para32

I bought an XJ jeep and discovered that I bought the wrong jeep.
I think I want a ZJ or a WJ jeep

The ZJ/WJ has two things I want: 1) ABS and 2) SelecTrac. The part-time Command Trac is a joke if you asked me, except for pure off road

I have no aspirations for off roading, maybe a tough dirt road now and again, thats it. One thing I do like about the XJ is its pure simplicity. Roll up windows, etc......you can actually fix it yourself with just an adjustable and a screwdriver.

What do I need to look out for in a used ZJ? It seems like a majority of them had the same straight 6 engine as the XJ. so thats a good start. I have heard the transmissions are sketchy.....

para32

BTW: I realize that it is possible to fins a XJ jeep with these features, but its like finding a needle in a haystack

ZJMAX

Well for a ZJ I have heard that 95 is a year to avoid since they have some one year only parts (fuel pump to name one) also as far as the ones for sale around my area mostly seem to be 95's and many have electrical issues. Then there is the 98 head issues on the straight 6 that some say just avoid.

Max

dave1123

I can't agree with you more, the 231 Command-Trac is only good for off-roading and it's 4WD is only part-time, that's for use on loose or slippery surfaces only.

I've owned a '97 ZJ with the 4.0L 6 cylinder and 242 Selectrac and loved it so much that when it needed to be replaced, I bought a '00 WJ with the same setup. To my way of thinking, the 242 is the best t/case jeep ever used. You will usually only find it in a 6 cyl model. The 42RE transmission is not the strongest but with proper care and maintenance will last.

The ZJ has the most after-market support of the 2. The WJ doesn't lend itself to bumper mods such as winches and brush guards because there isn't a lot of metal behind them to bolt anything to. It also has 16" wheels with a different bolt pattern than the ZJ, so you have to use wheel spacers/adapters to mount 15's on it, plus it has larger brakes so clearance is a problem.

The XJ is a rugged beast and you could put a 242 in it if you're so inclined. I believe the XJ's use the AW4 transmission, but don't quote me on that.

As far as ABS is concerned, Why would you want it? I wish my WJ didn't have it. To me, it's more of a nuisance than anything else.

Most of the V8 ZJ's have the Quadratrac 249 constant 4WD t/case. I wouldn't want one.

para32

I've hears others say this....why would ABS be a nuisance?

gpXJ

When you're talking ABS on a more modern vehicle, it is nice to have. The ABS systems in our 14+ year old vehicles are chintzy and really not worth having. They tend to cause more issues than they fix.

dave1123

The ABS on my WJ is a nuisance because when the front wheels lock up, they release and lock up again much too slowly, causing me to slide far beyond my expected stopping point, especially when only going about 1 to 2 mph. Most of the time this occurs when headed downhill on packed snow. If I shift it to neutral, it'll stop a lot better. In traffic, this is not a problem because I usually have sufficient time to make a normal stop, but when I'm delivering newspapers to people's mailboxes, I sometimes have to back up because I've slid past them. Maybe I'm just being picky, but I never had this problem with my big heavy Chevy 4X4 without ABS. Now that I think about it, I didn't have this problem with my '97 Dodge Caravan either.

Just an afterthought. The ABS on my Caravan was only front wheel if I remember correctly. Maybe it has something to do with the 4 wheel ABS on my WJ.

watertrucker

I have a `96 ZJ with the 5.2 V8 and full time 4WD. 139k miles. I know some guys don`t like the full time 4WD transfer case, but mine works perfectly. Also have a `96 XJ 4.0, 167k miles with the same TC as OP. Both Jeeps are awesome offroad. ZJ has a nicer ride with coils all around. Like them both. Wouldn`t want to give up either one.

dave1123

That's why this is an OPINION site and you are welcome to yours. That's why we're here. 99.9% of my driving is road work and for that, I prefer the 242.

Bustedback

Not true. The 95 is not a one year only oddity, it is the same as the 93-94 models. The 98 had cylinder head cracking problems? Nope.

STUD IN THE MUD

I think you made the right choice with an xj. Just keep it she will grow on you.