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Avoid 96 and later V8 ZJs, they have oddball rear axles. If you get a v8 one, make sure it is '93-95.

TJ's are better, LJ is the best in my opinion.

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You can always make a left turn and go with a Ramcharger.

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I'm open for suggestions. I guess that would include some W series of that same era as well. Diesel? Although, if it's gas, I'd like to keep it fuel injected so it would have to be newer than the mid-80's.

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Avoid 96 and later V8 ZJs, they have oddball rear axles. If you get a v8 one, make sure it is '93-95.

TJ's are better, LJ is the best in my opinion.

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What are the differences in rear axles prior and post '96?

And the LJ is just a longer wheel based TJ, correct? They were offered between '04-06?

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There is no way he will find an LJ anywhere near the price of a comparable ZJ, XJ or even TJ. And while I would go to a TeeJ or build another LJ in a heartbeat, OP's intended use sure doesn't look like a Wrangler type of situation. Heck, I DDed my M715 on Boggers into 20" miles into downtown Chicago every day, so what do I know?

The 5.9s have dropped in price like crazy. Rare ≠ Desirable. Most that were in the market for a 'Niner to build have moved on to SRT 8 Grands. If another sub $2K Niner comes up when I have the disposable cash, and a spot in the stable, I will buy it.

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Avoid 96 and later V8 ZJs, they have oddball rear axles. If you get a v8 one, make sure it is '93-95.

TJ's are better, LJ is the best in my opinion.

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What are the differences in rear axles prior and post '96?

And the LJ is just a longer wheel based TJ, correct? They were offered between '04-06?

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Avoid 96 and later V8 ZJs, they have oddball rear axles. If you get a v8 one, make sure it is '93-95.

TJ's are better, LJ is the best in my opinion.

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What are the differences in rear axles prior and post '96?

And the LJ is just a longer wheel based TJ, correct? They were offered between '04-06?

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The later axles were an aluminum "Dana 44" that nothing interchanges with and has almost nonexistent aftermarket support.

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There really isn't anything wrong with the Al D44. It's much stronger than the D35, and it's not like you are going to waste any money on aftermarket parts for a D35. You can get lockers for the AL D44, and I really don't know what other aftermarket support you would be looking for.

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I compared the 1993 Ramcharger and the 1993 Grand Cherokee on the fueleconomy.gov website. For the search criteria, both had the 318 and automatic transmission. The Jeep is rated 1 mpg higher than the ramcharger in town and 2 mpg higher on the highway.

I like the Ramcharger better than the Grand Cherokee. Personal opinion mostly based on the appearance. I think the Ramcharger may be a little wider than the Grand Cherokee. Elbow room is good! The Ramcharger has a separate frame. The Grand Cherokee, especially the limited models, have more luxury features, such as leather seats, etc.

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So, in the future I was thinking about getting a Jeep of some sort to go off-roading and serve as a potential back-up vehicle (so off-roading won't be its primary function).

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This seems contradictory to me. If it's to be a back-up to your daily driver then I see no reason why off-roading can't be it's primary function. It doesn't have to be a tube-chassis rock buggy, a well-built trail runner can have decent enough road manners for the occasional trip to the Piggly-Wiggly too.

As for your choices, I'd aim for the ZJ. There's probably been a million made, they're usually less expensive than the other 2 mentioned, have nearly the same level of aftermarket support (if you shop around) and they blow the others away when it comes to creature comforts. Don't be afraid to look into the WJs either ('99-'04). They still have solid axles but I believe the unibody structure is like 25% stiffer than the ZJ they replaced and the 4.7 gets better mileage than the 5.2 did. After 5 ZJs I've stepped up to a WJ daily driver and am looking for another as a trail rig. Regardless of what you end up with...happy wheelin'!

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So, in the future I was thinking about getting a Jeep of some sort to go off-roading and serve as a potential back-up vehicle (so off-roading won't be its primary function).

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This seems contradictory to me. If it's to be a back-up to your daily driver then I see no reason why off-roading can't be it's primary function. It doesn't have to be a tube-chassis rock buggy, a well-built trail runner can have decent enough road manners for the occasional trip to the Piggly-Wiggly too.

As for your choices, I'd aim for the ZJ. There's probably been a million made, they're usually less expensive than the other 2 mentioned, have nearly the same level of aftermarket support (if you shop around) and they blow the others away when it comes to creature comforts... Regardless of what you end up with...happy wheelin'!

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Quick question, this may be dumb and I should know the answer, but what's the difference between AWD and 4WD? I was talking to a friend who is very much into Jeeps and hangs out with that crowd (one of the reasons I want to get an off-roading vehicle in the first places) and he said the V8 Grand Cherokees all had an AWD transfer case and they really don't do too well off-roading as a 4.0L Cherokee with 4WD (which he advised I should look into more). He also said I shouldn't have a problem with towing the Dart as people tow they're Wrangler's out to the desert with their Cherokees and GC's.

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