Tharry91

So I've been on here before looking for pointers. Now buying time is right around the corner and I'm looking for input. I'm going to be building a DD and Weekend Warrior, and by weekend warrior I mean like legitimate offroading, not just dirt roads. So I will be building it as strong as I can. Now I am an xj guy so I know jeeps but grands not so much. I want the V8 I know for sure and I really like WJ's because not as many people have started building them yet. So basically I'm looking for pros cons and weak spots of each model. I need help lol

mikeg216

The zj like the xj is an amc design, that's why I went zj. And also the Chrysler 318 is a much more durable power plant then the 4.7 ever will be, they are already hard to find and more expensive. Much like other Chrysler turdboxes such as the 2.7 v6 and the 3.7 v6 found in the liberty and sadly the wrangler grand cherokee and commanr nder.

mikeg216

*hard to find in junkyards and pain in the *** to rebuild.

Tharry91

Yeah I've been hearing nothing but bad news for the 4.7's

basegrinder

Which is hard to find in junkyards? Out here near San Francisco its 5:1 ZJ over XJs in the junk yards. And on craigslist.

mikeg216

WJ engines are becoming hard to find because it will cost you $1500 to get a junkyard motor dropped in vs $3000 for a rebuilt 3.7 or 4.7

dave1123

IMO the ZJ is your best bet for a serious off-roader. You'll find more of them not already abused like the XJs and there are more parts for them than the WJs. The WJ is probably as strong as the ZJ but off-road parts are not as numerous yet.

I also say stay away from the 4.7. It's a fragil overhead cammer.

smellyjeepnj

if your going wj get the i6 almost the output as 4.7 just not the headaches!

dave1123

We all know the 4.0 is practically bullet proof. So is the 5.2 and the 5.9. The 4.7 is NOT!

Just remember the 4.0 is only 185 horses. Do not expect more.

dnuccio

If you're into guns, think of it like this.
The ZJ is like a Ruger revolver. Rugged and tough as hell, takes on anything, can handle some pretty heavy stuff
the WJ is like a Smith and Wesson revolver. good looking, well-refined, comfortable, but not as tough as the Ruger

dave1123

Very well put! When you see a ZJ on the road, you know it. When you see a WJ on the road, you have to get close enough to read the badges to make sure it's a JEEP!

mikeg216

also the zj is a solid axle setup,much more robust solid and cheaper to operate and fix. Yes you can have an ifs setup equal to or better then solid axles. but i havent found it yet,at least not when you compare it to the expense of adding a lift kit.

dave1123

My 2000 WJ has solid axles. If they went to independent suspension in later years, I'm not aware of when the switch took place. Go to the first posting on the site and view lifted ZJ and WJs. There is a lot on info available.

muffinman

The 4.0 in my cherokee sure does not feel like it has the 265 horsepower and 330 ft lbs of torque my HO 4.7 does.

muffinman

1999-2004 WJs never had IFS. The 2005 WK was the first grand to have IFS. Yea, I have a WJ Overland, love it. I have taken good care of my 4.7 HO and have had zero problems.