I'm starting this thread in the Chat section at COSXJFAN's suggestion. You can read the original thread here: https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f8/hello-aiken-sc-7744/

I'm considering the idea of rebuilding a Jeep and the question is: What is better the stock to start with? An XJ or ZJ?

Requirements:
Must be a 4WD.
Must be easy to work on.
Must be capable of providing a comfortable ride (either out of the box or with modifications).
Must have good quality aftermarket options at affordable prices.

Usage:
Every day driver that can also be driven on long trips (4 hour+) and not break the bank or my wife's and my back. I expect to drive it in the North Carolina mountains in winter and occasionally take it off road, every once in a while, the rest of the year.
I’m not looking to create a mudder nor do I have ready access to a machine shop, so all work would be done by myself in my garage.
I appreciate everyone’s input.

Thanx!
Jim

 

Even though I have an XJ I would go with a ZJ, get the v8, bigger cabin, more comfortable ride, we dont take road trips in the XJ because Im pretty sure Jeep designed the seats not to be comfortable. the bad part about the zj is that most aftermarket stuff is more expensive. Also not as many people mod the zj's and with everyone still afraid of gas going back up there are great deals out there still.

 

XJ!!!!

 

get a 1998 5.9L limited grand Cherokee or a 4.7 ho wj. those are the creme of the crop for the daily driver/ wheeler combo

 

Xj aren't so bad for long drives, Ive done NJ to VA drive in my Xj several times without problem and im 6-3 250 and dont fit that well.

 

the XJ isn't bad. My parents had one while I was growing up, we made the drive from NJ to Maine every year. My parents, myself and my sister all crammed in there. It wasnt the best but it wasnt intolerable.

 

I have a ZJ and I'd build another. The down side not as many after market parts as the XJ. So your left to fab alot. But they ride better, more space(almost 4" width inside) and get the V8..

 

I test drove both before I bought my XJ, kinda wish I had the ZJ now bc of the smoother ride and I've found that I don't go off-roading as much as I thought I would, XJ is still nice to drive around town though just doesn't smooth out the bumps as well. Plus the ZJ I drove was a 4.0 and it seemed to be wanting for power.

 

i love my xj's. but for the type of driving you are talking about and the long trips, i would go with the grand cherokee for comfort.

 

Well you could try to find a Limited model XJ in good condition to get that added level of comfort. Personally I like the added stability of having a rear leaf suspension that the XJ gives you, though the ZJ's full coil setup might provide a smoother ride. If you added the 2.5" Old Man Emu suspension lift and maybe some 30" or 31" BFG All terrains or some comperable AT tire with a good on road ride it would provide you with a very pleasant ride. Maybe even better than stock! I have heard that the limited seats solve many of the comfort issues that many XJ owners complain about with the sport seats, though I find my XJ Sport very comfy and I'm 6'5". Also, I don't know how the trails you intend on riding are up there but down here in S. FL they are usually pretty tight and to be honest I don't think a ZJ would fit in alot of the places I take my XJ. Something to consider... Good luck!

 

87 waggie. Already has a D44 and easy to work on. Parts, both aftermarket and OEM are plentiful.

 

well if you don't want to break the bank i wouldn't reccomend a 5.9,don't get me wrong this was my 5.9(about three jeeps ago) and while it was probably my most favorite jeep i've ever owned i don't really regret getting rid of it because it was absolutley horrible on gas and it would only run on premium...o.k maybe i regret it a little,especially because i still see her driving around...sorry had to throw the pic up,i may not own her anymore but i'm still pretty proud of her

 

some 5.9's can be had for a pretty decent price. you dont want to find one in perfect shape if u r going to wheel it

 

x2, waggy's are great

 

zjs are to expensive to build. get an xj never paid more than 250 for mine and never paid allot to build my xjs yet lmao
my 2 door was 250 and 500 for a lift and front end and misc parts had 32s