XJ/ZJ as budget off roader

[VanIsle_Greg]

I had an XJ for quite a few years and had a lot of fun (just sold it and my matching trailer). If I were to do it again I would probably look at the WJ or the ZJ. I am leaning towards the ZJ for many reasons, but it would have to be one with the 5.2L V8. I like the 4.0L, don't get me wrong. A very reliable and stout engine that will last nearly forever if treated properly. But, its a bit of a gas pig, and has less poke than the 5.2L or 5.9L (obviously in the case of the 5.9L).

I loved my XJ for many of the reasons stated above. Parts availability and aftermarket support is stellar, and there are indeed many parts vehicles out there to scavenge. Really tiny inside however. A bit crude too.

I do like the looks of the WJ the best, roundy and they look great lifted!

 

[amongmany]

I had an XJ for quite a few years and had a lot of fun (just sold it and my matching trailer). If I were to do it again I would probably look at the WJ or the ZJ. I am leaning towards the ZJ for many reasons, but it would have to be one with the 5.2L V8. I like the 4.0L, don't get me wrong. A very reliable and stout engine that will last nearly forever if treated properly. But, its a bit of a gas pig, and has less poke than the 5.2L or 5.9L (obviously in the case of the 5.9L).

I loved my XJ for many of the reasons stated above. Parts availability and aftermarket support is stellar, and there are indeed many parts vehicles out there to scavenge. Really tiny inside however. A bit crude too.

I do like the looks of the WJ the best, roundy and they look great lifted!

What roof rack is that on your XJ? I'm looking to slowly build mine out and a rack is one of the items on the list. That looks nice!

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

What roof rack is that on your XJ? I'm looking to slowly build mine out and a rack is one of the items on the list. That looks nice!

Custom design and build. I came up with the design and my friend fabbed it up. It was made with DOM tubing, 3/4" as I recall with .120 wall thickness. The rest is steel mesh which is a PITA to paint btw...lol. More pics available if you are interested?

Let me know and I can send you a link.

 

[VanIsle_Greg]

And thanks BTW...it turned out awesome. Worked great too.

 

[amongmany]

Custom design and build. I came up with the design and my friend fabbed it up. It was made with DOM tubing, 3/4" as I recall with .120 wall thickness. The rest is steel mesh which is a PITA to paint btw...lol. More pics available if you are interested?

Let me know and I can send you a link.

I'd love to see more, thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[Twistedoutdoorsman]

If you're going for 3" lift, you can't go wrong with any of the 3 (XJ/ZJ/WJ)

XJ's used to outnumber ZJ's/WJ's in aftermarket parts, but that is starting to not be the case. And if you're truly going to stick with "budget" and not do a TON of stuff, I'd go with ZJ/WJ for FAR SUPERIOR comfort in my opinion, and the V8 option.

And honestly, you can probably find a cheaper ZJ/WJ that's nicer than any XJ for the same price.

The 98 5.9L ZJ is the best ZJ, and you can find some stock ones for pretty cheap cause people don't know what they have and they typically don't bring much anyways. The 5.9L has the 5.9L engine plus a heavier transmission. Look at my build thread in my sig for some info on them.

I got a 5.9 limited I got lucky ruining and driving AWD "which I hate" for $750 guys wife wanted it of the drive way lol

 

[Twistedoutdoorsman]

 

[MOguy]

When it comes to inexpensive SUV build that is capable, maintainable and easy to modify I don't think you can beat an XJ with a 4.0. Unibody isn't ideal but all the other positives out way this. You have to look for rust and there maybe special considerations when attaching recovery points and winches. This is something that can be overcome.

The simplicity and availability of parts makes it hard to beat. It can be made to be very capable and availability of parts should never be an issue.

 

[wjeeper]

Others have covered some really good points already. Having owned 3 Xj's and 1 WJ i thought i would throw my 0.02 into the discussion:

• Clean XJ's are starting to cost considerably more than a clean WJ in utah. But I still would go with an XJ anyday.
• XJ's have a massive parts interchangeablity. TJ, ZJ, YJ, MJ and a few WJ, KJ parts swap over this means cheap and great parts availibibity! This parts cross over doesnt really benifit the WJ, except a few years of 4.0 motors.....Want cross over steering with dual piston calipers or a disc brake conversion for the back? With a XJ it's all essentially bolt on and many write-up a are out there do figure it out with a few trips to the junkyard and parts store.
• XJ's have an absolutely massive aftermarket following. I would care to venture all the generations of grand Cherokees combined have 1/4 the parts. Example: look for unibody stiffeners, no less than 10 companies make them for the XJ, grand Cherokees are harder to find and have a limited supply of vendors to pick from.
• XJ's were made for ages, Jeep had decades to get them right!
• I personally think the XJ unibody being 'weak' is blown out of proportion. When wheeled hard they do develop problems, but you have to beat on them for that to happen. Yes I have seen a steering box rip off an XJ, but it had full width axles, 40's and had spent 5+ years being beat on before that happened.

XJ's have lots of advantages and are an enthusiast vehicle for a reason!