iamrudy

Did they make a V8 ZJ? I can't find anything on it. What size would that have been? Or is this guy full of crap?

http://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/5074495358.html

Waynerd

Yes. Had a 5.2L(318). Also in 98 they had the 5.9(360) as an option. Only down side is they are full time all wheel drive

Waynerd

http://https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wi...Grand_Cherokee

iamrudy

Awesome! I see now! Man, I can't decide if I should shop for an XJ or a WJ. I was under the impression that the four litre engine was nearly bulletproof. How do the V8's hold up? Do any of you have much experience with them? The HP/torque numbers on the wiki kinda make me want to find a V8 unless they have a lot of problems.

Waynerd

Not much experience with the 8's myself. Read on here that as long as u don't slack on the routine maintenance they would be fine. My dad has a 99 that he purchased with just over 200k and has been running it for a few years now and no issues. Of coarse he bought it from a jeep guy so it was likely well maintained. Only issues is driveline wear and lesser mpg because of the full time. I used to be crazy about getting a 5.9 zj and swapping the transfer case out with one that had 2wd. But then I started reading the terrible horsepower numbers and decided that if I ever get the chance to do it I would do it with the wj. Driving one with the 8 it just feels like the perfect amount of torque/ power. With the 4.0 they're a bit sluggish

cruiser54

The v8s are great. Had them in 3 vehicles.

studmuffin

As we all know 4.0 is a great engine. On a zj with a bigger body may have a different effect than an xj (maybe more sluggish). Ive heard a lot of complaints from zj owners though. From electrical problems to the engine (v8). I've never owned one personally though.

iamrudy

Right on. A buddy mentioned the all wheel drive, but I didn't know if that was a select model or all of them. Also, for some reason the 5.2L appeals to me more than the 5.9, not sure why. Initially, I was also toying with the idea of a 5.3L LS swap. I guess Novak makes a lot of stuff for that. I have the 5.3 in my Silverado and it's a solid motor. I can only imagine what one would be like in a XJ.

--Rudy

mschi772

The V8's aren't legendarily invincible like the 4.0, but they're still great engines. Even the WJ's 4.7 is...OK. The real problem is the Chrysler transmission they are attached to. With the exception of 1993 (and 1994 in the case of the rare 5-speeds as well), even the 4.0 is paired with a Chrysler transmission in the ZJ and WJ.

For all the money and time involved in dropping a V8 into an XJ, you could buy yourself a second XJ/ZJ/WJ. It's just not worth it. Tons of money, effort, reinforcement (if you're smart), wiring/programming.... some states will give you crap about changing the engine and all for what? Power? The XJ is far from underpowered with the 4.0. Certainly not uniqueness either; while there aren't many XJ's with LSx's in them, the LSx swap itself has become a tired cliché in the automotive world overall.

iamrudy

I totally agree about the cost, which is why I only toyed with the idea, although it would be nice!! So many cherokees on craigslist near me under $2k that would make a great trucks to build from. I assume a swap would run more than that price.

Another issue you hit on is tranny. It seems like I see a lot of 5 speeds around the forum. My buddy says go with the auto and at the moment I agree. Is there something I am missing? Is the 5 speed more desireable?

andrewmp6

The 4.7 v8 in the wj will blow head gaskets if its not been taken care of.On the zj v8 the early ones had trans problems the later ones got a better trans and should be fine.The electrical problems can be hit and miss most of it depends how the jeep was taken care of really.A cousin of mine bought a 4.0 zj a few years old and drove it 200k before she sold it.All that time she owned it nothing went wrong besides normal up keep like a battery.

Waynerd

Had a 96 zj 4.0. PO hacked the alrarm out of it. Never asked why. Heard from several sources that the zj alarms would malfunction and go off randomly. Sometimes non stop. No trans problems. Had an 02 wj 4.0 that the trans would clunk when put into gear and when switching reverse to forward. Also sometimes it wouldn't want to shift until it was revved higher than normal. A new trans filter and fluid didn't seem to help much. Then it got totaled before I tried to figure out the cause. Also the lights would randomly flash.
Myself I would do a stroker 4.0 xj with a cam and a supercharger instead of the v8 swap.

iamrudy

Sounds like the four oh is the way to go. If I get one, I probably won't be worried about engine mods right away. Top of the list will most likely be suspension and drive train.

studmuffin

Just remember 4.0 or no lol and I have a 2.5L YJ was our first jeep didn't know much about them still a good jeep but had I known what I know now I would have opted 4.0 however the 2.5 is an absolute torque animal and I still love it.

iamrudy

Hey I found that '94 5-speed lol. I'm tempted to make an offer on it, but I was really wanting to find an XJ.

https://stillwater.craigslist.org/cto/5097187204.html