I am looking at buying a ZJ 5.9L and am wondering what kinds of issues I should be looking for. I've got an XJ that is just about done and can't settle on anything now that I found this... TIA!

 

Nobody knows about ZJ specific issues?

 

The 5.9 zj had trans issues more often than others. Also prone to the known ZJ electrical issues. Other than that I've heard they are nice reliable jeep. I've always wanted to get a 5.9 ZJ. Theyve got lots of power.

 

Ok. The guy said the torque converter and flywheel only have 5000 miles on them.

 

Why do you want a 5.9 ZJ? The trans issues are enought to keep me away. I hate trans problems. I see ZJs on CL all the time "won't shift" "doesn't drive" "trans is broke" lol.

Not only that but don't they get less MPGs than an XJ? Guess that's dependent on a few things.

Plus the engine bay looks more cramped than the XJ's with a 4.0. I wouldn't wanna mess with that.

How much is this 5.9 you're looking at?

 

It is $3000 for a runner and a parts jeep. I'm not looking for a 5.9 ZJ specifically, just something that I won't hate driving. Plus it allegedly has very little rust, we'll see about that. I'm also looking at subarus and XJs. I would just prefer this ZJ.

 

You hate driving your XJ? Lol. What do you hate about it?

 

No, I loved it. The tranny was original and at 280k it's still shifting like a champ. It sounds like it's gonna throw a rod through the side at any moment right now and the body is too rusty for me to want to replace the motor. As for hating what I'm driving I was thinking along the lines of a little toyota or something like that. Plus I want room for hauling stuff, tow capacity, and little rust. I'm in northern MN so that last one is very hard to find for my budget.

 

A yota? Blah! Lol

The rust thing is going to be hard to over come. I'd just look for something that isn't rotted to hell and fix it. Make it "rust proof".

I'd suggest another XJ. It has room to haul stuff and can tow a decent amount for its size. But I am biased.

 

Yeah I am too, I don't want anything other than a jeep.

 

Well then... why not another XJ? Lol.

 

If I find a good one I will jump on it. I've always wanted a 5.9 though.

 

Thanks for the help guys, but I found my "minimal" rust XJ. 1990 renix even!

 

For the extra funds to get a 5.9er, buy a ZJ with the 5.2 and add a few upgrades.

The 5.2 is more reliable, with less issues and they get better mileage than a XJ with the 4.0l in it..

 

It depends on your priorities. If you want to surprize rice-rockets at traffic lights, get the 5.9. If you want reliablity, get the 4.0. The 3.2 is a good compromize. It'll give you the extra power needed for big tires.