New ZJ owner

[AZMP]

Hey guys just picked up a ZJ today been lurking the expo for some time looking for a rig to build and the ZJ was my choice. Anyways names David I live in Phoenix, Arizona I'm a Iraq Veteran and father to a 1 year old little girl and husband/slave to a kindergarten teacher. The plan for the ZJ is a 5.5inch IRO critical path kit with jks quick disconnects and doetech shocks and 33x10.5x15s (brand undecided) on soft 8's with 4.75 inches of back spacing 40" led light bar custom front bumper w/ 8k winch custom rear bumper with tire carrier and two jerry can mounts. Custom roof rack and CVT Mt. Washington (3 season AZ camiping) custom trunk slide out w/ built in kitchen/ storage also plan on a np242j swap(already have the Selec-trac bezel), 2x6 rock sliders and other under body protection for transfer case, gas tank and axles. In the mean time I've got some regular maintenance to do to the vehicle need both front cv shafts replaced change all the fluids redo the headliner, front grill, brakes, radio, cooling system and reseal the axles and engine. Also want to do a Durango alternator swap.

Anyways any input is appreciated keep in mind this will be a DD/ weekend rig but I only drive 4 miles to work.

 

[jpat30]

Welcome to the portal! Always good to see another Jeep Grand being rescued from a life of mall duty. Sounds like you have a solid plan of attack lined out. Look forward to seeing your progress. Good luck!

 

[huachuca]

Thanks for your service.

Good luck with the build and be sure to post back with your progress and adventures.

While stationed at Ft Huachuca in 69, I spent a good bit of time in the AZ back country. What a great playground for you, the missus and your little girl, take good care of them!!!

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

Nice ZJ. I love that colour on those Jeeps. Sounds like a nice plan for a build, I have some IRO bits on my XJ and like it very much. I actually wish I had gone full IRO lift this time. Good call on the rims too, they look awesome on a ZJ...and my XJ. lol

 

[AZMP]

Thanks guys this will be a slow build since I just started a new job 2 months ago and took a pay cut to get this job but will workout much better in the long run.

 

[AZMP]

Oh also forgot I will be doing a snorkel in order to remove the stock intake box so I can do a dual battery setup.

 

[Octotat]

Are you going to re-gear as well? You may find it quite sluggish with 33s and stock gearing if it's a V8, and absolutely dead with the 4.0. I have original gearing in mine with 31 x 10.50s, and it's pretty sluggish on the highways in the hills.

 

[AZMP]

Well I was thinking 4 56 or 4.88s but for now it's not a thought. As stated I drive 4 miles to work and speed limits from home to work are 45 mph. If I'm going to regear then I'm also going to go locked so I don't kill myself in labor costs. And it is a V8

 

[jeep-N-montero]

You will want to upgrade that rear axle as well, the rear d35 will not like living behind that v8 and 33's, grab a 96-98 v8 rear 44a with disc brakes and be ahead of the game. If you can find an hp30 front with 4.10 gears from a 4 cylinder XJ then you would only need to have the rear axle re-geared and save some money, with the v8 and 33's the 4.10 gearing would be the perfect sweet spot. Oh, and good choice on IRO, in the 15 years I have been building ZJ's they are the best company I have ever dealt with.

 

[AZMP]

Is the 44 a direct swap if the ratios are the same?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Is the 44 a direct swap if the ratios are the same?

Yes, a 3 second search on google will tell you all you need to know. I'll get you started, all 96-98 v8 ZJ's had 3.73 gears stock.

 

[CJustin7]

Very nice man. Can't wait to see this go up. What Branch where you in .... Army or Corps .... We may be brothers. lol

 

[AZJim]

Congrats on the ZJ. One thing you should consider is hood louvers. The v-8s in the ZJ's were squeezed into the engine compartment and there is a problem with air getting out. It will stack up just behind the cooling fan and in front of the engine. Jeep used louvers on the 2008 5.9 models. Luckily Kolak is located in Phoenix, and has had louvers available for a number of years. You can email him at Kolak at kolakperformance dot com, or call 480-998-3661. Haven't dealt with him myself, but he's been around for years and everyone who has is happy with the customer service. He's too busy for a web site.

Jim

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Congrats on the ZJ. One thing you should consider is hood louvers. The v-8s in the ZJ's were squeezed into the engine compartment and there is a problem with air getting out. It will stack up just behind the cooling fan and in front of the engine. Jeep used louvers on the 2008 5.9 models. Luckily Kolak is located in Phoenix, and has had louvers available for a number of years. You can email him at Kolak at kolakperformance dot com, or call 480-998-3661. Haven't dealt with him myself, but he's been around for years and everyone who has is happy with the customer service. He's too busy for a web site.

Jim

1998 5.9 models.

 

[AZJim]

Thanks for the correction, yes it is 1998. I'm only 58 so I don't think I can claim old age for that oops.

1998 5.9 models.