I think wjs are the way to go.

 

wonder y u say that maybe its bc u dont have the 242 TC or a dana 35 in tha rear u have a 231 TC and a 8.8 rear end

 

I do have a 242 in my 96. It's no different, just has an extra feature that I'll never use. I would have had to swap an 8.8 into a cherokee as well, nothing they offer is any good either. 8.25, Dana 35, Aluminum 44. No thanks to all of them. The only downfall in comparison is the tranny. I can live with that. I would swap in an AW4, but so far I haven't seen anyone make it work with good results. I may end up trying a 5 speed swap if the auto in my 97 really starts to give me any issues. But that's just because it's sole purpose is to be a wheeler. The 96 is the wife's rig and family hauler.

 

the 242 in my brother n laws ZJ never whats to go in 4x4 it makes a bunch of noises then it will finely go in we checked the fluid in it and it was fine idk whats wrong with it

 

After being on a 9 hour trip to west kansas I think I'm just about done with how loud and harsh the XJ is. Dont get me wrong I mean it's fine around town but wind becomes a drone and gives you a headache then that is extenuated by feeling every bump on the road when on long treks. I am also sick of 14 mpg. Less than 300 miles a tank should be outlawed. But all of these are offset by positives that are both factual and wanted in nature.

 

get a WJ its like a 3-link in the rear and rusty's makes a sick long arm setup for them and after watching Extreme4x4 do a build on one i like them way more

 

I saw that same Extreme 4x4 episode. That WJ got me thinking of including them in my search. Was only looking for XJ's before-finding a clean one reasonably priced has been tough.

 

I like the WJ's for looks, and they ride nice. The 4.7 V8 gets good mileage, but they do have their downfalls. And working on the WJ is a lot more difficult then the ZJ's and XJ's.

 

OP: What Lucky Jeff and 2KXJJEEP mean is, "Sorry for turning your thread into a pissing match." Anywho, If you're bent on having the newest Jeep Possible, get an 04. They're very nice and have the added "Cushy" that I don't blame you for wanting, and most are still pretty low miles. The 05-newers got Independent Front Suspensions, meaning they don't have solid axles and are not as good for Wheeling; they also did not get the 4.0 Inline 6, they got some crappy Corporate V6.
As for your V8 vs 4.0 question, I think that it's safe to say that the difference in Torque between the two is negligible compared to the possible fuel mileage savings, not to mention that the 4.7 V8 just does not have as good of a reputation.

Hope that sums up your questions!

 

Pissing match? Hardly.. You must be new to forums. It's ok though, we all have to learn somehow.. Everyone has a difference of opinion, and everyone has a different experience. This was no "pissing match." Are you telling me that you know everything and someone else can not disagree with your findings?

 

Yes, Pissing match. A perfectly founded, reasonable argument in a place where it absolutely does not belong. Pissing match. I've managed to go over a thousand posts here alone and nobody's asked me if I was "telling me that you know everything and someone else can not disagree with your findings?"... Maybe YOU'RE the one that's new to forums, and also reading comprehension, because I made no statement that warrants that question...

If you have any other comments, feel free to PM me, because I hate to become a hypocrite so quickly...

 

It did actually belong, if you read the thread title "What Grand cherokee is best," and I was explaining why a Grand is worth owning. I actually joined a 4 wheel drive forum in 99 or 2000, and have been a member of many since. No need for PM's, you're obviously above me, I'll leave you to your throne.

 

96-98 ZJ is the way to go

 

As other have said, my first recommendation would be a 96-98 ZJ with the 4.0. Few points to keep in mind...
1. You don't get that much more power out of the 5.2 and it's not as reliable.
2. The 242 t-case is by no means a piece of crap, but it's not as strong as the 231 so I would stay away from the hardcore stuff.
3. The d35 rear axle is a downside, but you can find a lot of v-8 ZJ's with the aluminum d44 which is stronger and will swap right in.
4. The rear coil set up is a lot nicer for flexing and DD-ing, but it also makes the lift kits slightly more expensive than those for a XJ.
5. Other aftermarket add-ons (bumpers, etc) will be more expensive so if you plan to do these mods you'll either need to save more money for them, or buy a welder and build it all yourself for less. I recommend the latter.

If you want something a little more cushy, then get a 03-04 WJ. I say the WJ after the ZJ only due to the ZJ being easier to work on.

 

I love my 98 5.2 zj which im proud to say has 212k miles on the original motor, but would like the 231 tc instead...which is the next mod