Should I swap my 1997 TJ for a 1994 YJ?

[grahamfitter]

I was planning on keeping my '97 TJ (6 cyl/168K miles/mostly stock) for at least another couple of years. There's nothing wrong with it except worn springs and seats and a few cosmetic issues. And I like it.

But. There's a '94 YJ (4 cyl/46K miles/stock) on Craigslist for $3500. Apparently its in great shape just needs a new soft top. The 2.5L engine is supposed to have plenty of torque and the stock gearing is 4.10.

Both vehicles are worth about the same so I could trade 122K miles for 3 years and fewer HP. Transplant the rack and wheels. Both would need HD springs so that's a wash. Sounds like a good deal to me.

Are there any real disadvantages of the YJ over the TJ that would make this math fall apart? (Other than buying the YJ and not getting around to selling the TJ!)

Cheers,
Graham

 

[goodtimes]

Personally, I'd keep the TJ, for several reasons.

One, you know the TJ. You know its history, when the maintenance was done, which squeeks and rattles are normal, etc.

Two, they ride so much nicer than the YJ's.

Three, the I-6 is a dog, anything smaller will not improve on the situation.

Four, you know the TJ. (yes, I said that twice).

 

[dennisuello]

Keep the TJ. Ride is nicer and the 4 cyl makes way less power but gets about the same MPG.

 

[LUISJG]

keep the TJ .
if it was an XJ well maybe,,but for a yj, no way

 

[burke]

what rear axle do you have in the tj? The yj has the 35 unless it has been swapped. Not to impressed with the strength of the 35.

 

[jeepboyd]

Keep the tj , the yj needs the 4.10 gears to move the jeep down the road with 27" tires. plus the tj has been improved in almost every way over the yj. just add some h.d. springs to the tj and new ( or new to you ) seats and keep on getting it . btw 168k on the 4.0 is not that bad I've had two with well over 200k and no issues at all.

 

[Haggis]

Keep the TJ. I had a TJ (98) with the four popper and while it was fine for driving around town it was a pain for anything else, and pulling hills with just one person in it was a chore.

 

[MossMan]

another vote for the TJ. You don't want the leaf springs and 4 cyl for a rig that see's the road any at all. If it were trail ONLY it may be worth it.......................nah, I'd still keep the TJ.

 

[grahamfitter]

Thanks, all. I'm keeping the TJ. Time for some new springs...

Cheers,
Graham

 

[AZCPP]

Graham,
This might have been covered in the post about your sagging springs but, you could go to a 4X4 shop and more than likely pick up a set of TJ springs that they have removed from a customers TJ to install a lift kit( usually free). Or go to some of the Jeep forums and there is usually someone trying to give a set away. You just want try and find ones that are off a hardtop TJ as they will be a little heavier. (every model uses a different spring rate) A set from a TJ Unlimited hardtop might be a good find. Just a thought...

 

[BigAl]

If you are going for looks, you gotta trade for the yj. TJs have that doe-eyed, cutesy look. The yj is strictly built for business and that business is kicking ******. Round headlights are for metrosexuals anyhow:shakin:

We've had gun control, manual vs. auto trannies and now TJ vs.YJ... a perfect trifecta of useless internet arguments on expo this week

Practicality says keep the TJ, the 4.0 will run forever, and if it does go, it has got to be the easiest motor to swap/work on out there. I bought a rebuilt longblock from Advance for ~$900 and me and a buddy installed it in ~5 hours.

 

[Haggis]

If you are going for looks, you gotta trade for the yj. TJs have that doe-eyed, cutesy look. The yj is strictly built for business and that business is kicking ******. Round headlights are for metrosexuals anyhow:shakin:

We've had gun control, manual vs. auto trannies and now TJ vs.YJ... a perfect trifecta of useless internet arguments on expo this week

Oh yeah, well YJs are for redneck, backwoods, gun toting, pryomaniacs!!!

:smileeek: Oh Crap! It looks like I gotta go buy a YJ!

I think if I was going to build a rig just for beating on and trail bashing it'd be a YJ or a CJ, less to tinker with when you put a bigger lift in. But for an all around rig a TJ is hard to beat.

 

[grahamfitter]

If you are going for looks, you gotta trade for the yj. TJs have that doe-eyed, cutesy look. The yj is strictly built for business and that business is kicking ******. Round headlights are for metrosexuals anyhow:shakin:

We've had gun control, manual vs. auto trannies and now TJ vs.YJ... a perfect trifecta of useless internet arguments on expo this week

Practicality says keep the TJ, the 4.0 will run forever, and if it does go, it has got to be the easiest motor to swap/work on out there. I bought a rebuilt longblock from Advance for ~$900 and me and a buddy installed it in ~5 hours.

That's great news, I really am a gun hating liberal so the TJ with poser stick shift definitely fits my carefully crafted urban but rugged "Life is Good" image. I'll find out whether Cosmopolitan magazine recommends yellow or black shocks.

Cheers,
Graham

 

[BigAl]

. But for an all around rig a TJ is hard to beat.

I'd have to agree, I'd really like a solid, reliable, skid plated TJ on 31s

That's great news, I really am a gun hating liberal so the TJ with poser stick shift definitely fits my carefully crafted urban but rugged "Life is Good" image. I'll find out whether Cosmopolitan magazine recommends yellow or black shocks.

Cheers,
Graham

Are you saying the sticker on my front fender means I'm gay... that explains a lot

 

[grahamfitter]

Are you saying the sticker on my front fender means I'm gay... that explains a lot

Nope. But you've had TJ envy and you've finally come out.

Cheers,
Graham