XJ and ZJ differences. Looking to buy
12-20-2014, 12:31 AM
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XJ and ZJ differences. Looking to buy
Please have mercy on me if this question is age old and has been answered. I promise I did a search and didn't see what I was looking for. Also, please move this post if it is in the wrong area.
First - how different are XJs and ZJs of the same year? I definitely loooove the look of the XJ way better, and understand the bulletproof capabilities of the 4.0L I6, but does that mean the ZJ is useless for mild off road use? What is a stock XJ capable of that a ZJ couldn't hope to perform?
My other question - test drove a 2000 XJ with only 91k on it. I was surprised to see that low of mileage, and I could probably get it for around $5k. The truck drove well, but the steering wheel sat between 9 o clock and 12 o clock while going straight. I have seen Jeeps do that before. Is it indicative of any particular issue(s)? Thank you. Excited to have found a friendly Jeep community.
First - how different are XJs and ZJs of the same year? I definitely loooove the look of the XJ way better, and understand the bulletproof capabilities of the 4.0L I6, but does that mean the ZJ is useless for mild off road use? What is a stock XJ capable of that a ZJ couldn't hope to perform?
My other question - test drove a 2000 XJ with only 91k on it. I was surprised to see that low of mileage, and I could probably get it for around $5k. The truck drove well, but the steering wheel sat between 9 o clock and 12 o clock while going straight. I have seen Jeeps do that before. Is it indicative of any particular issue(s)? Thank you. Excited to have found a friendly Jeep community.
12-20-2014, 02:26 AM
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Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Please have mercy on me if this question is age old and has been answered. I promise I did a search and didn't see what I was looking for. Also, please move this post if it is in the wrong area.
First - how different are XJs and ZJs of the same year? I definitely loooove the look of the XJ way better, and understand the bulletproof capabilities of the 4.0L I6, but does that mean the ZJ is useless for mild off road use? What is a stock XJ capable of that a ZJ couldn't hope to perform?
My other question - test drove a 2000 XJ with only 91k on it. I was surprised to see that low of mileage, and I could probably get it for around $5k. The truck drove well, but the steering wheel sat between 9 o clock and 12 o clock while going straight. I have seen Jeeps do that before. Is it indicative of any particular issue(s)? Thank you. Excited to have found a friendly Jeep community.
First - how different are XJs and ZJs of the same year? I definitely loooove the look of the XJ way better, and understand the bulletproof capabilities of the 4.0L I6, but does that mean the ZJ is useless for mild off road use? What is a stock XJ capable of that a ZJ couldn't hope to perform?
My other question - test drove a 2000 XJ with only 91k on it. I was surprised to see that low of mileage, and I could probably get it for around $5k. The truck drove well, but the steering wheel sat between 9 o clock and 12 o clock while going straight. I have seen Jeeps do that before. Is it indicative of any particular issue(s)? Thank you. Excited to have found a friendly Jeep community.
12-20-2014, 07:01 AM
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Speaking of bulletproof, the AW4 automatic trans in the XJs is just that, like the 4.0.
But, the Chryco trans in the ZJs ---not so much.
But, the Chryco trans in the ZJs ---not so much.
12-20-2014, 08:28 AM
#4
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As far as axles go, XJs have better ones. The hp30 and 29 spline 8.25 are much stronger than ZJs LP30 and D44a. Best thing to me about a ZJ is the V8 and all round coil springs
12-20-2014, 11:17 AM
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Is this to say that the 5 speed manual in an XJ isn't as good as the AW4? I'd prefer auto and would only buy a manual to attempt better mpg. I think this is my bottom line question - Can I buy a 2000 or 2001 XJ that has never been lifted and is bone stock and go have some fun with it? If I spend more than $5k on it, it will have to become my daily driver. It will see mostly highway miles, and a 50 mile (each way) trip to the desert twice a month to go shoot rifles. Mild dirt roads that kids ride their ATVs on, and a couple of hills. Definitely no rock crawling or crazy Rubicon stuff.
12-20-2014, 12:15 PM
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Year: 1990
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Is this to say that the 5 speed manual in an XJ isn't as good as the AW4? I'd prefer auto and would only buy a manual to attempt better mpg. I think this is my bottom line question - Can I buy a 2000 or 2001 XJ that has never been lifted and is bone stock and go have some fun with it? If I spend more than $5k on it, it will have to become my daily driver. It will see mostly highway miles, and a 50 mile (each way) trip to the desert twice a month to go shoot rifles. Mild dirt roads that kids ride their ATVs on, and a couple of hills. Definitely no rock crawling or crazy Rubicon stuff.
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12-20-2014, 01:16 PM
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Year: 2000 sport
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: New 4.0l from s&j engines
Is this to say that the 5 speed manual in an XJ isn't as good as the AW4? I'd prefer auto and would only buy a manual to attempt better mpg. I think this is my bottom line question - Can I buy a 2000 or 2001 XJ that has never been lifted and is bone stock and go have some fun with it? If I spend more than $5k on it, it will have to become my daily driver. It will see mostly highway miles, and a 50 mile (each way) trip to the desert twice a month to go shoot rifles. Mild dirt roads that kids ride their ATVs on, and a couple of hills. Definitely no rock crawling or crazy Rubicon stuff.
This is a 98 stock
This is a Stock Vs. Lifted XJ
12-20-2014, 03:30 PM
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Thank you,this is very helpful. I appreciate everybody being so helpful. You guys have an awesome community here, and I can't wait to keep learning from y'all.
What types of issues should I look for if I go test drive some XJs? Rust in the unibody? Any way to know how the 4x4 has held up over the years? etc...?
What types of issues should I look for if I go test drive some XJs? Rust in the unibody? Any way to know how the 4x4 has held up over the years? etc...?
12-20-2014, 06:20 PM
#10
Get the XJ! And check the body for rust under the plastic that's between the back wheel wells and the bumper. That's where mine started. Check it on the inside of the doors as well. If I remember right, the 99-01 have issues with cracking. (engine casing or head gasket, can't remember which.)
12-20-2014, 08:11 PM
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If you want more of a off roader get a xj if you want a daily driver that can be taken off road get the zj.Off road the zj will do better with its rear coil springs but off road parts cost more for the zj vs same thing for the xj.The zj did come with the aw4 but was 93 only.If you power the 98 zj limited 5.9 was the fastest suv in its day.
12-20-2014, 08:53 PM
#12
having wheeled both, the zj is, and feels allot heavier, the xj is much more nimble offroad.
If you go zj, go v8, the axle choices suck but its nice to have power on tap....everything is more expensive for zj as well, I am sticking with xj at the moment...
If you go zj, go v8, the axle choices suck but its nice to have power on tap....everything is more expensive for zj as well, I am sticking with xj at the moment...
12-21-2014, 02:32 AM
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I don't think ZJ is even an option for me. Just not that into the look of them unless it is a 2012 or newer, which turns it into a near high end family SUV.
I hate to utter these words on this forum, but the only other thing I would consider buying would be a 4runner. I need to go drive a few 4runners and a few XJs and see what I like/feel comfortable in. I know this is a Cherokee forum, but if anyone has any experience with 4runners, I'd love to listen.
I hate to utter these words on this forum, but the only other thing I would consider buying would be a 4runner. I need to go drive a few 4runners and a few XJs and see what I like/feel comfortable in. I know this is a Cherokee forum, but if anyone has any experience with 4runners, I'd love to listen.
12-21-2014, 04:48 AM
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A 85 or older 4runner would be the only ones i would go after.86 and on had ifs which is good on road but sucks off road.Only toyota i would think about is a 98 or older land cruiser they still have a solid axle in the front and big enough to be used for anything.
That's all I needed to hear. Thank you.