I personally prefer 99-02 D2’s myself, but between those two I’d go with the one that isn’t a rust bucket!

Most are non SAI, more interior choice colors (grey, bahama beige, *rare* kalahari interior, lightstone, and the westminster grey/black), glass headlights vs plastic that fade/fog up and look like crap. CDL is pretty common on 99-01 for sure, and I like the 4.0L vs the 4.6L V8. I also think 99-02 build quality was much better as they were trying to sell the D2 when introduced, vs 03-04 when the LR3 was already in the works so all 03-04 = just get em off the line ASAP.

Personally I’d keep looking. If Army say that shop blows, I’d trust him. Plus, I’m not a fan of the ‘02 as it has less versatility with the CDL. However, I agree with Best in that I trust the 4.0 over the 4.6. The main thoughts are that when they punched out the 4.0, it got the cylinder walls too close together and also the tooling was pretty worn out so the tolerances weren’t as good, mainly manifesting itself in the ‘03 oil pump failures that ate engines. Now to be fair, some of that is here say, but I hear less about slipped liners in the 4.0 than the 4.6.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the older D2s have more options: air bags in the rear and ACE for starters. Now both of those systems are pretty hated in the community, but if you don’t buy a rust bucket and are diligent in keeping corrosion away (I actually get on my knees at the car wash and spray the underside very copiously during the salty months), both systems are great. The airbag system is exceptionally simple and I just got a pair of spares for less than $100 brand new.

As mentioned I think finding one with zero rust is the best thing to do. I flew to Kalifornistan for my latest one and have been really happy. If you learn to work on it, it will take a bit of work, but once you get it all working, they really are fun to play with.

My 99 D2 had SLS & ACE. I removed the SLS when I lifted it, but I love ACE. It does make a difference in the corners no doubt about it. Weak link is the rubber high pressure lines. If you loose fluid you “could” fry the ACE pump.

That’s why I check the oil and ACE/PS fluid level at every oil change. My last D2 had the SLS removed and it handled like a wallowing pig. I accepted it as it is a top heavy SUV, so whatever. But MAN, after I drove one with ACE (the same system in my wife’s blown L320) I was in total LOVE.

I’m comparing apples to oranges in some regards there, but the 2 together totally transformed the driving experience. My desire to keep the airbags is a little different probably than many in that I put a dirt bike on a hitch carrier and it keeps things level. And when I load it up for trips, the ACE helps with the heavy load on the rack.

I used spacers in the rear when I did the modest 2” lift and despite it being the “cheap” Terrafirma springs up front and shocks all around, it rides and handles way better.