Buying an XJ/ZJ, what should I watch out for?

[JCMatthews]

You can lift the ZJ cheaper and have more articulation, plus more room, plus more style, plus a bigger gas tank, plus....I give up. Look at the 96-98 models with the 4.0 and Selec-Trac(242) transfer case if you don't intend to tow much. Factory tow package gave you 3.73 gears and transmission cooler, plenty to run 31x10.50 tires. If you get the V8 plan on swapping in the 242 transfer case, it's very easy to do and worth it. Inquire about transmission services, they can last if taken care of. I will think of more later.

How is it cheaper to lift a ZJ? The front ends are identical, however if the ZJ is a V8 the spring rate has to be greater thus more expensive. The rearend of an XJ is leaf springs not coil springs, track bar, and control arms ie. less expensisve.

Both vehicles are very similar underneath. The difference is the rear set up. The D35 rear is okay as long as you don't offroad it hard, and keep your tires to 31s or smaller. The Dana 44s in the ZJ 96-98 (if I remember correctly) had problems. My mother's 97 had to axle rebuilds under warrenty before it reached 75,000 miles. Then she traded it when they started to whine again (less then 100,000 miles).
XJs have a smaller price tag than a ZJ of the same year, because it inot seen as quite so fancy a rig

Things to look for on the frame are where the steering box bolts to the frame. If it has been wheeled hard, the bolt holes will show signs of stress in small cracks, or there may be on showing on the bottom of the frame. With the proper frame strengthening (which is available) the XJ or ZJ is a good platform that will last a good long time. However, just like any vehicle used off of the pavement it will require maintainence.

I mentioned in another thread that I know a man who has driven his '93 Grand since it was new in '93. It has the 4.0l, but I don't know about the transmission. He now has half a million miles on it. It has only left him stranded once when the fuel pump went out around 300,000 miles.

 

[lamontagne]

How is it cheaper to lift a ZJ?

Because coils are cheaper to make than leafsprings.

The front ends are identical, however if the ZJ is a V8 the spring rate has to be greater thus more expensive

Nope, from a manufacturing point, sping rate has nothing to do with cost. Most manufacturers aftermarket coils cost the same regardless of vehicle, spring rate, ect.. Look at OME, coils for a Landcruiser cost the same as coils for a Nissan. The OME coils for my Frontier cost the same for the light, Med or Heavy coils.
Leafsprings now, they are expensive to build right.

 

[BlaZeJeep]

I have a '94 ZJ Laredo with the F>R swap, 32" MT's, 5.2 and 249 case, D35/D30. 250,000 on the odometer, it is still running strong, no tranny issues, and gets about 17 mpg if I keep my foot out of it. I have about $1200 invested in lift, tires/wheels (got a heck of a deal on tires), shocks, etc. Did all the work myself, with a little help from the guys at the firehouse. I have added a front trailer hitch/recoverypoint(homemade), rear trailer hitch, gas tank skid, and a few other parts from the junkyard (dare I say that on EP???). I have really enjoyed building the vehicle, going on a few trail rides (nothing crazy, open diffs), and does great in the snow. Future up grades...a double shear adjustable front trackbar, maybe a lunch box locker, and 242 transfer case swap(I have one on hold for me, just have to pick it up), 8.8 swap down the road???

I like the XJ's. Great off road vehicles, and can be modified fairly inexpensively, like the ZJ. Positives are better aftermarket bumper selection, 8.25 Chyrsler is a good axle for the size of the XJ, smaller size. Disadvantages are only the 4.0 is available (sorry never liked the 4.0, I like the ole 318), more tranny problems on some models, less room inside, and just don't ride as nice as the ZJ.

In my opinion you have to go with what you can find in your price range and fits what you want to do with it. I got the Zj because I got it for free from a friend who bought it for his business, then handed it down to his daughters to learn to drive in, then asked if I wanted because it wouldn't run and was taking space in his driveway. A few minor fixes and on it was on the road. If it would have been a XJ I would be no less thrilled to get a Jeep for free, and then get to build it on a budget that my wife can live with HA HA. Either way good luck, I don't think you will be disappointed with either vehicle, each has its strong points and can be built to really be pretty good off road vehicles with the right parts.

 

[reece146]

Either of these trucks are good.

I'm partial to the XJ for the size and sight lines out of the vehicle. And the boxy, retro style of them.

Go drive GOOD examples of both and determine which one floats your boat better. Can't go wrong with either. I like any Jeep.

Also look at WJs. They have a much stronger unibody and don't require any stiffening when being built for off-road usage (within reason).

2¢

 

[Holdon]

Lots of valid comments

I have owner several Jeeps over the years and have settled on this as a great all around vehicle. Its built for trail running and moderate blasting around the woods. Its not a hard core rock crawler but does very nice at Moab.

1994 ZJ 4.0 /242 transfer case, auto trans, OME suspension, ACOS, extended controll arms w/ poly bushings,ARB air lockers, alloy axles with 4.56 gears in stock housings, 33X10.5 BFG`s, Intake and header, Lots of underside armor. ARB front bumper with milemarker 9500 winch, KOR rear bumper. Don`t let the relative stock look fool you. This is a very dependable ,capable vehicle that still can be used on a daily basis with all the creature comforts.

 

[TMPhoto]

Very nice Holdon! I really like the look of that rear bumper.

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[TMPhoto]

So I have twoZJs im looking to check out as soon as our schedules line up. One is 140K with tow package,one is 100K without tow package but brushgaurds and muffler. Both in great condition, original owners....
How important is the tow package to everyone? I dont plan on doing anything extreme or towing anything...maybe occasionally my MR2 down the line if it becomes more of a track car but probably not....
Opinions? They are the same asking price as well

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[Doctor W]

The factory tow pack on ZJ's consisted of a tow bar, and receiver hitch that bolted to the unibody rails in 4 places (only) the wiring (important to get right, especially on a Limited with EVIC - which tells you when and which lamps have blown) and a auto transmission cooler (not real big).....it's not a deal maker/breaker. I know you can get an aftermarket 6 bolt tow bar (spreads load better) and many people fit larger auto trans. coolers. If the car's got EVIC, then you need to know the correct method of wiring it up.

The tow bar receiver can take a fitting that's like a big steel block with a 4.75 ton shackle through it......makes a very good rear recovery point.

 

[Holdon]

As far as I remember, The tow package also includes the 3.73 gears.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

The factory tow pack on ZJ's consisted of a tow bar, and receiver hitch that bolted to the unibody rails in 4 places (only) the wiring (important to get right, especially on a Limited with EVIC - which tells you when and which lamps have blown) and a auto transmission cooler (not real big).....it's not a deal maker/breaker. I know you can get an aftermarket 6 bolt tow bar (spreads load better) and many people fit larger auto trans. coolers. If the car's got EVIC, then you need to know the correct method of wiring it up.

The tow bar receiver can take a fitting that's like a big steel block with a 4.75 ton shackle through it......makes a very good rear recovery point.

Interesting, my Laredo tells me which bulbs are blown....And mine has a factory tow package that uses 6 bolts for the attachment.

As far as I remember, The tow package also includes the 3.73 gears.

You are correct.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I have owner several Jeeps over the years and have settled on this as a great all around vehicle. Its built for trail running and moderate blasting around the woods. Its not a hard core rock crawler but does very nice at Moab.

1994 ZJ 4.0 /242 transfer case, auto trans, OME suspension, ACOS, extended controll arms w/ poly bushings,ARB air lockers, alloy axles with 4.56 gears in stock housings, 33X10.5 BFG`s, Intake and header, Lots of underside armor. ARB front bumper with milemarker 9500 winch, KOR rear bumper. Don`t let the relative stock look fool you. This is a very dependable ,capable vehicle that still can be used on a daily basis with all the creature comforts.

Great, now let's see it off the pavement....

 

[TMPhoto]

Well I checked out the black one wothout the toe package yesterday....and it was a piece of crap....rear right door lock actuator didnt work. Power steering leak at the high pressure hose, street tires down to wearbars and choppy, steering wheel 45 degrees off to the right...rear brake lamp indicator flashing although they all were working...ABS light on. And the rear hatch took us 10 minutes to open then ot wouldnt shut...

All new belts and hoses, and the oil/trans fluid looked clean...but Rear main leaking pretty bad and small leak at the diff. Plus the driveshaft boot was completely torn open and dry...

So off to the next one, cant believe I drove all the way to Culver City for that...the next one is evem farther away...it better be good haha

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[jeep-N-montero]

Well I checked out the black one wothout the toe package yesterday....and it was a piece of crap....rear right door lock actuator didnt work. Power steering leak at the high pressure hose, street tires down to wearbars and choppy, steering wheel 45 degrees off to the right...rear brake lamp indicator flashing although they all were working...ABS light on. And the rear hatch took us 10 minutes to open then ot wouldnt shut...

All new belts and hoses, and the oil/trans fluid looked clean...but Rear main leaking pretty bad and small leak at the diff. Plus the driveshaft boot was completely torn open and dry...

So off to the next one, cant believe I drove all the way to Culver City for that...the next one is evem farther away...it better be good haha

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There are tons for sale here and we don't have any rust issues, let me know if you want me to very thoroughly check any out for you. Look here to search our classifieds http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=0&nid=443&tab=list&pid=1

 

[TMPhoto]

Damn thats not even fair how many there are out there...and they all look pretty clean compared to the stuf I've been looking through....I really would rather not drive to Utah though to pick up a car I havn't seen....I'll definetly keep it in mind though

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I'm about to start searching for another chassis myself, 12 years of abuse have taken their toll on the unibody.