[leofanti]

alright, im looking for input. i currently have a 93 zj thats just about on its last leg so im looking to replace it. i really do like the zj, but i like the bodystyle of the wj. and at the same time the best off road adventure i had was in a 2000 wrangler. so what im asking, what should i replace the zj with? another zj, a wj, wrangler, or now dont hate me for saying this, but a non jeep product. obviously im not looking to buy new, just newer than what i got. i personally dont go to moab (though id like to), and dont do any rock crawling or nothing of the sorts. i just like the trails that lead to nowhere in general. driving in the snow and sometimes in the mud. dont get me wrong im for all of it, but just from what i actually do is not extreme by any means. so give me your input please, just dont be to hard on me here. thanks ahead of time.

[leofanti]

quick question also, i have 190k on the zj now with the 4.0l. should i stay with that engine? what kind of mileage can you squeeze out of the v8's? input please. thanks

[SnowLeopard]

I rather like the new Wrangler Unlimited, but perhaps that's too new for your liking. It's very hardy though, and the styling is better than previous years. They have some really nice off-road options, also. The longer wheelbase adds to on-road handling. I like that a lot over the squirrelly nature of the older 2 door style Wranglers.

The ZJ is more rugged feeling, a bit older in styling and refinement in comparison to the WJ, but I think people have less overall issues with them. Then again, it's all subjective. Some people have no trouble with the ZJ's, others have endless problems. The same goes for WJ's. I myself like the styling of the WJ better but feel the ZJ is a bit more off-road worthy to start with. Stock it's got more ground clearance and I believe better approach/departure angles. A few mods and that can easily be overcome though. The WJ's have the 4.7 and Quadradrive, and for your applications that might be just the ticket. I've loved that combo myself and wished I could've afforded it back when I got my ZJ.

It's a really big can-o-worms you open with this question. There will be pros and cons to each model. It really all comes down to how much you can afford and taste. It's a Jeep. It can wheel. Beyond that, it's up to you.

[sadass]

I had the 93 4.sl0w. Now go for a 98 5.9

[leofanti]

what kind of mileage you have on your 5.9 sadass? and the 98 v8 zj's are 5.9's? what other goodies would a 98 have opposed to my 93? other than the motor, tranny,tcase.

[sean924]

just my personal preferrance would be a wj, i love my 98 zj limited with a 5.2 but the mileage sucks at 11 mpg average with combined city and freeway. The 4.7L motors in th wjs get decent mileage i have heard from a few friends, that and what it sounds like you mostly use it for, light wheeling and a DD, IMO it doesnt get much better than the luxury comforts and the styling of a wj.

[leofanti]

when i say mileage i mean mileage, not gas mileage. sorry if this confused anyone. thanks for the opinion sean, i do like the wj's a lot. im just trying to research moderate (3"-4") lifts, what axle options where there in the 2000ish year, dependability of the 4.7l and so on. only thing with another zj is the one i have now i could use for parts and what not. now for the people that give their input after this, maybe a lil pro/con on the zj, wj, wrangler. and sean again, yo hit the nail on the head, since it is my daily driver, and im not a hard core wheeler (yet) the wj would probably be the way to go. thanks again everyone, keep the info rolling.

[sadass]

Originally Posted by leofanti

what kind of mileage you have on your 5.9 sadass? and the 98 v8 zj's are 5.9's? what other goodies would a 98 have opposed to my 93? other than the motor, tranny,tcase.

98 was the only year for the 5.9, but they also had the 5.2 in 98.
much nicer seats/Interior, Heated supple calf leather seats with lumbar. 10 speaker system . with sound bar, moon roof, Nice 5.9 rims, bigger Alternator, bigger drive train with a lager rear drive shaft. 373 gears. different roof rack and cladding. hood louvers and diff grill. I bought mine with around 80k now have 120k, as far as gas millage, mine is not good because I have a lift bigger tires and 4.56 gears, and a heavy foot.

[bigbluezj94]

how about a 99 jeep grand cherokee WJ. 4.7?


PM me if interested

[sqweehoppa]

dude does your 4.0 I6 still run? cuz if you get something else i want the motor

[MoonyJohn]

I think that if your looking for an upgrade, get a wj. IMO they have nicer exterior looks and they ride like a cadillac.

[gmp211]

It honestly depends. If you wheel a ton and like aftermarket support, get the Wrangler. But if you have a family, or mainly a daily driver, get the WJ. If you want to save some cash between the car, lift, and gas, get the ZJ.

[bigbluezj94]

i vote WJ, mine in particular. but on a serious not, they are just way more refined over your 93. When i bought my WJ originally i was like "ooooo what does this button dooo!?" lol there is is plenty of aftermarket support for them as well. and there is only more coming from new and different companies. If i didnt need a truck to tow my ZJ, i wouldnt be selling it and it would have a good lift and a set of tires on it. I love my WJ but i need a truck.

[Jones]

I agree with sadass, go with a 5.9. I sold my 93 ZJ for a 98 5.9 and I'm so happy I did.

[rallyjeep_11]

go wj or zj, last thing we need is another slutty wrangler running around with its top off.