

 

 

eh, thats better than what I usually have laying on it. Its just my beater truck, I'm not too worried about my paint. I wouldn't lay tools on my DD like that though, thats for sure.

[GreenF350]

Blue XJ, that really does look good! Never considered the chrome insert like that......Hmmmmmmm. Well I guess that just another option to consider. The other problem I'm having is if I make it too nice, I won't wanna take it out and kill it. :nuts:

[jimoshel]

Kind of got off the track here. As for changing your front end, my feeling is it's your truck. Do what ya want with it. If it involves some major modifying then think about real careful. If it can be restored then go ahead do it,and just see how it looks.Even if you don't like it it may give you an idea for something else.

 

Starts 4-5 projects a day. Finishes 1-2 a year.>>>>>Jim

[johnnyc]

I have the newer doors, fender, and header panel. I like the way it looks a little more modern now.

 

And yes, I have the mismatched flare thing going. But it really doesn't bother me.

 

[88pioneer]

I like the original front but color matched like the eliminators are. When i get my 90 i'm painting the grill, headlight doors, an all the other front end stuff red

[ricksjeepster]

I will say yes, go for the upgrade (I'm actually doing it)

but its your truck , no one will know better than you

:cheers: