92XJGuy

My XJ is maybe a bit over 4,500. Specs are in sig. Nothing too crazy, really. And for what it's worth, there aren't any mountains or real steep inclines between my garage and the off road park. If that helps at all. I'd also be looking at a 96-98 Limited ZJ, if that helps determine the rear axle. I have no issue upgrading the ZJ to tow. I was going to get Bilstein HD shocks regardless. But I'd get stiffer springs as well, or even add air bags to help with that. And the trailer would definitely have brakes on it.

What do you think?


Thanks guys, I appreciate the help!

Bustedback

OK, one more time. You need a three quarter ton truck to safely tow a car trailer with a four thousand pound vehicle on it. My shop truck at work is a Dodge 3500 with a V10, it pulls a car trailer with brakes on both axles. It still gets sketchy and has a hard time towing a loaded trailer up the slightest of hills. A Grand Cherokee will not hold up to what you have planned.

xjmarc

Exactly. I use a 2500 Cummins, brakes on both axles and hard stops are still a chore. With a ZJ it'd just push you brakes or not. Consider the fact your trailer and XJ would weigh a thousand plus pounds more than your ZJ.

dnuccio

even a flat towed XJ (no trailer) would be too much for a ZJ, stopping wise. theres no question the ZJ has the power to pull it. ZJ brakes suck *** though. I'd feel alot better with that load behind a 3/4 ton truck.

i towed a 3800lb car on a uhaul car trailer ONCE with my ZJ. it can be done, but id strongly advise against it. braking distance sucked and fuel mileage was in the low single digits.

92XJGuy

Alright, so leaving towing out of the question. Which is the better all around engine? I know the 5liters are pretty similar but I don't know if premium is worth it. Hows the 5.2 compared to the 4.7? Are V8 ZJs more prone to electrical issues?

Bustedback

The 5.2 is nearly as bullet proof as the 4.0 and there are no more problems than any other SUV built in the same time period. Don't listen to "they", they don't know anything.

dave1123

In my very humble opinion, listen to Busted. He's been there, done it, and has the T-shirt!

92XJGuy

I'm going to keep the Durango in mind, since I do actually like the extra space it comes with. If I do get a GC, I will want the 5.2 though. I think it'd be enough power for me, and I won't have to use premium gas.

dnuccio

definately go 5.2 in a ZJ. 4.0 is not a bad motor by any means, but it is underpowered for the ZJ.

92XJGuy

It'll be a V8 for sure. I have the 4.0 in my XJ and while it's a great motor, I want something with more power for the streets. Plus this won't be wheeling so I don't need what the straight 6 offers.

mikeg216

I have a 97 with the 5.2 v8 and hd towing It has the 3.73 rear end it's quite fast for a vehicle it's size, I love it even with its atrocious mpg, I'm seriously surprised that with a relatively small v8 it drinks so heavy on the fuel, it makes me laugh to think what an older carburetor topped 4x4 with the 318 got for mpg... Probably better

dave1123

Not much. Actually you have better fuel control with the injectors. TPI is better than throttle body, but to keep it simple, Jeep doesn't offer it. You are still turning all them gears up front even in 2WD. Plus the weight of the axle.

4X4s have never been economical to drive. Even my 89 Chevy with lockout hubs never got me over 12 mpg. Usually 8 or 9. But she had a 350 and 4.11 gearing.

mikeg216

I know, I know I just find it hilarious. City, highway, stop and go hauling *** or driving like grandma... By the end of the tank... 13mpg no matter what

dnuccio

yeah ZJ gas mileage sucks. my buddy has a 01 1500 dodge 2wd with the 5.9 that he claims gets 24 mpg. im like yeah keep dreaming

mikeg216

The only way to get 24mpg would be in neutral going down a 24 mile long hill