XJ VS ZJ

[skycrawler]

Im more of a Xj person myself. but what r ur opions on building a xj instead of a ZJ.?

 

[YELLAHEEP]

There's not a whole lot different between them really, but I believe that across the board - the ZJ will be a bit more expensive to build. Lift kits are more expensive than XJ kits due to the coil sprung rear, aftermarket bumpers are more expensive. The ZJ's are a bit heavier so gas mileage will be a bit worse than an XJ. ZJ's have more gadgets/creature comforts in the interior - more to go wrong (notorious for having door wiring harnesses crack/break resulting in window/lock/seat operation issues). '93-'96 ZJ's have an NP 249 t-case with the viscous coupling in it that is common to go bad, and expensive to fix - many do a 231 swap.

But you do get a V8 option.


Here's a good read on the viscous coupling: http://www.bcjeepclub.ca/index.php?topic=148.0

 

[jeepdude25]

I was building a ZJ last year at this time and I finally gave up.....way to expensive. Now that Im building an XJ its been alot cheaper and more user friendly. Alot more parts, websites, and FUN.

 

[Beezle]

I agree with Yella, more expensive to build, some have the aluminum dana 44, CV axle shafts, 249 t-case. All these things can be upgraded guess it just depends how much money ya got to throw at it. Its all relative though really most of us xj owners are gonna swap rear axles, upgrade t-cases, swap front axles, add coil sprung rear suspension and then comes the V8

So maybe you should ask yourself which one looks the coolest and if you want to start with a V8 off the bat.

Here's a site for good comparisons on lift prices http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=IROR

 

[skycrawler]

thanks. btw im looking for a mildly built xj in the 3k range.

 

[madtrixter]

I have built and wheeled both. The ZJ is more expensive to build, and buy, but it rides and flexes better when done right. The only major downside to the ZJ IMO is that every other one for sale has trans problems. I've even had to have one rebuilt on one of my rigs. HTH

 

[DutchVDub]

ZJ ftw if you like V8's and luxury. XJ ftw if you like more simple and reliable rigs that still have plenty of room.

Personally I like them both a lot, but I like the look of 97+ XJ's the best