OPINIONS: Trail rig, WJ or ZJ?

WJChris · 01-19-2008, 11:24 AM

I am eventually going to look at getting a street legal trail only rig...

I really like my WJ. It just seems that everything I like for it, is only available for a ZJ.

Simple things like diff gaskets and that bastard 44A, to rear bumpers (KOR stealth is sweet!)

Is the WJ worth all the work arounds, should I just get a WJ and put in D60's!!?? (or swap out the rear with something more standard)

Or, should I just build up a ZJ, where there are more options, and more parts available.

Please explain your opinions with financial info... I dont even know how much I would expect to pay for a D60!

I am looking at 4-5" lift, and maybe 33-35" tires. Also, the rig must be street legal to drive to the trails.

nierace · 01-19-2008, 12:08 PM

You could build a YJ that will run circles around a WJ or a ZJ for 1/3 of the price, and still be street legal.

ZJ/WJ's are not good serious trail rigs IMO, fine for moderate/advance.

Both the ZJ & WJ have 44a's...so I don't see how that is a positive or negative for either.

I'd say a WJ is better though because the unibody is a bit stronger, but its still a unibody.

The ZJ has more axle options to swap in though, you can swap in a TJ/XJ axle easy enough.

A D60 built ready to go on your rig will run you 3.5k-7k depending on what components you use.

**Texas ZJ1** · 01-19-2008, 12:15 PM

How much you willing to pay for mine?

Hunter

**Texas ZJ1** · 01-19-2008, 12:16 PM

Just joking.

Hunter

nierace · 01-19-2008, 12:54 PM

He wants one you can drive to the trail remember, not break down 8 hrs from home.

**Texas ZJ1** · 01-19-2008, 12:55 PM

Ouch,

I'm hurt to the bone...at least I go to the trail!

Hunter

nierace · 01-19-2008, 12:56 PM

pfft I went more in 07 than you did !

I had a little tooo much fun though.

**GibsJeep** · 01-19-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nierace

He wants one you can drive to the trail remember, not break down 8 hrs from home.

ouch! Does yor ZJ break down Hunter

?

WJChris, a Wrangler is the ultimate trail rig IMO Im gonna get one someday. A ZJ is probably a better trail rig maybe then a WJ, but the WJ is cooler

.

**Texas ZJ1** · 01-19-2008, 01:05 PM

For the first time on any wheeling trip my steering pump bracket decided to sheer off the motor while going about 65 to 70. It was about 4 hours later and thanks to WestTEXZJ, I survived.

But before that and much to my webwheeling buddy's (Nick) chagrin, I've been coast to coast, NE to UT, NE to IN, NE to FL and back without a hitch.

Nick's upset because Rrubio left him.

Hunter

WJChris · 01-19-2008, 01:08 PM

I guess I should have mentioned, by trail only I didn't mean to infer that this would be a severe trail rig, just something I use for recreation, not DD. I wont be rock crawling, just moderate trails... and maybe the Rubicon just to say I did it....

Snow trips are a must, along with some watercrossing ability (no more than a few feet).

I'm not really feeling the YJ.

Ouch on the D60.

I am not in a hurry to decide, I have time to read more here and decide on the pros/cons. There are a couple rigs here that I would love to own, or at least "copy".

It actually seems that the D44A is the main weakness in the WJ. I know it can be done, would you say based on aftermarket parts availability, the ZJ is a better choice? Gibs, I agree, the WJ is cooler.. hehe

**Texas ZJ1** · 01-19-2008, 01:11 PM

As a norm,

the ZJ is now two body styles from the latest and greatest. You'll be able to pick them up cheaper and cheaper as time passes on. So, with that in mind, if cost is a factor or is comfort. The WJ seats are much better.

Hunter

WJChris · 01-19-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas ZJ1

The WJ seats are much better.

LOL! So true. My wife doenst even wince at the idea of a 12 hour drive in the WJ.

**GibsJeep** · 01-19-2008, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJChris

would you say based on aftermarket parts availability, the ZJ is a better choice? Gibs, I agree, the WJ is cooler.. hehe

Ya, because with the WJ and Im sure you know that selection is limited with the WJ. Usually I see more available after market parts for the ZJ on most 4x4 sites. WJs are weird, but still cool.

**AgitatedPancake** · 01-19-2008, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WJChris

I guess I should have mentioned, by trail only I didn't mean to infer that this would be a severe trail rig, just something I use for recreation, not DD. I wont be rock crawling, just moderate trails... and maybe the Rubicon just to say I did it....

Snow trips are a must, along with some watercrossing ability (no more than a few feet).

I'm not really feeling the YJ.

Ouch on the D60.

I am not in a hurry to decide, I have time to read more here and decide on the pros/cons. There are a couple rigs here that I would love to own, or at least "copy".

It actually seems that the D44A is the main weakness in the WJ. I know it can be done, would you say based on aftermarket parts availability, the ZJ is a better choice? Gibs, I agree, the WJ is cooler.. hehe

My WJ has made it through the Rubicon with suprisingly little damage and problems with the stock axles (rear locked) on 33"s with 6" Claytons Longarm lift. I feel very confident in my 44a and don't worry about it much, and I've replaced the d30 with a d44 to help ease my worries up there after snapping a shaft on another trip to the rubicon.

If your looking to do trails mostly lesser than the rubicon, you don't need to upgrade your axles. Hell, if this truck isn't going to be your daily driver you wouldnt even need longarms. Do 4-5" of lift on upgraded short arms. It wouldn't ride very nice but it would get the job done plenty well on the trail.

**toke** · 01-19-2008, 01:19 PM

you could of had my WJ for 8K (a very capable trail rig I might add)

now the guy who has it wants 9500 for it