Considering a ZJ build vs. some other options. Thoughts? Opinions?

[OverlandZJ]

Also, i'm a WJ owner as well.. prefer the ZJ's roomier interior.

 

[Aegis]

Jeff, would you be taking possession of the Mrs current 97 or looking for another?

What's the intended usage? Local or lots of interstate running west etc?

If I had it to do over again.. i'd opt for a clean V8 limited/leather 2-3" with 30/31's. Comfort and the power to pull hills with a taller tire and not need gearing right away.. that could come later if even taller tires were being considered. That'll get you around forest and logging roads in the North East... and most places out west. But it wont be a rock crawler to much degree.

Keep in mind ZJ's are not cheap to build correctly.. the taller in suspension the deeper into pocket.

I had been an XJ owner for the last 15 years, decided to build a ZJ. Went too tall (had a lot of the parts) for what I need in a Jeep anymore.. 4.5" 33's etc. But it's almost ready for the open road.

The misses' ZJ would remain a work/winter car for her and us, so at most, it may get a set of decent tires... And that's it, lol. I'd be looking to get a second one for me to have as a DD/wheeler.

... Your "all over again" sounds about like what I'm looking for, both in performance and aesthetics.

 

[OverlandZJ]

The misses' ZJ would remain a work/winter car for her and us, so at most, it may get a set of decent tires... And that's it, lol. I'd be looking to get a second one for me to have as a DD/wheeler.

... Your "all over again" sounds about like what I'm looking for, both in performance and aesthetics.

Take a look at this long pic thread, it'll show you the options for tire size and height.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/lifted-zj-pics-1089263/

Considering where your from I might opt to look outside the rust belt for a project rig personally.

 

[K2ZJ]

I'm running a 6in long arm setup on my 97 without even a front stabilizer and can cruise at 75 without any issues, care to tell me why? Because I did things RIGHT.

So how does this help the op? How is yossarian19 wrong about anything he said?

 

[K2ZJ]

If I had it to do over again.. i'd opt for a clean V8 limited/leather 2-3" with 30/31's. Comfort and the power to pull hills with a taller tire and not need gearing right away.. that could come later if even taller tires were being considered. That'll get you around forest and logging roads in the North East... and most places out west. But it wont be a rock crawler to much degree.

Great advice. Do a BB 31s. I see pics of mine with that setup and miss it a bunch.

Considering where your from I might opt to look outside the rust belt for a project rig personally.

My NY rig has tons of cancer, CO rigs have much less rust.

 

[bob91yj]

Same thing I tell everyone, you need to build your vehicle to meet your needs. What works for people in the desert may not be what works for your area. Start by getting out and using what you have. See what works for other people in your area. When you find something that the Jeep won't do that you want it to do, modify it to fix that need.

I'd start with skid plates, a budget lift and QUALITY shocks. If shocks are included in a kit, see if they can be deleted. Bilstein 5100/5150 shocks probably have the best bang for the buck, and they are built by a company that makes the shocks.

I've seen too many people build monster interweb inspired Jeeps, and end up hating them.

 

[cyclic]

I ran a 98 ZJ for awhile. Absolutely loved it. 5.2 was a little thirsty, but man what a ride! Iron Rock Off road will be you best friend...................
I ran a 2" budget boost http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-Z2BBK
Some good Monroe shocks
Front Bar-pin eliminators http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=IROR&Product_Code=IR-SBPEK&Category_Code=ZSC
Winch mount http://www.detoursusa.com/zjbackbone.php
A good alignment after lifting (might need track bar mod/adjustment if axle is pushed too far over with lift, mine didn't)
I'd recommend a good rock rail/rocker protection
I ran Michelin LTX AT2 245/75R16 tires on stock rims
If I hadn't needed the bigger interior space of a Tahoe, I'd still have it.
I deleted all my pictures or I'd post some for you.

For some KILLER armor look at Iceland Offroad http://www.offroaddaddy.com/
Though you can find different armor at lots of places also. For the rock rails/underbelly I think Iron Rock comes out ahead.

 

[OverlandZJ]

I ran a 98 ZJ for awhile. Absolutely loved it. 5.2 was a little thirsty, but man what a ride!

For some KILLER armor look at Iceland Offroad http://www.offroaddaddy.com/

Rough Country has a winch mount also, I believe it's a few $$ cheaper and possibly a bit better designed.

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep-zj-winch-plate_1049.php

Iceland is out of business, molds for flares and bumpers were bought by Notch Custom's. Flares are available for purchase but I believe the bumpers are still pending.

http://notchcustoms.com/

 

[Firehawkclone]

I'm running a 6in long arm setup on my 97 without even a front stabilizer and can cruise at 75 without any issues, care to tell me why? Because I did things RIGHT.

Bingo. I have a similar setup, no stabilizer ect. Drives like a dream for what it is. I am often the ugly duckling on a trail run, but items me do things that someone won't do with a 50-100k JK.

Just build whatever you like.