Looking at a ZJ

[Darky]

Might buy from the local junk yard, it's a 5.2 V8 with full time 4x4. Lifted on 35x12.5R17s and running TRD shocks. First time I can recall seeing Toyota shocks on a Jeep. It needs an engine, but they're willing to sell it for $2500 with a "new" engine installed. Did they run the aluminum 44 back then or was that a WJ addition? It also has what apears to be a WJ front clip.

Thoughts? I'd put up pics, but I left my phone in the car on accident. I miss wheeling and exploring my desert, but don't want to jump at the first thing I see because of that.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

D44a started with the ZJ. Was not ware that the WJ body lines were the same as ZJ, but okay? Do you know what lift is on the beast? The trans and T-case suck. Definitely consider a 231 or 242 swap.

 

[IslanderOffRoad]

I'm not sure how a WJ clip would look on a ZJ, but I don't imagine it flowing together too well.

Also for $2500 you can get a pretty solid ZJ that isn't at a salvage yard and has what I would consider a questionable motor put into it.

 

[Talyn]

$2500 is too much for what sounds like a hack job. The D44a started in the ZJ. You also need to find out what transfer case it has. You say full time but that can be the 242 or 249 case. The latter sucks. The VC locks when it ages and the driveshafts aren't locked in 4 low.

 

[GrimmJeeper]

the 249 suuuuuuuuuucks

 

[xcm]

This aint NAMBLA, get an xj.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

$2500 is too much for what sounds like a hack job. The D44a started in the ZJ. You also need to find out what transfer case it has. You say full time but that can be the 242 or 249 case. The latter sucks. The VC locks when it ages and the driveshafts aren't locked in 4 low.

It was my understanding that only the 4.0L got the 242, and that the V8's got the POS 249?

 

[Talyn]

The 4.0L ZJ had the 242 or the 249. The 5.2L & 5.9L only had the 249.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

The 4.0L ZJ had the 242 or the 249. The 5.2L & 5.9L only had the 249.

Okay, well he said the ZJ has a 5.2L V8 in his first post.

 

[Talyn]

Okay, well he said the ZJ has a 5.2L V8 in his first post.

He also said it was modified. In that case it could have a 231, 242, 249, 241, etc.

 

[OverlandZJ]

Early V8's had the D35.. i think it was 96+ for the 44a/V8.

 

[Talyn]

Correct. I had forgotten about the earlier D35s

 

[shelbyluvv]

The early ZJ had a better transmission as well. The 93-95 V8 had the 46RH trannny that had very little electronic control. It is pretty much a 727 with an OD unit slapped on the back of it. I am using a 5.2/46RH/231 combo in my MJ and it is the best drivetrain I can see in a ChryCo.

 

[Talyn]

While the 96+ 4.0L got the 42RE, the 5.2L got the 44RE, and the 5.9L got the 46RE. However, all are varying levels of craptasticness.

 

[squashman702]

What lift? You can do a whole bunch of hack shit to put a ZJ on 35's, or you can do it right. A big failure point if it's been wheeled seriously on short arms are the rear upper control arm mounts on the body side.

If it's stock gears, it's going to be a dog on the 35's. My 4.0 ZJ with 4.10 HP30/8.8 was not fun to drive when I had the 35" MTR-K's on it. I'd plan on swapping the rear end regardless of which you actually have; both are failure prone. Careful with a used engine- all of the stock heads crack. Plenum gasket failure is another huge problem with these, pull the intake and look down the throttle body. If you see oil, the plenum gasket is blown. As others have mentioned, the transmissions are not great.

 

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

What lift? You can do a whole bunch of hack shit to put a ZJ on 35's, or you can do it right. A big failure point if it's been wheeled seriously on short arms are the rear upper control arm mounts on the body side.

If it's stock gears, it's going to be a dog on the 35's. As others have mentioned, the transmissions are not great.

X2


ZJ's can drive like a dream, Or become a hack job real quick.. IMO go straight to Clayton long arms..

The 44a will hold up to 35s(ARB finally came out with an Air locker this month)

But the dana 30 will not PERIOD.. Most XJ guys will flame me for that statement, but the added weight and V8 power really make the difference.. You can play the upgrade game to cover all your bases and just end up find yourself with a broken pinion..(like me) or you can spend that money on better

My advice, go 33s.. Or upgrade both axles

Also, if it's 96-98 it will have a 44RE trans Don't plan on it lasting forever, when it does go, Spend the money to pick up a rebuilt 46RE instead (5.9 trans)

 

[squashman702]

X2


ZJ's can drive like a dream, Or become a hack job real quick.. IMO go straight to Clayton long arms..

The 44a will hold up to 35s(ARB finally came out with an Air locker this month)

But the dana 30 will not PERIOD.. Most XJ guys will flame me for that statement, but the added weight and V8 power really make the difference.. You can play the upgrade game to cover all your bases and just end up find yourself with a broken pinion..(like me) or you can spend that money on better

My advice, go 33s.. Or upgrade both axles

Also, if it's 96-98 it will have a 44RE trans Don't plan on it lasting forever, when it does go, Spend the money to pick up a rebuilt 46RE instead (5.9 trans)

I would add that if you're staying on 35's, consider an 8.8. IRO's bracket kit is great and the instructions are very good.

 

[Talyn]

V8 power

5.2L.. power.. LOL.

Also, if it's 96-98 it will have a 44RE trans Don't plan on it lasting forever, when it does go, Spend the money to pick up a rebuilt 46RE instead (5.9 trans)

While the 46RE is quite a bit stronger than the 44RE its going to be tough finding a good used one now. Especially considering the only vehicle you can get the correct one out of is a 5.9L ZJ. Martin Saine can rebuild a 44RE to make it stronger than a stock 46RE.

 

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

5.2L.. power.. LOL.


While the 46RE is quite a bit stronger than the 44RE its going to be tough finding a good used one now. Especially considering the only vehicle you can get the correct one out of is a 5.9L ZJ. Martin Saine can rebuild a 44RE to make it stronger than a stock 46RE.

I guess its different from area to area.. I have no problem finding the ZJ 46RE..

Infact.. I have two :thumbup:

and I'd consider the "Roughly" 100ft/tq and 1000lbs Curb weight, enough to play a factor on 1/4 ton axles.

 

[Darky]

Hmm. Sounds like I'm gonna stay away. Keep looking for an XJ or something smog exempt.