txxcrider

Found me a 98 5.9 miles are a bit high but it's not leaking anything and compression is strong. It shows 202K on the odometer and they look to be highway. Anything I ahould be one the lookout for?

ol"blue

I love the 5.9's, but have avoided them because of two issues.
Lots of them with high mileage have had t-case problems, and the '98 electrical system is unique. Make sure it doesn't have any electrical issues because where there's one short/faulty component, there's probably more just waiting for you to start the drive home. JMO
And Welcome to CF!
Dan

txxcrider

Thanks, I can't find anything electical bad and I have heard the coupler going bad but not sure how to check it. They guy is asking $2200. I feel it is not in to bad of shape but am afraid of getting a truck I can't get parts for or upgrade

ol"blue

That's a great price for a decent 5.9 that has no major issues. You can always get the t-case rebuilt if it pukes.
Take it for a test drive and nail the throttle from a stop. If the t-case is bad you'll know it right away. If they don't want you to drive it hard they're hiding something IMO.

COSXJFAN

To add to what Dan said, when my viscous coupler went on my 95 ZJ, it make a clunking sound when I turned. While driving straight down the road, I couldn't tell anything was wrong with it. You can pick used 249s all over the place, and that is what I did. If I had any other warnings, the trannys are known to fail. If the Jeep has never had the tranny rebuilt, it will eventually, and it will be on you. Other than those two items, my ZJ was great!!

txxcrider

That being said, hold out for a XJ? Looking for daily driver/toy

ol"blue

It's a matter of taste. I own a '97 ZJ 5.2L and an '04 WJ 4.7L (both GC's if you didn't know). I've never owned an XJ, so I'll not bad mouth them, but I love the Grand's.
Dan

txxcrider

one more question, if I could get one with a straight 6 instead of the 360 would that be suggested? If all was the same?

ol"blue

I'd still avoid getting a '98 ZJ (unless it was a 5.9L Limited) because of the issues stated above.
I'd also avoid the pre-'95 model ZJ's. JMO

txxcrider

I found a 97 with straight six and select trac i think, for the same money. Will it get me away from the eletrical and viscous coupler issues?

ol"blue

If it offers the 2WD option on the shifter then I believe the answer is yes to both questions.
Dan

txxcrider

thanks, going to look in about 30 min. Thanks for all your help! I know a 5.9 sounds great but I don't want any continued issues or a lemmon, not that chrysler ever put any out there...

ol"blue

Just check and make sure everything works as designed. Electrical included.
In case you want to see if it has any codes stored, see this.>-> http://jeephorizons.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=2719
Good luck.
Dan

COSXJFAN

Isn't Select Trac, the AWD system's name?? I think that is what mine had, and it was AWD. FWIW, I have owned them both, XJ & ZJs, and they are both Jeeps to the core! A few things the GCs have over the XJs, are their flexibility, factory V8 option, on road ride quality, and over all creature comforts. I had the Limited version, and I really loved that thing!! Super comfy, and it actually wheeled like a champ, even in stock form. I put a lift on it, and it was even better. Don't get me wrong, I love my XJ, but when it comes to comfort, the ZJ gets my vote!!

ol"blue

My '97 ZJ Limited w/ the 5.2 has the full-time AWD system (w/4-High, N, 4-Lo) and it's called Quadra Trac. I love this thing.
Other than that X2 on COS's post.
Dan