Swap '91 front clip to older version?

[Sea Raider]

I have a street comanche grille that I'd like to install, but it doesn't look compatible with my '91 front clip. Can I install an older front clip onto my truck, and if so, what parts would I need from the older truck? Are there differences in the fenders, bumpers or wiring? Thanks.

[schardein]

I don't know how familiar you are with the differences... but with a little bit of work, you could probably use the grill on your 91 header panel.  Here's how:

 

The 84-90 XJ (86-90 MJ) grill was actually three pieces.  The plastic grill, and metal upper and lower trim pieces.  Then you have the chrome headlight surrounds, which were two pieces, plus the orange turn signal lens.  The upper and lower metal trim were wider than the grill, so the headlight surrounds were designed to work with them.

 

91-96 XJ (91-92 MJ) simplified things by making the headlight surrounds one piece (plus the orange lens).  The grill became one piece.  They did away with the upper and lower metal trim and just made it a part of the grill.

 

If you want to use the 84-90 grill on a 91+ front clip, find the upper and lower metal trim off a 84-90.  You will have to carefully trim the length down on each end to allow it to fit between the newer style headlight surrounds.  Work slowly and measure carefully and you can end up with a good fit.  Most casual observers will never notice the difference. 

 

This is my 91 XJ with the earlier 10 slot grill, original headlight surrounds, and modified upper and lower metal trim.

[schardein]

And to answer your question, yes you could also swap the entire front clip.  You would need the complete assembly, header panel, grill, upper and lower trim, two piece headlight surrounds.

You could re-use your orange turn signal lens, clear turn signal lens, headlights, and headlight buckets.  But it would be easier to use what comes with the header panel if it is all in good shape.

The fenders and bumpers are the same, if the donor truck is very early, the fender bolts may have a different orientation, but I think it can be worked around.  The wiring is essentially the same, just use the harness currently in your truck.  A small difference is you might have factory fog lights, or not.  The front header panel harness, if I remember correctly, won't have the fog light hookups unless it was optioned.  And how Jeep did the fog light wiring changed over the years.  So just keep your truck's front lighting harness.

However, if you swap the entire panel, check the condition of your front lighting harness plug, it is behind the air cleaner box.  They have a common problem of corroding terminals which can cause all kinds of lighting issues.

 

[Sea Raider]

Thanks guys.