pelexj90

got rid of my cherokee recently and am going to look at a zj tmrw it is a 98 limited with the 4.0 190k they are asking 1450$ and honestly its in real good shape can anyone tell me about this specific year/model like transmission durability etc.,any info would be great, thanks!

dave1123

Okay, the only MAJOR differences between the XJ and the ZJ is the way the rear axle is mounted. The XJ uses leaf springs and the ZJ uses coil springs. Everything else is pretty much the same.

The transmission is the 42re, not noted as being a strong one, however if taken care of is pretty good. As far as I know, there are two choices in t-cases, the 247 and the 242. The 247 is constant 4WD and the 242 gives you the 2WD option. Don't quote me on the 247 because I have the 242 and love it. The constant 4WD may be a different number.

The 98 was the last year for the ZJ. In 99 it became the WJ and a lot of changes were made, notably the engine mounting locations. Earlier 4.0 blocks won't mount in the WJ. Also the oil filter location was changed. The filter now screws directly into the block instead of the old adapter. The intake manifold was modified for better airflow and THAT will fit the older engines. The 99 has ignition coil packs instead of spark plug wires. My 97 had the wires so IDK what the 98 had.

About everything else is comfort options.

Bustedback

The transmission is the weak link compared to the transmission that is an XJ, but if it was taken care of and not abused it will be ok. I have 216k on my original 42re and shows no signs of crapping out yet. Just keep the fluid clean and full. You will find that a ZJ will wheel every bit as good as an XJ, you will also find there is not nearly as much aftermarket support for a ZJ like there is for an XJ though. You will fall in love with the extra room and comfort that the ZJ has, but it won't be as quick as an XJ. The transmission robs some of the power. I love my ZJ and it has treated me well, I wish the same for you.

pelexj90

thank you there happens to be a 97 laredo in the same lot and im going to check them both out and take em for test drives. anything i should look for specifically they both have 4.0s so im not really worried about the engine so much but is there anything else? and is the 97 laredo much different from the 98 limited?,thanks again.

Bustedback

Make sure it's not the AWD transfercase.