Which would you build? 89xj or 02wj

[zachandandy]

May be able to score the wj for next to nothing. Already own and wheel the xj. The xj is up there in years, and has a ton of miles on her, most being hard wheeling miles over the last 3 years. Either jeep will end up 3 linked in the front, on a ford hp44 full width with Yukon shafts(currently re radius arm in the xj). Xj would stick with the leaves and the wj would run an upper a arm similar to stock but beefier. Rear axle is a dana 60. I love the comfort of the wife's wj, and it would be nice to build a rougher version of it. Xj still needs frame plating, 2x6 rockers, different shackle mount, etc. So what would you do?

 

[XJensen]

I would build up whatever one is reliable. No reason to build up something just to have to replace the drive train later.

 

[zachandandy]

That's why I'm considering the wj. 13 years newer, owned by the lady across the street since new, full maintanence records. Front axle has a bad bearing which doesn't affect my build plans.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

I would build whichever one you're not afraid to put a dent in. I'd much rather go dive bombing through some trenches and rocks in an xj than be driving on eggshells in a pretty WJ

 

[zachandandy]

I'd gladly put a dent in a rolls
Royce if it was built for wheeling.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

in that case see post #2

 

[gajeepguy]

Buy/build the wj. Wheel in comfort, IMO.

 

[blondejoncherokee]

Id build the WJ if I had the chance . Comfort, newer, wider, longer, linked rear, 4.7 v8 . Ive always wanted to build a WJ and maybe someday will...

 

[zachandandy]

This may be a 4.0L wj, haven't taken a good look at it yet. I've definately had some ideas that were a bit extreme for the wifes liking, but I think I could build a hardcore trail rig while maintaining the luxury. I guess we will see how low I can talk the neigbors down on it.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

I've definately had some ideas that were a bit extreme for the wifes liking, but I think I could build a hardcore trail rig while maintaining the luxury.

I say go all out. any ZJ/WJ that's smaller than this http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-cherokee/1136930-my-one-ton-zj.html just doesn't look right to me

 

[zachandandy]

Won't be running 40's any time soon. Hoping the new Yukon shafts hold up to the 35's. if there is any chance you will run larger than 35's I say buy a 60 from the beginning, it will be cheaper in the long run. I dumped money into the 30, gears, locker, shafts. Found the hp44 cheap after blowing up the ring and pinion in the 30. Broke a shaft on the second trip out, dropped $600 on some new shafts, time will tell.

 

[CAJJ93XJ]

oh you original post sounded like you would END UP on that setup. didn't know you already had it. still a ZJ on juantawns looks right and proper

 

[blondejoncherokee]

14bFF and hp60 or a front 14bb center section with 60 outers. might as well . Im just saying.

 

[zachandandy]

If I find a bag full-o-cash I would, but odds aren't good.

 

[Johnnie Walker]

I would go wj, for comfort reasons

 

[blondejoncherokee]

well in that case,if money is an issue, instead of buying a Wj , take that money, build some one tons for the XJ ? 1100$ to rear 14bbFF, and say 3000$ into a front 60, im sure the WJ is roughly 4k. why have 3 medicore built rigs when you can really get into yours? also , youll be able to re coup alot of costs by selling your current axles as well.

 

[zachandandy]

I'll be trading some electrical work plus about $1k out of pocket for the wj. It does have 150k miles on it and needs a new pinion bearing. I'll sell the wj knuckles and brakes to someone wanting to pimp out a dana 30, and be into the wj about $600. What cracks me up is the guy rocking a dana 30 called my jeep mediocre:dunno:

 

[Johnnie Walker]

Re: Re: Which would you build? 89xj or 02wj

I'll be trading some electrical work plus about $1k out of pocket for the wj. It does have 150k miles on it and needs a new pinion bearing. I'll sell the wj knuckles and brakes to someone wanting to pimp out a dana 30, and be into the wj about $600. What cracks me up is the guy rocking a dana 30 called my jeep mediocre:dunno:

How much for the knuckles and brakes?
And if the bushings are good. I'll take the lower control arms as well

 

[zachandandy]

I don't have it yet, but I'll let u know.

 

[sneakyjap96]

hell get the wj anyways for that price even if you were to flip it you could make a decent profit n if you build it no loss either