Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: Defbob]
#1759928
02/24/15 10:59 PM
02/24/15 10:59 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
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.
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?
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: feets]
#1759929
02/24/15 10:59 PM
02/24/15 10:59 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
You can always make a left turn and go with a Ramcharger.
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.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1759930
02/24/15 11:16 PM
02/24/15 11:16 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,573 Rockford, IL.
Ruppman
pro stock
|
pro stock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,573
Rockford, IL.
|
Quote:
Quote:
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.
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?
yes, correct
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: Cooter]
#1759932
02/25/15 12:55 AM
02/25/15 12:55 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
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.
I was looking at the LJ's on CL and they're pricey. At least $10k and all of them were automatics.
Here are the one's that are local. Note that the 4500 I mentioned earlier were specific CA Emissions one...
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4901108635.html
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4871970526.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/4903521699.html (this one doesn't specify it but it has the 5.9L hood)
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4888285498.html
I think I'm still leaning towards the ZJ, but am looking into the Ramcharger. It seems like they have a better towing capacity and aftermarket than the Durango.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1759934
02/27/15 12:14 AM
02/27/15 12:14 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619 Norwich CT USA
Defbob
master
|
master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,619
Norwich CT USA
|
Quote:
Quote:
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.
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?
The later axles were an aluminum "Dana 44" that nothing interchanges with and has almost nonexistent aftermarket support.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: Defbob]
#1759935
02/27/15 01:04 AM
02/27/15 01:04 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
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.
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?
The later axles were an aluminum "Dana 44" that nothing interchanges with and has almost nonexistent aftermarket support.
Good to know...
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: Cooter]
#1759937
02/28/15 03:36 PM
02/28/15 03:36 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
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.
Also a good point. I don't see why I'd need anything more than that.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: QuickDodge]
#1759939
03/03/15 01:29 AM
03/03/15 01:29 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
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.
The mpg is negligible to me. What's 1-2 mpg going to make a difference? I like both, as there's pros and cons to both. Probably the Grand Cherokee a little more. The Ramchargers definitely seem more scarce.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1759940
03/03/15 02:58 PM
03/03/15 02:58 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,169 Cruising!
QuickDodge
super stock
|
super stock
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,169
Cruising!
|
Ramchargers are much less common for sure! The 1970's topless models are my favorite!
I wouldn't let a small difference in gas mileage factor to heavily into the decision either. One thing I meant to mention in the previous post is that the Ramchargers with the 3 speed transmissions used more fuel than the models with overdrive. Comparing a Ramcharger with a 3 speed transmission and a Grand Cherokee would probably be a 4 mpg or so difference on the highway. (It would vary, depending on the year of the RC, the gear ratio, etc.)
On the highway, the older Ramchargers with the 3 speed automatics will have the engine turning at higher RPM's. The Grand Cherokee, which can standard with the overdrive transmission, would definitely be the more comfortable highway cruiser. If you desire to do so, the 4 speed automatic (the 518 transmission) can be swapped into the older RC's fairly easily from what I've read.
Last edited by QuickDodge; 03/03/15 03:10 PM.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: Cheeto]
#1759942
03/12/15 12:36 AM
03/12/15 12:36 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375 SoCal
MuuMuu101
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
|
OP
I got lucky at Woodward!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 12,375
SoCal
|
Quote:
Quote:
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).
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'!
I just didn't want it to be a huge money pit and was worried about towing capabilities the more it's built for off-roading.
|
|
|
Re: Jeep for Off-Roading and Other Uses...
[Re: MuuMuu101]
#1759945
03/17/15 02:55 AM
03/17/15 02:55 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310 Walnut Creek, CA
blown340
master
|
master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,310
Walnut Creek, CA
|
Quote:
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.
AWD always drives all 4 wheels. 4wd is generally selectable for 2wd vs. 4wd. AWD frequently is for foul weather capability but not really off road. This is not always the case though as there are cars like the jeep grand cherokee that are AWD but are legitimately off road capabile with low range.
Also, not all Grand Cherokee's were AWD only. My 2002 WJ had the NV242 transfer case that offered 2wd, AWD, Locked 4hi and locked 4 lo. Although others above have suggested the XJ cherokee is a better platform than the ZJ and WJ grand cherokee I strongly disagree with that arguement.
-Jon
70 challenger convertible. 340/5 speed. blown, intercooled, efi, blah blah blah
71 valiant scamp 318/A833OD/AC/PS
00 dakota RC 4.7L 5 spd autoX'r. SRT10/T56 swap in process
73 W200 Power wagon, PTO winch, 4 spd
|
|
|
|
|