Good truck for a build up or not?

[djp]

Im looking at buying a 98 GC With a 5.9l, what are your thoughts on the motor and drive train for a truck build?

[4PLAYZJ]

You will have a better end product than an xj because the frames in the zj's were built stronger but the project will cost more because the lifts are more $$$ and the 249 t-case is junk.

[JackstandJohnny]

great project build. i like it.... strong engine, and the tranny is ok too. no worries bout future engine swaps, main reason i'm doin git with my 95'.  as for the 249, I think junk is a little extreme.  if you are using this as a DD like me at the moment it is great. 4low you can still lock it up.  however, it does have issues; the Viscous Coupler has a tendency to blow up in thes TCs, however, the swap over to a NP 242 is not complicated; in some cases straight bolt in.   as for aftermarket, yes it is a little more expensive, this is true; however, my grand flexes pretty good, we'll see just how good this summer at teh show & shine, but i would pit it against a TJ anyday....
IMO if you want to build a unique jeep, this is a good way to go; V8 power in a coil sprung vehicle. its nice. drop 2gs on suspension, run some 33s and you'll be surprised how it holds up

[dunl]

Took my basically stock 93 ZJ out on it's first run last summer with the CJA on the Aug. 19th stocker run, and was very impressed with how it handled things. With mods, one of these rigs would be very capable.

Check out www.nagca.com or http://www.mallcrawlin.com/

[cotaman]

i run a 98 zj with 5" lift and 31's..... it flexs great and climbs great and the disks all around are a plus.  not to mention that you can actually carry a whole lot of camping gear / people unlike a tj or yj.    i had an xj before and the zj flex just as good if not better then it.  both  were able to lift a tire 2 feet off the ground with no problem.  the lifts do get a little more expensive the higher you go but they are worth it.

[cLAY]

My next buildup will probably be a ZJ. The 5.9HO are awesome and very rare. Very powerful. My mom has one. Would almost be a shame to beat one of those offroad. Lots of fun on the street.

[Tuna]

I was looking at a ZJ as they are a little bigger than an xj.  What other engines are offered in the ZJ other than the 5.9?  That's probably the only engine I WOULDN'T want due to the mass fuel consumption (not sure why they are so much worse than other slightly smaller engines).

[BlackYJ]

4.0L
4.7L
5.2L
5.9L

Depending on wheather you look at the ZJ or WJ

[cotaman]

i have a 98 zj and a 01 wj both with the 4.0L and am very happy with the performance that it gives these jeeps

[cLAY]

My family has 5 ZJs and 2 XJs in total.

In the ZJs we have two identical '93s with the 5.2L(318), one '94 with a 4.0, one '96 with a 4.0 and one '98 with the 5.9(360).

The 5.9 was only offered in '98 as a special option, its not a regular 5.9(like what you'd find in a truck) but a HO version. Compression has been increased and it uses  more agressive engine and tranny programming. Also the tranny is stronger than found behind the 5.2L. Power and torque is unbelivable! BUT because its high compression it requires premium fuel. Its VERY expensive to drive. Usually comes fully loaded and as such the price will be much higher than a comparable 5.2 or 4.0 ZJ. Thus why I'd not buy one for a trail rig, money saved on the intial purchase could be used for lift, tires, etc.

The 5.2 is a great engine and pushes the ZJ along nicely. Much more economical than the 5.9 but not anything I'd consider "effecient". Also its REALLY tight in the engine and difficult to work on.

IMO the 4.0L is anemic in the ZJ for a street driver, maybe thats because I'm used to the V8 and doesn't seem to get much better milage than the 5.2L, maybe 2mpg. However it would be much choice of engine for a trail rig due to its reliabilty, low end torque and ease to work on. Also some '93 4.0s got the AW4 tranny which is almost bulletproof.

[djp]

Thank you for all your info guys.Out of the 4.0 and 5.2 what is the stronger motor or most reliable? Thanks

[cLAY]

The 5.2 definatly has more HP in it than the 4.0L. Both are VERY reliable motors the 4.0 is the old 258 motor and has an excellent track record. The 5.2 is Dodge's old 318 and is an great motor as well, my dad had an '86 Ramcharger that he put over 400,000kms on the original engine.

If I had to pick one for reliabiltiy I go with the 4.0L, its also WAY easier to work on. The 5.2 is really crammed in the ZJ and difficult to work on.

If I were to build a ZJ for a DD and mild trail rig I be inclined to go with the 5.2L, then the power lost to the bigger tires won't be so noticable. However if you communte more than 50km to work everyday you may want to consider buy a Honda as well as you won't like the gas milage you'll get from a lifted V8 ZJ.  :shock:

[mudslinginjoel]

I personally prefer the 4.0L,its been really reliable,strong,and impressive with 35's in the rocks.The 5.2 is also a good choice.I believe4.0 is more commin ,and I believe has more after market parts,cheaper then the 5.2.Etheir way,the right gear ratio can make that zj move like its got a hemi!

[JackstandJohnny]

go with the 5.2 IMO. do some lil' power add ons and your pushing over 250hp at least. its nice. i have 33s on mine, with the tow package. goes cool on the street, but crap gas milage (and now for somereason stuff makes noices lol i think its all susp. though) i can't wait to run some new agressive tires with 5.5" of lift this summer, its gonna be capable

[djp]

What would you prefer xj or zj?auto or manual? I would like to run a 3.5 lift, but also use it as my daily driver. This will be my first jeep just want to get it right!