So this week i finalize the sale of my 92 Dodge Stealth. Which means i will be without a car. Guess what i've picked to replace it!? Ya you guessed right, a JEEP! Before i snag one i've got a few questions for you jeep guru's out there. First and foremost what should i get? XJ or ZJ? What are the advantages of the straight 6 as apposed to the zj's v8? which tends to be cheaper to maintain and upgrade? And would you suggest buying a jeep that's already been lifted and already been built up? Would that be my cheapest option for a sick jeep? I've got two buddies that are way into jeep builds and both have the know how and the tools to do work on them. So stock jeep or built up jeep? XJ or ZJ? straight 6 or V8? I'm a college student and so i've got limited money to be messing with this until i graduate. What're your thoughts? Help a new guy out!

An XJ but not a 2000 or 2001 they have bad heads and you will prolly have to replace it eventually. And if your friend have the tools and knowledge buy a stock one. You'll get much more pride in building you own.

why an xj? thanks for the tip on the 2000 and 2001, i'll be sure to avoid them. As for pride i have been thinking about that and i think you're right. Saw your jeep, i like it. And that your other ride is a trek. MTB for life! I'm rockin a Santa Cruz Nomad at the moment. Which is part of the reason i want a jeep. I need something that can get me up to the trailheads!

Get an XJ... don't worry about the year... it's all in the maintenance. If you don't pay attention to your fluids and keep and eye on things then yes you can have trouble with the heads on the 00 and the 01's. They get bad raps but can run just as long as the others. They are lighter and get mileage then a Grand Cherokee. Both are good vehicles and will prove that time and time again.

Heck yea man I love riding and I love my jeep, thanks for the complement bro. I would say an XJ just cuz that's what I have lol. ZJs are great jeeps too, but with the v8 comes more money towards gas, and as you lift it and put bigger tires on it, that will decrease gas milage too. Good luck with the hunt.

Oh yea and welcome to the forum!

alright. two votes for an xj. sounds like a good option. That implies sticking with the straight 6. As for doing a build what would you suggest i start with?

I found mine and then eventually convinced a buddy of mine to get an 01 XJ. He is sitting at 210,000 miles on his and it still running like new. These things are some of the most amazing vehicles that I have ever seen! I will definitely look into getting another one when i have the money.

XJ!!!

I'd say a 2 inch budget boost and 30 inch tires. Cheap and a good place to start.

Don't waste your time with a ZJ it's hard to find lift parts for cheap. Go with a XJ very easy to upgrade for cheap and Replacement parts are easy to find

why a 2inch over something bigger?

I think he was referring to you saying you were on a tight budget. I also think the XJ is the way to go, I am super happy with mine. They are cheap and parts are easy to find.

Cuz if your tight on cash they are only 80 dollars vs like 500 for a 3 inch

Why the large change of price between lift sizes? And what kind of lift would you suggest?

You need shocks and other things when you get over 2 inches such as an SYE and longer brake lines, a t-case drop, etc. There is a nice lift at Fat Bobs Garage.com for 80 dollars. It's new shackles and coil spacers