92XJGuy

I'm looking into getting a late model ZJ as a new DD and something to tow my XJ. I'm kind of leaning towards a 5.9, just because I've had the 4.0 in my XJ and I don't know what "power" is lol. But 5.9 requires Premium, right? Living in Chicago, Premium is upwards of $5/gallon. I was reading that if I wanted to make a 5.2 as powerful as a stock 5.9, it's a matter of a few bolt ons? I think a fairly stock 5.2 would be sufficient enough for me. Is the 4.7 worth considering as well? I'll only be towing every couple months.




Thanks

MCosta

The 5.2 and 5.9 are pretty much the same motor. They come from they come from the Mopar LA magnum small block engine family. There isn't much difference in power either, the 5.9 essentially just has bigger heads and I think a bigger crank. They don't need premium. I run 87 octane in my 5.2 and it runs fine but they are thirsty engines and the 4.7 isn't much better lol. As for towing they are rated to pull up to 6500 pounds even though I personally feel like that's a lot for it but I've never tried considering my brother has a diesel Ram if I needed to tow heavy. But I'm also not sure what you're going to be towing either. I've only pulled a small utility trailer for dump runs. so if someone who has towed heavy with a ZJ could chime in on the towing that'd be good.

92XJGuy

I'd be towing my XJ on a trailer every couple months.

Do the V8 ZJs have electrical issues?

rawk krawler

Lol it's a jeep!

92XJGuy

That is true. Haha

What about a similar year Durango?

94XjSport94

You need something bigger than a ZJ to haul a trailer and XJ.

dave1123

My thought exactly. How about a Dodge Durango?

92XJGuy

I've been thinking of a Durango. How are they? Like the early 98-01s?

dave1123

I honestly couldn't tell you. The last time I looked at a Durango was in 1989. This one was a 5.9 4-speed stick with an LSD axle. I just about wet my pants. I almost bought it until my wife said "Guess what! I'm pregnant!" Bye bye truck!

Bustedback

Still not big enough for a car trailer with a car on it. Think three quarter ton at the minimum for towing. It's better to have too much truck than not enough. Darangos are not much bigger than a WJ.

92XJGuy

What about just pulling the XJ without a trailer? Or is that not advised.

mikeg216

i dunno about anybody elses zj but mine will tow up to 7300 with the v8 and heavy duty trailer package. Put on some heavy duty brake pads and drilled or slotted rotors. check the diff cooler and tranny cooler,hell put a bigger one on. make sure you have the right class hitch and a tekonsha trailer brake set up and you will be fine. The engine and transmission will handle it just fine, though its not ideal it will work,the limiting factor is brakes be prudent dont speed put your hands at ten and two and turn the od off and take er easy....you do realize about 10 years ago there were no 1 ton trucks that could haul half a semi load right?

92XJGuy

I know the 5.9 has a lower tow capacity than the 5.2 due to the cooling. Can that be changed with some better cooling?

Also, if I tow with the 5.2, could stiffer springs or air bags paired with better shocks (Bilsteins) make it a good tow vehicle? Along with brakes on the trailer of course and all the other necessary tow requirements.

94XjSport94

This.

Think about the weight of a trailer and XJ to a ZJ. You will need trailer brakes and a controller in whatever vehicle you decide on.

xjmarc

My jeep and trailer weigh a bit over 5k. Could I tow it with a tricked out ZJ, which could likely have a D35 in the rear depending on year, sure. Should I, no. I used to pull mine with a Z71 half ton and it struggled on long inclines and mountains. No to mention I averaged 6 mpg towing. Mine may weigh a little more than yours, don't know your mods but wouldn't be that much. ZJ even with drilled rotors and a brake controller won't have the stopping power if you had to make a quick stop.