Specifics on XJ Tails

[Zenobian_84]

I've heard it a thousand times, and I know you all have too. The old story about how the XJ tails won't fit on an MJ even though people still like to try and say they will.

 

 

Just curious, as I've never taken apart XJ tails(mainly looking at the 84-96 ones here), what's the exact reasoning why they won't fit? :dunno: Also, anyone got a side by side shot of the two together? Reason I ask all this is because I've been thinking that I like the XJ tails a lot more than the MJ's... :nuts: :brows:

[Automan2164]

...what's the exact reasoning why they won't fit...

 

The exact reason don't fit because they are made for a completely different vehicle. Plain and simple. You've hear it a thousand times because it is true.

 

Anyway you want to make XJ tails fit is up to you.

Rob

[Geonovast]

I wouldn't say the XJ and MJ are "completely different".....

[jimoshel]

Since the XJ and MJ are identical from the firewall forward, why can't you put the tail lights in front? Should fit then. :dunno:

[TylerJY]

Since the XJ and MJ are identical from the firewall forward, why can't you put the tail lights in front? Should fit then. :dunno:

 

:dunno:

can't argue with Jim's logic.

[JeepcoMJ]

nice jiim!

 

 

and uh....let's see. comanche and cherokee tails don't mount anywhere near the same way. all mounting tabs are different, the shape of them is also outright different.

[Zenobian_84]

...what's the exact reasoning why they won't fit...

 

The exact reason don't fit because they are made for a completely different vehicle. Plain and simple. You've hear it a thousand times because it is true.

 

Anyway you want to make XJ tails fit is up to you.

Rob

Jeez, no reason to bite my head off Rob. As I said before, I've never looked at the two side by side, and I've never bothered to look at how they mount onto the XJ; so I'm sorry if my question upset anyone. The only info I've ever heard on the subject is always everyone says they don't but I never read anyone's explanation as to why. :hmm:

 

As for the other replies, thanks... I guess? :cheers:

[JeepcoMJ]

lol, not a head-biter conversation. I'm sure Rob meant nothing harmful by the way he said anything.

 

 

I'm sure he simply wants to grind it down that they're not cross compatible in any way. he's probably had just as many arguments as I (and many others) have had with people who stubbornly and honestly believe that they're identical, when they're not even close.

 

-Pat

[Automan2164]

lol, not a head-biter conversation. I'm sure Rob meant nothing harmful by the way he said anything.

 

 

I'm sure he simply wants to grind it down that they're not cross compatible in any way. he's probably had just as many arguments as I (and many others) have had with people who stubbornly and honestly believe that they're identical, when they're not even close.

 

-Pat

 

 

No harm meant. You put emphasis on part of your question, I put emphasis on part of my reply. Pat hit the nail on the head. I've battled with people to much to sugar coat it anymore. Won't happen. Well, it will, if you either have deep pockets and a hole in the wallet, or you have a little Jim Oshel in ya, and do it just because you want to.

 

Rob

[Zenobian_84]

lol, not a head-biter conversation. I'm sure Rob meant nothing harmful by the way he said anything.

 

 

I'm sure he simply wants to grind it down that they're not cross compatible in any way. he's probably had just as many arguments as I (and many others) have had with people who stubbornly and honestly believe that they're identical, when they're not even close.

 

-Pat

 

 

No harm meant. You put emphasis on part of your question, I put emphasis on part of my reply. Pat hit the nail on the head. I've battled with people to much to sugar coat it anymore. Won't happen. Well, it will, if you either have deep pockets and a hole in the wallet, or you have a little Jim Oshel in ya, and do it just because you want to.

 

Rob

I feel ya', especially because I know how battling w/ people goes. No harm meant, and I'm glad it didn't come down to having an ITG debate; there's already too much of that $#!& going on around the rest of the web. :cheers:

[Pete M]

I'm just glad you asked. :D much better than buying a pair and finding out the hard way. :yes:

[Geonovast]

Rule #2: Absolutely NO apologizing for asking questions!!! That is what we're here for, answering each others questions. There's no need to feel bad because you are unsure of something or if you couldn't find what you were looking for using the "search" feature. We all start at the bottom of the knowledge ladder and there's only one way to climb up. I encourage you to ask whatever is on your mind. :D The flip side of this coin is please do not yell at people to use the search.

[ComancheKid45]

Yeah that ^^^ :roll: :thumbsup:

[Comanche County]

Nah, it can be done with enough duct tape, don't listen to these guys. :cheers:

[lostissues]

here is an instructable on how to remove and replace bulbs on a 97+ (if you want to see what a 97- looks like, just picture it being more boxy.)

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to- ... the-bolts/

 

Comanche tail light

viewtopic.php?f=2&p=245095

[jimoshel]

Lady brought her '00 WJ over the other day. No lights on right rear. Didn't look nothing like that. Busted two of the sockets just trying to get them out so I could check the bulbs. Was a real PITA.

[H3RESQ]

Well I'm about to try and fab 97+ tail lights into my MJ bed. I'll let you all know how it goes. I can say that there is no question its gonna take some time and metal body work to make it happen.

[ComancheKid45]

Alright well its not really MJ related but I toyed around with some XJ Tail lights today. :wrench:

 

Factory 96 XJ Tail lights...

 

Now with Wagoneer XJ Tail lamps :D

 

 

Lovin the 80s Look with the rear spoiler to boot! :clapping:

[Pete M]

Well I'm about to try and fab 97+ tail lights into my MJ bed. I'll let you all know how it goes. I can say that there is no question its gonna take some time and metal body work to make it happen.

 

yup, its been done. :D but with some metal fabbin' effort for sure. now if i could just find that stupid photo.... :hmm:

[Eagle]

Jeez, no reason to bite my head off Rob. As I said before, I've never looked at the two side by side, and I've never bothered to look at how they mount onto the XJ; so I'm sorry if my question upset anyone. The only info I've ever heard on the subject is always everyone says they don't but I never read anyone's explanation as to why.

Short, simple answer is that they won't fit because they are different.

[HOrnbrod]

Short, simple answer is that they won't fit because they are different.

 

And the same thing applies to the early Dakota tail lamps unfortunately, even though they look similar. MJ tail lamps are unique animals, there are no easy substitutes w/o a whole lot of body work. That's why NOS MJ tail lamps sell upwards of $350/pair.

[Harley]

Nah, it can be done with enough duct tape, don't listen to these guys. :cheers:

Duct tape and Gorilla Glue........Speaking of which, I'm gonna put some gorilla glue on a non stick pan and prove someone wrong tonight! :cheers:

[Eagle]

Duct tape and Gorilla Glue........Speaking of which, I'm gonna put some gorilla glue on a non stick pan and prove someone wrong tonight! :cheers:

Sounds like there must be a story behind that ...

[carnuck]

Nah, it can be done with enough duct tape, don't listen to these guys. :cheers:

 

Dang! Beat me to it!

 

I've yet to try the early '87 Dakota tail lights I got in mine.

[halnelmar]

whats strange is i bought a 88 xj last year and when i raised the hatch i noticed one of the tail lights must have been replaced because written on the exposed side is "1986 jeep comanche" written grease pencil. wth with that? so i always wondered if they would fit but i guess now i know........