vegasturbo

ok well im looking at a 95 cherokee limited awd , i dont know too much about these im a hot rod guy but want to play off road. im going to build a jeep for trail's , long arm lift is what im looking at but want to start with a good base, any imput would be helpful on a year? motor ? thanks

Bustedback

Can't go wrong with the 4.0 or the 5.2 engines, the 98ZJ offers the 5.9V8. If you plan on making it a trail mostly rig, I would suggest the XJ instead of the ZJ. The ZJ is great off road, but the XJ offers a lot more aftermarket support for lifts, bumpers, and other stuff. The XJ is limited to the 2.5 four cylinder, the 2.8 V6 for the 84-86 model years (junk engine), the 4.0 from 87-90, and the 4.0 HO for 91-2001 models years.
The all wheel drive ZJ transfercase is not a real solid case for off roading, but it can be swapped for the 231 part time transfercase.

vegasturbo

i also found 2001 120,000 miles 4.0 on 33x12.50 bfg, front lockers,rear anti-slip, full roll cage custom full length rock sliders that go over the wheel well's , its been chopped in the back and they have a spare tire mount buit into the bed with 6.5 lift for 3k good deal or stay way from the 2001's ?????

rednekwizard

I would stay away from the awd if you want to play off-road, I have seen a few 2001s that look and function well off road, especially here in vegas with the trails and desert.
Just don't get too crazy with a lift, bigger isn't always better when it comes to off-roaders out here

Bustedback

2001 XJ? Low pinion front axle, head is prone to cracking, and coil on plug ignition. 2001 WJ? I don't know too much about the WJ, they're lower and heavier than the ZJ, but not by much. Geared more for the soccer mom set.

jbetit

I would check that xj out that you found. Look it over REALLY good. with all that stuff done to it, i can't imagine it was just for looks. Odds are that he wheeled the crap out of it. But check it out for sure.