blacklab

My 94 XJ hunting rig is getting tired. Just too many little things to fix.
I'm looking to upgrade to a ZJ as they seem to be lots around compared to the ZJs.
I want to stay with the straight 6, is there any years or anything I should avoid.

andrewmp6

The 4.0 in the zj is good the wj 99-02 4.0 had the cracking head like the xj has.If you can find a 93 zj 4.0 those came with the same trans and t case as the xj the 94 and newer used a chrysler trans and different t case.Look for rust on the rockers the floor pans and the rear suspension mounts on the body and if your up north the rear half of the frame rails can rot out.And any power options it has test them all out.

dave1123

My opinion is any ZJ up to 98 with the 4.0 and the 242 t/case is good. Try to avoid the 249 full time 4x4 because they have problems with the viscous coupling if not treated right. The t/case shifter on those only has 4hi, N, and 4lo. These ZJs use the 42re transmission which is not as strong as the AW4 in your XJ, but is fine as long as it isn't abused. My 2000 WJ has this transmission in it with 190K miles on it and is still perfect.

You are familiar with the 231 t/case in your XJ. The 242 Selectrac in the ZJ gives you 2 forms of 4wd, full time and part time. Full time can be used on dry pavement any time. 4lo is part time like your XJ.

blacklab

Thanks I'm well aware of Jeeps power option wiring issues. Do the ZJs rust behind the plastic rocker trim?

andrewmp6

They can but depends if your in the rust belt aka anything north of the ohio river or not.

dave1123

My 2000 WJ was 10 years old when it came north from Washington, PA and didn't have a spot of rust on it. I was told PA doesn't use salt on their roads and my jeep shows it. Now it's got just a tinge of rust around the bottom of the door drains and the hatch drains. My 97 ZJ came from Ft Drum in Watertown, NY and it was perforated everywhere. That thing was ridden hard and put away wet by 2 soldiers. I got it cheap when they deployed to Iraq. The 4.0 was the only part that was still good. Everything else was junk, BUT I drove it for 2 years. At least the heater and wipers worked!