ZJ or WJ???
#1
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Location: Schofield Barracks HI
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
ZJ or WJ???
So I've been on here before looking for pointers. Now buying time is right around the corner and I'm looking for input. I'm going to be building a DD and Weekend Warrior, and by weekend warrior I mean like legitimate offroading, not just dirt roads. So I will be building it as strong as I can. Now I am an xj guy so I know jeeps but grands not so much. I want the V8 I know for sure and I really like WJ's because not as many people have started building them yet. So basically I'm looking for pros cons and weak spots of each model. I need help lol
#2
The zj like the xj is an amc design, that's why I went zj. And also the Chrysler 318 is a much more durable power plant then the 4.7 ever will be, they are already hard to find and more expensive. Much like other Chrysler turdboxes such as the 2.7 v6 and the 3.7 v6 found in the liberty and sadly the wrangler grand cherokee and commanr nder.
#6
#7
Old fart with a wrench
IMO the ZJ is your best bet for a serious off-roader. You'll find more of them not already abused like the XJs and there are more parts for them than the WJs. The WJ is probably as strong as the ZJ but off-road parts are not as numerous yet.
I also say stay away from the 4.7. It's a fragil overhead cammer.
I also say stay away from the 4.7. It's a fragil overhead cammer.
Last edited by dave1123; 02-01-2013 at 06:58 AM.
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#9
Old fart with a wrench
We all know the 4.0 is practically bullet proof. So is the 5.2 and the 5.9. The 4.7 is NOT!
Just remember the 4.0 is only 185 horses. Do not expect more.
Just remember the 4.0 is only 185 horses. Do not expect more.
#10
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
If you're into guns, think of it like this.
The ZJ is like a Ruger revolver. Rugged and tough as hell, takes on anything, can handle some pretty heavy stuff
the WJ is like a Smith and Wesson revolver. good looking, well-refined, comfortable, but not as tough as the Ruger
The ZJ is like a Ruger revolver. Rugged and tough as hell, takes on anything, can handle some pretty heavy stuff
the WJ is like a Smith and Wesson revolver. good looking, well-refined, comfortable, but not as tough as the Ruger
#11
Old fart with a wrench
Very well put! When you see a ZJ on the road, you know it. When you see a WJ on the road, you have to get close enough to read the badges to make sure it's a JEEP!
#12
also the zj is a solid axle setup,much more robust solid and cheaper to operate and fix. Yes you can have an ifs setup equal to or better then solid axles. but i havent found it yet,at least not when you compare it to the expense of adding a lift kit.
#13
Old fart with a wrench
My 2000 WJ has solid axles. If they went to independent suspension in later years, I'm not aware of when the switch took place. Go to the first posting on the site and view lifted ZJ and WJs. There is a lot on info available.
Last edited by dave1123; 02-03-2013 at 03:00 PM.
#15
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
1999-2004 WJs never had IFS. The 2005 WK was the first grand to have IFS. Yea, I have a WJ Overland, love it. I have taken good care of my 4.7 HO and have had zero problems.
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