01raptor

My wife and I have been looking for an XJ to be our new toy/project. We haven't had much luck finding one that isn't rotted to hell, here in Michigan. How ever we noticed that there are piles of GCs that are in nice shape here. I have been doing lots of reading on here to educate my self but I could still use some advise from the experts. What ever I will get will see a fair amount of time on the street as well as on trails, mud and sand dunes, probably 60/40 split street to off road. I don't want the 4.7 v8 but I haven't found much info comparing the 4.0 to the 5.2, performance, reliability, ease to maintain. I know the 5.2 models come with Dana 44s which seems like a bonus to me. I always liked the way the WJ look but I get the feeling that there not as good of a choice for a project vehicle as the ZJ, no 44, seems to be less aftermarket support etc, am I wrong with this assumption. Are there any years to stay away of? I would like to do a 3 to 4 inch lift with what ever tire I can fit with out trimming. We would like to spend around $4500 to purchase the jeep, I can handle mechanical issues but don't want to have to deal with rust, and would like to keep the miles at 150k or under. Any tips or advise would be great thanks fellas.

Dan91

I had a 96 ZJ 5.2l. It was a great Jeep, lots of power, comfortable ride. The 5.2 is known for being pretty darn reliable, mine had 280k on it still runing fine. Also the D44 in them were aluminum housings, not as strong and not nearly as much aftermarket support.

01raptor

So does that make the 44 not much of an upgrade over the 35?

01raptor

TTT.

Bustedback

The 44a used in the 96-98 V8 ZJs have little to no aftermarket support and nothing from a regular D44 will swap to a 44a. As you know, the 4.0 is a rock solid engine with outstanding reliability. The 5.2 is just as reliable as the 4.0, it's a great engine.

dnuccio

id get a 5.2. i might be biased though

the d44a is a strong axle, alot stronger than most people give it credit for. the only downside is that if you ever want to add a locker, IIRC you only have 2 options. but the d35 doesnt stand up well to being locked (from what ive read anyway, mine is still open). the 44a only came in 96-98 ZJs with the 5.2 or in 98 the 5.9. 93-95 ZJs all had the 35. some guys claim at some point there were some ZJs that left the factory with chrysler 8.25 rear ends, but ive never seen one or seen any real proof.

the 5.2 is just as bulletproof as the 4.0 as long as its been maintained. its not unheard of for them to go over 300k miles.

01raptor

Thanks for the help fellas, I put a down payment on a 97 zj today. It has the 5.2, and is mostly very clean other than a small rust spot on the front left fender and a dent on the rear bumper and hatch. I'll get that stuff taken care of and start the modding.

dave1123

I can't stress enough to check the rear lower trailing arms where they mount to the body. My 97 ZJ's broke out of the body mountings(frame). After I put 100 lbs of steel into it, the front mounts tore out. This from the "Salt City", Syracuse NY. Of course, it had 197K on it.