[bigh20rnr]

Originally Posted by crusty1007

I would buy a Pre-2000 model TJ
or
91-94 YJ
both with 4.0L AX-15 5 speed.
Shoot for a D44 in the later model stuff.

I would say the AX-15 & nv3550 are on par with each other & wouldn't hold that against any of the TJ years.

AX-15's don't prematurely fail & last 200K+ miles when run with big tires. I would run them behind V-8s any day.. (That's a hard statement to back up seeing as they are no longer used in jeeps- but they've been in Toyotas since the Early 80's & still use a variant of the same trans today in some Chevy applications. OEM parts are still manufactured)

The biggest thing is my book is im a fan of a cap & rotor VS coil on plug.
Plus the later 2000+ 4.0L have been massaged for emissions & not for HP. Also like stated before they start varying programming in the 00-06 models. I don't think they stay the same from my understanding for more than 2 years during this period. According to a few gauge MFG Ive worked with. (I have been wrong before so take it with a grain of salt )

The YJ is a better CJ with square headlights in my opinion.

Though I respect that opinion seeing as how I own a YJ and I swapped in an AX 15. There is no way that I would compare the AX 15 to the 3550 transmission. One is a medium/light duty tranny and the other is used in half ton pickups. Again, it comes down to what you want. The TJ is reliable and a good option for maintenance free.

Rick

[mmmhoss]

For a DD get the newest best condition jeep you can afford.

[IDK]

Find a good condition CJ, if it is just gonna be for weekends and you're not concerned about dents and computers go with a CJ. Sure they ride rough but they are built tougher and can add some nice horsepower to one with a V8. Simple and easy to work on. I mean TJs and YJs are nice but they are a dime a dozen, CJs are unique in their own way and are the classics of the Jeep line. You never have to worry about it getting muddy inside because they can be hosed out. CJ all the way!

[Douglas S.]

IMO The YJ is basically an improved CJ. All the good (except round headlights- but that can be changed) and none of the bad.

[cjapgar]

i love my YJ but would get a CJ if the right chance arose

[buzzbrick]

I DD my CJ7, and I love it to death, but if you don't really have free time to work on it, I wouldn't recommend it. It's a very simple and fun machine, but I do spend a good bit of time fiddling with little things and replacing parts to keep it running strong. That having been said, I keep up on the condition of mine, and it makes 550 mile trips about 10 times a year and never gives me trouble. It's really all about how much time you're willing to put in.

[Mark4883]

Go YJ! I can see this thread erupting violently

[rivalarrival]

I've got no experience with a YJ, other than test driving one that the owner had beaten up pretty badly.

I've done an engine swap on a CJ5 - easiest vehicle I've ever touched with a wrench. But, pretty spartan, and a rough ride - I wouldn't select one for my DD, but I have to drive a lot.

My 97 TJ is real fun to drive, pretty fun to work on. I put over 500 miles on it in a week. I'd have to drive a few YJs before I made a decision, but I think I'd go with the TJ for a daily driver, and a CJ to play with.

[NonRubicon]

TJ's do drive nice on the road (don't tell my YJ), never been off road in one though. Maybe I just got lucky and found a well treated YJ without breaking the bank but mine drives and rides quite pleasantly on and off road - nearly as comfortably as my brothers 03 Ranger. It isn't set up yet for hard wheeling though. Find a Jeep that has a clean body and hasn't been abused and if possible one that is mostly stock, be it a CJ, YJ or TJ. They are out there. It's a fair bet that the more mods on a rig the more likely it was wheeled hard.

[Mark4883]

Originally Posted by rivalarrival

I've got no experience with a YJ, other than test driving one that the owner had beaten up pretty badly.

I've done an engine swap on a CJ5 - easiest vehicle I've ever touched with a wrench. But, pretty spartan, and a rough ride - I wouldn't select one for my DD, but I have to drive a lot.

My 97 TJ is real fun to drive, pretty fun to work on. I put over 500 miles on it in a week. I'd have to drive a few YJs before I made a decision, but I think I'd go with the TJ for a daily driver, and a CJ to play with.

A lot of YJ owners will say that they are just CJ's with a lot of the problems fixed. But then again, YJ owners will say a lot of things.

[4biY]

I just read all your posts and want to say thanks for all your input here, I have never been so confused about one vehicle LoL but this will def help me make a decision on what to look for... I think

[wendell]

CJ's and YJ's are jeeps, the TJ is a chrysler. If you don't want to work on it, buy an explorer. Any of the 3 is better than a JK, it's not only a chrysler, it's big and ugly with plastic fenders and a V-6 where the engine should be.

[whitie_08]

Originally Posted by wendell

CJ's and YJ's are jeeps, the TJ is a chrysler. If you don't want to work on it, buy an explorer. Any of the 3 is better than a JK, it's not only a chrysler, it's big and ugly with plastic fenders and a V-6 where the engine should be.

i love my yj. it is my dd, im driving at least 20 mi a day, and i dont "piss blood" so the ride is ok imo. i love it, its tough and easy to work on like others have said. i had a truck, and the most i did to it was oil change and brake pads. on the yj, i put in the sye, locker, lift, everything. its fun, paid for, and scratches dont hurt my feelings. i get at least 2-3 comments from strangers per week about how they like it. i wouldnt imagine haing anything else.

there are times when some extra space would be nice, like today when i pick up an axle, but i can get over it.

[4biY]

Originally Posted by wendell

CJ's and YJ's are jeeps, the TJ is a chrysler. If you don't want to work on it, buy an explorer. Any of the 3 is better than a JK, it's not only a chrysler, it's big and ugly with plastic fenders and a V-6 where the engine should be.

Your talkin Ford explorers and JKs what solar system did you come from?

[4biY]

Originally Posted by IDK

Find a good condition CJ, if it is just gonna be for weekends and you're not concerned about dents and computers go with a CJ. Sure they ride rough but they are built tougher and can add some nice horsepower to one with a V8. Simple and easy to work on. I mean TJs and YJs are nice but they are a dime a dozen, CJs are unique in their own way and are the classics of the Jeep line. You never have to worry about it getting muddy inside because they can be hosed out. CJ all the way!

Call me cRaZy but Im seriously considering going with a CJ7, I have a car I can use as my dd and yes I do like the Classic looks of the CJs.