need opinions TJ vs ZJ

[JackstandJohnny]

ok, so i have been tossing this idea around for a little while now, and am thinking of grabbing some opinions on the idea.  i've been debating/trying to sell this  and building some sort of TJ.

so heres where I am, i could do a rear axle swap in the ZJ, lock it, gear it and wheel the hell out of it.  or i was thinkin of starting from scratch with a 97 TJ, 4banger 5sp.  my mod list would be this: 6" long arm suspension, slip yoke elimiator, a set of rubi Dana 44s geared to the max and run something like a 36" irok, and the usual things like some rocker protection, bumpers, cb, etc.  i know the 4L is the better option, and if i get a jeep with a 4 banger, it might be a future swap, but i'm startin with that cause i'm assumin they'd be the cheapest

just looking for some input on this kind of idea. mostly its cause i want to wheel something without a roof and doors,  apparently i have this habit for body damage, so i think the less body panels the better. also, i just want a convertible

i know its stupid to put time and money into something just to sell and take a hit, but now that i have a full time DD, no need for the luxury wheelin' wagon. 

[hps4evr]

if you go with a tj, and you know there are a lot of them out there, just start with one that has the 4.0L engine. price difference wont be that huge. and really, swapping it in later will be a huge hassle. and i can gaurantee that you will say later on that you should have bought one with the 4.0L right off the bat. anyways, my 2 cents.
as for wheeling with the top off, it cant be beat. and its way easier to see all around your jeep while you wheel. and its fun when it rains on you too;)

[cLAY]

A TJ will stand the abuse long term better than a ZJ. Not so prone to body damage. If I didn't need all the room for the family I probably wouldn't run a ZJ. AWWW just kidding that V* is just too much fun!

BTW whatever you wheel if you plan to go much over 35'(or 33s if you have a heavy foot) plan on upgrading diffs. I snapped the end off my outer shaft on my front D44 last weekend on the ZJ, running 36" IROKS.

[JackstandJohnny]

hp, i know the 4l is better, but i'm cool with wheeling a geared 4banger. i'm not crazy bout muddin, so power ain't that much of an issue, that being said, i love to gas my V8 as Clay points out.  axles is the reason i'm at this point too.  big thing is if i want to make that step with the ZJ, and maybe just do it in a TJ haha, i know its a necessary step. maybe just seeing what other people think. i guess i could also  exo the ZJ and rip the doors/roof off haha

[cotaman]

Johnny..... build the ZJ.....look back a couple of issues of Jp( or maybe petersen's 4wheel ) and you will see a Grand on  38's with dana 60's front and rear.... the thing looked $#%&*! awesome....... and just think ...you still have all that room

Eugene

[4PLAYZJ]

Build the ZJ.  Nothing like leather & mud. 

Here's Mine & checkout http://www.mallcrawlin.com/ if you want to see some big dogs.

[Bnine]

For a trail specific rig, there's really no comparison to how easy it is to build a wrangler versus a full body.

Unless you need the room, the TJ is your way to go.

[4PLAYZJ]

  

He is correct, there is alot more custom fabbing & moula involved in building a ZJ compared to a TJ, but the space is nice.

[WhiteOut]

http://www.mallcrawlin.com/ if you want to see some big dogs.

Yeah, cause yours is tiny Will.   Having A/C, heat and lots of room is nice when wheeling too.

[dunl]

And leather.  Don't forget leather. 

[ogilviexj]

heres a thought do BOTH 

[JackstandJohnny]

hehe doig both would be fun. probalby keep the ZJ for now though but if the TJ deal happens in the future (family thing) i'm looking to do it.  for now it looks like i'll jsut wheel the ZJ