Best Engine for a late ZJ?
#16
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
What do you think?
Thanks guys, I appreciate the help!
#17
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Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
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.
#18
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Year: 97
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
#19
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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.
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.
Last edited by dnuccio; 09-18-2013 at 12:10 AM.
#20
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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?
#21
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Year: 1995
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 with all of the noise and clatter
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.
#22
Old fart with a wrench
In my very humble opinion, listen to Busted. He's been there, done it, and has the T-shirt!
#23
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
#25
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
#26
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
#27
Old fart with a wrench
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.
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.
#28
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.
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.
#30