I have been wanting to get my hands on a V8 ZJ for a while so I decided to put my Dakota up for sale to get one, I mostly know what I'm looking for but I do have a few questions.

1. Do all V8 ZJs come with the Dana 44a rear axle or do I have to worry about getting one with the Dana 35? Also how common is the limited slip in the Dana 44 I would prefer to get one with an open diff so I can put a Spartan locker in it.

2. Did most of the V8s come with the NP249 transfer case? I want one with the NP242 selec trac but If I'm looking for a rare combo I can just swap it out for an NP242.

3. I have a working NP242 that came out of my 97 XJ will that be an easy swap into a ZJ that has a NP249? From what I have read both the XJ and ZJ transfer cases use a 23 spline input shaft, and if needed I can swap the input from the 249 into the 242.

I am mostly going to use It as a work vehicle so I'm not going to go crazy with it like I did with my XJ. I plan on doing headers, dual exhaust, Harland Sharp roller rockers, bigger throttle body, air intake, custom tuning, 3-4" lift, 31-32" tires, rear locker and maybe 4.56 gears. I know about the shortcomings of the 44RE transmission but there is a local guy with a good reputation that can build one for $1200-1500.

 

Anyone? Not much action in the GC section I guess.

 

1.. I am not really sure?

2.. Again, not too sure?

3.. I don't know?

Hehhe! I know what I want my next Jeep to be. I am going to be looking for an XJ probably sometime towards the end of next year. I know for certain that when I start looking only a V8 equipped XJ will sufffice. I have the 4.0 in both of my current Jeeps the WJ and ZJ, and I want to have the V8 in my next one. The goal was to get all three - WJ, ZJ, and XJ. So far, I am on my way to accomplishing that goal. I like the 4.0 very much, but would like the V8 experience in this next one you know...

 

They didn't make a V8 XJ only the Grand Cherokees.

 

Oh, for real? I did not know that. I guess there goes that plan.. Engine compartment must be too small on the XJ's for the larger motor I suppose?

 

There were 3 different engines that were ever put in the XJ, the 2.5L 4-banger, a tiny GM 2.8L V6, and the 4.0L. They had to modify the firewall to shoehorn the 4.0L in! Oh, I forgot about the 2.1 Renault turbo diesel.

 

I should of realuzed that XJ's don't come with V8's from when I was researching on heat soak issues. Read about XJ's having it r/t their relatively tiny engine compartment.

 

A little Ford 289 from the 60's would fit perfectly. It's only 20" wide!

 

A V8 XJ is then not beyond the realms of possibility! Have to keep that in mind...

 

I think somebody here has an XJ with the V6 from a Chevy S-10 if I'm not mistaken. Something like 4.2L.