Debating a XJ, ZJ, and a WJ
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 704
Likes: 1
From: Mt. Iron, MN
Year: 96 Limited ZJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2 w/mods
I ran 33s with my 6.5" kit and it was tolerable. Just didn't drive it in OD. Never took it on trips longer than 20 miles though...
depends on what you do with it- if this is a DD, 33's with stock gears are going to drive you mad... I had 31's on mine before I droped the 350 in it, and I just couldn't take it .. overdrive was useless, and the truck struggled even on the highway.
If you're going to run 33's, and you're going to use it as a DD, plan on regearing.... if you're going to use it as a trail rig, you can probably live with it for now. but it will be in your future,
I love lifted WJ's I want one so bad. However I have an XJ sitting on 33's and 5" lift. It was a cheap lift (RC 3" with a 2" BB on top) I bought some used parts like control arms, spacers, shackles, and a T case drop all off Jeep forum. Also got brand new soft 8's and goodyear wrangler duratracs (those are all new) the grand total was about 1200 bucks, it seems like a lot but its really not when you look at it.
As far as gearing goes everyone will tell you different things. For me 33's are bearable power wise i drive about 200 miles a week 50 miles freeway on average. power isnt that big of an issue I can cruise at 85 pushing 3k in 3ed gear fine. That being said gas will KILL you i get about 11 mpg average.
oh and get a 99 I have a 2000 and the head cracked that was about 800, and the LP will viberate.
HTH, oh and this is coming from a fellow 17 year old.
As far as gearing goes everyone will tell you different things. For me 33's are bearable power wise i drive about 200 miles a week 50 miles freeway on average. power isnt that big of an issue I can cruise at 85 pushing 3k in 3ed gear fine. That being said gas will KILL you i get about 11 mpg average.
oh and get a 99 I have a 2000 and the head cracked that was about 800, and the LP will viberate.
HTH, oh and this is coming from a fellow 17 year old.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Greenville, South Carolina
Model: Cherokee
well im back and forth between zj and xj.... bc its a going to be a dd i think a zj would be more comfortable and i could still wheel it on the weekends.
found one with 4x4 v6 and 123k miles for 3700$
found one with 4x4 v6 and 123k miles for 3700$
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 706
Likes: 1
From: Hendersonville, TN
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 litre
My 89' XJ is my Daily/offroader I drive it back and forth to work everyday and I jump in deep mud holes and climb rocks and it keeps on running strong as can be.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
That's not a bad price for a clean rust-free example though. Although they can be found for much less. IMO
Dan
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 28,068
Likes: 6
From: Tenn. and Mich.
Year: 2004
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.7L V8
You can find a nice base Laredo V8 AWD for around $2,500, but the Limited will go for around $3,500-$4,000 if you get lucky. I found a bunch of them after I bought mine.
Dan
Dan


