Bought a ZJ and I really like it!

[Green96D1]

Hello my fellow Jeepers. I'm the new owner of a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.2 V8 and full time 4wd. I got it about a week ago and I have to say I really like this Vehicle. I've been on Expo for a while as I also own a Land Rover Discovery. But the way I have configured my land rover its not practical for everyday use as it is setup more for crawling than for family and daily Driving duties. I needed something more user friendly and easier to engage I bought it from my friend at a killer price and it runs very well. I do have some plans for it. The Zj is originally from the Mid West so there is Rust on the Rocker panels and surface rust on the Unibody frame so I will be addressing that Also I'm going to do a tune up and oil Change and renew all the fluids. I do plan to buy a OME kit like a 1.5" lift and some BFG all terrains my goal is to keep the ZJ more for Daily Driver and family while retaining its offroad abilities.

 

[xjman88]

Welcome to zj ownership. I love ours 96 as its our 5th zj. 2 have been the 5.2. Theres plenty of built up zjs on here for ideas and info.

 

[tarditi]

Looks nice - ZJs are a great platform - especially once you find an alternative place to carry the spare tire.

Consider investing in some underbody armor, unless it has an upcountry package already.

 

[K2ZJ]

Very nice! BB and 31's and you are set, no need to take it further. There are plenty of days I wish I was still on 31s with my BB, it went so many placers and was still a pleasure to drive.

 

[Smksignals]

I agree. 2" Budget Boost and BFG 31" tires are you are pretty much good to go. Love my set up.

 

[Green96D1]

Welcome to zj ownership. I love ours 96 as its our 5th zj. 2 have been the 5.2. Theres plenty of built up zjs on here for ideas and info.

Thank you and I will be searching the forums for ideas and info and tricks to maintain this vehicles.

 

[Green96D1]

Has anyone dealt with the rusted rockers and if so how did you go about replacing them. Bondo,Fiberglass,replacement rockers

 

[K2ZJ]

Thank you and I will be searching the forums for ideas and info and tricks to maintain this vehicles.

Boatsides!

 

[xjman88]

Has anyone dealt with the rusted rockers and if so how did you go about replacing them. Bondo,Fiberglass,replacement rockers

Cut out the rusted rockers and weld in some 2x6 square tubing. You will never have to replace them again and you have rock sliders too.

 

[Green96D1]

Cut out the rusted rockers and weld in some 2x6 square tubing. You will never have to replace them again and you have rock sliders too.

That was a possible Idea but I really like the Original look of the Truck and I did find a body shop that quoted me about 400$ to do both sides as it's not terrible bad. So I may go with that. but the Slider idea was a thought. The good news is all they have to do is repair it or replace it I can do the primer and paint as I found a color that Matches it perfectly it's called Rustoleum "Flat Antique Nickel"

 

[madZJ]

Nice looking ZJ I've had three of them before moving on to my current '02 Overland. Good platform, and lots of good ideas on here for it.

 

[Green96D1]

Thank You madZJ. I have some plans for it but mostly to keep it looking as nice as possible and upgrading the suspension and Steering with OME parts