Torn down the middle, XJ vs ZJ
10-14-2012, 11:39 PM
#16
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Year: 1989
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10-15-2012, 12:22 AM
#18
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10-15-2012, 02:46 AM
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My buddy was in the same boat as you with this decision. He went with the zj and now an engine swap, tranny rebuild, and transfer case rebuild later he said he should have bought an xj... dont be the guy that gets the zj cuz its a "grand" cherokee. It only means you have to pay more than a grand every time something goes south.
10-15-2012, 09:55 AM
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For a DD I would say go 1997-1999, they have the best interiors (cup holders, just looks better overall), and they're still very capable off road. I have a 2001, I have a motor from a 1999 in it. The problem with the 2000-2001 is that the head will crack (wasn't the problem with mine, my motor was trash, but they do have that flaw in the head), and they have a low pinion front axle, which when you go crazy with a lift, can be a problem. I love my Jeep no doubt, but if I was going to buy one again it would be a 1999, unless it was just a trail rig, then go 1990-1996
10-15-2012, 11:57 AM
#22
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Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2L MPI V8 (318)
More off roading articulation? The ZJ is the exact unibody platform that the XJ is, the same axle setups almost, identical steering, but it has coils in the rear instead of leafs, and rear control arms and a track bar. Much better articulation off road and comfort for daily driving. The ZJ has a ton of aftermarket support as well, and as far as labor/parts, it's just as cheap for the most part when it comes to suspension, steering, etc. More spacious interior, more cargo space, etc. (I came from a 94 XJ with a 4.5" lift on 33's, switched to my 93 ZJ Laredo when that rolled. So I used to be an XJ guy too.)
10-15-2012, 01:27 PM
#23
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Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
More off roading articulation? The ZJ is the exact unibody platform that the XJ is, the same axle setups almost, identical steering, but it has coils in the rear instead of leafs, and rear control arms and a track bar. Much better articulation off road and comfort for daily driving. The ZJ has a ton of aftermarket support as well, and as far as labor/parts, it's just as cheap for the most part when it comes to suspension, steering, etc. More spacious interior, more cargo space, etc. (I came from a 94 XJ with a 4.5" lift on 33's, switched to my 93 ZJ Laredo when that rolled. So I used to be an XJ guy too.)
As far as aftermarket support is concerned, it's much more limited.
I'm still going to vote for the XJ. I hate Grand Cherokees and I'll never warm up to them.
10-16-2012, 07:59 AM
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There's a lot less room for big tires under those fenders on a ZJ, unlike the XJ, because they're much more square. Either your tires are going straight up and down or you're going to rub on something. Not everyone is into trimming the hell out of their Jeeps, especially when its a daily driver and not just a trail rig. I didn't blame any type of suspension or components.
As far as aftermarket support is concerned, it's much more limited.
I'm still going to vote for the XJ. I hate Grand Cherokees and I'll never warm up to them.
As far as aftermarket support is concerned, it's much more limited.
I'm still going to vote for the XJ. I hate Grand Cherokees and I'll never warm up to them.
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