ZJ Introduction

[AdidasCJ]

Hello, I have been lurking around for some time and wanted to post up and say hello.

Here is my current ZJ.

Picked her up for 800. 1996 ZJ 184k miles.




Went through and replaced the Water pump, hoses, thermostat, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, serp belt, oil change, coolent system flush and heater core flush. After all that was taken care of, and while doing my homework for a lift kit ive done some easy basic things. Relocated the charchol canister that sits in the front bumper to inside the engine bay. Replaced the brakes.









Changed out the 249 to a 242



Learned i have some nice axles on her already





Added factory tow hooks, cut the bumper and trimmed the fenders.




Did the Aurora mod




Fixed my screwed up fuel door problem




Added some light for the night trail runs.




I have a set of 265/76r16 Goodyear Fierce Attitude M/T on black rock rims. But before they can go on the ZJ, I have to wait for the lift kit to arrive.

I went with a IRO 4.5 premium kit, with Bilstein 5100s and went ahead and ordered new mopar isolators. I also plan to do bumper front and rear, sliders down the side and a roof rack with the 5th tire, hilift, and other goodies on the top.

I am still debating what i want to do with the interior as far as storage and such.

 

[Ben Holeton]

That's a great looking ZJ. Nice axle upgrade you got included

 

[tarditi]

Looking good!
My buddy wheeled a ZJ Limited for many years - external tire carrier went a long way to free up some cargo room... also a roof carrier basket will haul a good deal of gear.

Very capable platform, comfy ride, too!

 

[Recce01]

That ZJ is nice and clean! I love the 249 to 242 mod. I want to do that so bad!!

 

[AdidasCJ]

That ZJ is nice and clean! I love the 249 to 242 mod. I want to do that so bad!!

Im loving it! I got lucky at the local pick a part and found the 242 that bolted RIGHT into my right. It was a cloudy rainy day, well was just cloudy when i started my day there, but it started to down pour on my brother and i. We got it pulled and wheeled it up to the check out and since it was raining i got the 40% off rainy day special deal!

Where in Cali are you? I could be on the look out for a 242 around me.

 

[K2ZJ]

Awesome ZJ! I looked for another one for a while before deciding to switch to a WJ.

That ZJ is nice and clean! I love the 249 to 242 mod. I want to do that so bad!!

The 242 is much better than the 249, except in the snow, the 249 is awesome for snow. The 242 slips if you get on it too much. I loved the 242 over my 249, but now I much prefer my 231 with sye! It actually saved me when my rear driveshaft broke on Hells Revenge, I was able to drive out with just the front. I found the novelty of the AWD 242 wore off quick and I stayed in 2wd until I needed 4wd. I would just use 4WD over the AWD. I know people poo poo the hack and tap sye but I would do one. Also the 231 is more common so parts are easier to get.

I am not trying to bash your swap as it is an improvement, just some things to consider for anyone thinking of doing the swap.

 

[AdidasCJ]

Awesome ZJ! I looked for another one for a while before deciding to switch to a WJ.

I am not trying to bash your swap as it is an improvement, just some things to consider for anyone thinking of doing the swap.

Thanks. If i ever do get rid of this one, Ill make my way to the Wrangler side of things.

I would have to agree with you on the 249>242>231. But what people uses of them will be and area they live. I would have preferred the 231 for the swap as well but just could not find one. And when I did find one on CL or something, it was just more then I was willing to pay for a TC. I dont see it as bashing the swap as there IS a ton of things to consider when doing the swap. For me I found one that was a direct bolt in, I didnt have to mess with changing the input shaft, custom bezel etc.

For those in the areas that get alot of snow and its their daily driver I too would stay with the 249. Those of us in So Cali who sometimes do not even know what rain looks like (lol) the 242/231 with the 2wd is the better. Also the 231 is the better choice for those who need more ground clearance.

I would suggest to those looking to do the swap, do your homework. Ask question. Read one those who have done it. Ask more question. And maybe down the road of my build i may still go to the 231.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

May want to rethink the rack with spare and hi-lift up top, that's close to 200 pounds of extra weight up high and physics can be a real witch to deal with. Get a rear bumper set up for the spare and hi-lift to spread the weight down lower.

 

[AdidasCJ]

May want to rethink the rack with spare and hi-lift up top, that's close to 200 pounds of extra weight up high and physics can be a real witch to deal with. Get a rear bumper set up for the spare and hi-lift to spread the weight down lower.

I am exploring the rear tire carrier... Plus a 265/75 tire is a PETA to lift up there LOL