Jason H. Rea Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 My truck, which was my daily driver, was just totaled by the insurance company yesterday, so now I'm considering a new vehicle, with the funds that the insurance gave me for the Ram. I own a wrangler that is going through a large upgrade, so it won't be ready for any dependable street driving for about another month or two. And I'm not building it to be my DD anyways, so I need something else. I've always liked the MJ and the 5.9L GC, but I'm considering which would make a better DD for right now. I've located a 5.9L deep slate w/ 101,000miles for 8000 here in Vegas, and an 89 MJ 2wd with 150,000 for 1500, which isn't too far away. After reading this forum for the last 6 months, I know there aren’t a lot of people on this board driving 5.9L GC, but this group knows a lot more about MJs then me, so I'd appreciate the input. Here's what I can think of right now. MJ pro -much less to buy and could pay off my C.C. with the money left over -better gas mileage, not great, but probably better than the 5.9L -pickup, so I won't need a trailer when the occasion arises -4.0L, Between my brother and me, we have three 4.0L, so we have the experience to keep one running -Each upgrade is cheaper on average, and I should be able to do them myself MJ con -may have some problems that will have to be nursed in the beginning. Not as dependable in the beginning as a newer vehicle -only has 2 seats, I don't have kids, but it would be nice to be able to take friends or family with me -less comfortable for long trips to TX, AZ, or CA -most likely has Rust or other body damage that I will have to clean repair or cover -manual, which will make it less comfortable and harder when my mother has to borrow it, to drive through this town - has a lot of miles -Many more upgrade to get it the way I would want it 5.9 pro -Just looks better -more dependable in the beginning -4 seats -automatic, which I'd prefer for this traffic right now, and would be easier when my mother has to borrow it -much more comfortable for trips to TX, AZ, or CA -AWD, for when it rains and all the other cars on the road look like they're on a skating rink -no rust or body damage to clean cover or repair -Fewer upgrades to do to get it where I'd want it 5.9 con -will take all the money that I got for the Ram -worse gas mileage -no pickup, so I'll need to get a small trailer for larger items I can't transport in the wrangler, cause I'm not sticking something greasy in this thing -high miles -5.9L, not a bad motor, but I don't have that much experience with this motor -Each upgrade is more expensive on average, and I may not be able to do them myself So there it is. I know most of you prefer the MJ, but I'm right on the fence, and I'm looking for anything that I might have missed. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 well i am on my 2nd MJ and thats only because i needed a 4x4 since I'm in ohio and my first was a 2wd even if i did get stuck goin from a 4.0 to a 2.8L. but don't get me wrong the 2wd got around even in the snow. one winter it got barried with snow and it pulled right out. and i will warn you the MJs are very addictive. since yours will have the 4.0L there will be hardly any problems there. and with the miles it has i wouldnt worry becuz i have seen 4.0s with 300k miles still runnin strong. upgrades are cheaper and parts are pretty easy to find unless you are looking for body panels or something those seem hard to find round here. the MJs are very easy to work on also. the 5.9s are nice but after workin for jeep ill warn you there are quite a few problems i have seen with em. not so much the engine as the vehicles themselfs. big cost fixes too. you didnt say the year for the ZJ so i can't tell you the problems you might run into. post the year of it and i can let you know some of the more costly ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 but you never can tell you might get lucky and not have those problems. not tryin to scare you out of the ZJ either just tellin ya what i know from first hand. also its not too hard to make that MJ an auto either if you really are worried about that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m0brando Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 I've had both. I had a 5.9 that I bought with 20K miles on it in 1999. I can say it was the fastest and coolest piece of junk that I've owned! I've had about every flavor of Jeep and the 5.9 just wasn't designed to stay together. When the transmission started to go at 35K it promptly got traded. The sound. luxury, and muscle still call my name at times but when you read about rear-ends, transmission, transfer cases, etc there's no way I can afford to keep on on the road, not to mention all the power and electronics that are quickly aging. Finally, you are supposed to put 91 octane or higher in them which is unreal these days! My current daily driver is a '92 MJ and my wife's is a '97 XJ and even with the quirks each has, I consider them reliable and something I can work on and averaging 19-20mpg in each isn't bad. Just my opinion! :) Brandon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason H. Rea Posted March 19, 2006 Author Share Posted March 19, 2006 5.9L only came in the 98. The last year of the ZJ body style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 sry not a big "newer" jeep buff. but brando pretty much stated most of the problems with them. and like he said they are not cheap to fix and yes that 91+ gas would be nuts to put in them. and the MJs do get pretty good gas milage also. and if the one you are lookin at is a long bed then it has a pretty good size tank. not sure what the ZJ had. and not only can you run the cheaper 87 gas but also the 85 ethanol gas also if you can find a place that sells it. and if you are lookin at the 5.9 for power youll be surprised with that 4.0 in a 2wd MJ. in my 88 i could smoke the tires and mine was an auto. so just imagine with a manual. :twisted: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oizarod115 Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 sry not a big "newer" jeep buff. but brando pretty much stated most of the problems with them. and like he said they are not cheap to fix and yes that 91+ gas would be nuts to put in them. and the MJs do get pretty good gas milage also. and if the one you are lookin at is a long bed then it has a pretty good size tank. not sure what the ZJ had. and not only can you run the cheaper 87 gas but also the 85 ethanol gas also if you can find a place that sells it. and if you are lookin at the 5.9 for power youll be surprised with that 4.0 in a 2wd MJ. in my 88 i could smoke the tires and mine was an auto. so just imagine with a manual. :twisted: i second that... not so big on newer jeeps. oh and he's right about the 4.0 in an MJ... mines a stick and ive been seen quote unquote accidently burning out all the way up to 3rd... my MJ gets AWESOME gas mileage as well and its a 4x4 -nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comancheon33 Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 I have had 5 different MJs and currently have two in my driveway. I love both of them. Dependable, easy and affordable to repair. Most XJ parts fit them and there a million of those to choose from. MJs get get good mileage and seem to run for a good long time with 4.0 under the hood. You just need to maintain it like anything else. I have also owned 3 ZJs 2 93s and currently a 95. My girlfriend drives it daily. All of them have been 5.2s. Plenty of power and options so on, but they do have problems. Depends of the style of front driveshaft, one type is junk. The transfer case has a VC in it that goes bad regularly in the 249 t case. You can swap in a 242 which I am getting ready to do. Trannies are weak in them to say the least. If yours has the danna in the rear it has a alloy center section, which is complete trash. Only other bolt in option is a dana 35 that is definately not an improvment. If you buy a 5.9 premium gas only so hold on to your wallet. Parts for the 5.9 GC are way higher than 5.2 and those prices are higher than MJ parts anyday. As much as I would like to have a 5.9 it is not wise purchase if you plan on driving it daily. If it were me I would get the MJ and drive it. You see a million ZJ everyday and maybe one or two MJs a week. That in itself is way cooler to me.HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason H. Rea Posted March 19, 2006 Author Share Posted March 19, 2006 sorry GIRsMJ86 wasn't trying to snap at you, just telling you the year. So far I'm getting more feedback from you guys then the 5.9L guys on the speed freaks forum on jeepsunlimited. I knew the mj would be more like my wrangler or my bros XJ, as in a little nurseing in the beginning, and then a decent dependable rig. and I know the ZJ will probly need some work down the road. I think this ones in pretty good shape for now, should last at least two years before I'd have to worry about the Tranny and AWD Tcase, but those were some of the upgrades I was thinking of. If it was just me, I'd be swinging toward the MJ right know, but my family is all pretty close, so the biggest thing against the MJ to me is the fact it only has two seats and that's probably the biggest plus for the 5.9L. That's a problem I can't change, but I'm still considering the MJ, just because I"ve always wanted one. Course I'm also considering getting both. Course then I can't afford to get my new computer. I don't know, I need to get a good look at this MJ, and a closer look at the 5.9, then I may decided right then, that neither is in good enough shape. Thanks for all the imput. If anybody can think of anything eles not brought up yet, I'd appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 I agree with most of what is posted here. But,,,, Lately, I have been driving about 300 miles a week. There is absolutely no way I could do it in the MJ. The damn rear springs are way too stiff, and the interior just isn't that nice. When I had my 5.9 ZJ, I didn't have hardly any problems. It was a lease vehicle though, and the lease expired so I gave it back. It had 45k on it after 4 years. I bought a 95 ZJ cheap to be a daily driver, and I love it. It has the 5.2l in it. Its the same motor as my old Dakota, and not all that hard to work on. My kids certainly appreciate the extra leg room and nicer seats over the XJ. And my back certainly appreciates the better seats after 6 hours in them. The problems with ZJ transmissions are limited to certain years, and certain models. Unfortunately Chrysler/Jeep didn't use the 'pick one and use it' ideas that AMC had used. Yes, the VC on the 249 isn't good, but if you follow the owner's manual the problems will greatly be reduced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87manche Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 what interior on the MJ? I've got buckets in mine and they're quite comfortable. I did 6 hours one way to the badlands, then wheeled all day long. Wen I got out of the Jeep my back didn't hurt. I can't speak to the comfort of the bench, but the buckets in my 87 are honestly some of the most comfortable seats I've had in any car. THe droning from a 4.0 while doing 75 on the freeway is a bit annoying, but that may also be because of my turn down exhaust before he axle. I don't find the ride objectionable, but it is a truck after all. washboard roads are killler on the kidneys. I got 23.5 MPG averageing 75 on my trip to indiana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mj_lover Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 the bench and cab size are the only things i dislike about the mj, then again, i'm 6'1". its not bad though, have taken her on 2-3 day road trips, without to much problems. i honestly can't speek for the 5.9l i do know that 5.2L (in a dakota) loves gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 My 5.9L Dakota R/T is absolutely wicked fast, but averages 10-11 mpg. It's sort of a "pay to play" type of deal. :D The perfect compromise between your 2 choices would be an XJ of course. Jeep on! --Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjeff87 Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 The problems with ZJ transmissions are limited to certain years, and certain models. Unfortunately Chrysler/Jeep didn't use the 'pick one and use it' ideas that AMC had used. Yes, the VC on the 249 isn't good, but if you follow the owner's manual the problems will greatly be reduced. ***mini thread hijack*** Can you give any more info on that? There's a ZJ at the 'yard now they're selling for $1000 but it has "bad trans" written on the back hatch window. The thing is in nice lookn shape, about 140K on it, and it's black-on-black. I was gonna talk turkey with them but am a little concerned about the trans issue. I figured I could just pull another trans from the 'yard for $100 and slap it in, but if all of 'em have issues I think I'll pass it up. I HATE auto trannies, anyways :D Jeff **now returning to your regularly scheduled thread** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 The 5.9L Grand is a really nice vehicle if you're super rich. Using that as a daily driver is asking for bankruptcy. Those things don't drink gasoline, they chug-a-lug it. For the difference in price, you could easily buy the MJ and convert it to automatic. Jeep never offered the AW4 with 3.07 gears, but I expect in your part of the world the terrain is fairly level and open, so you could expect really good mileage out of that combination. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xjcrawlr Posted March 20, 2006 Share Posted March 20, 2006 Have any of you V8 GC owners ever tried to pull the cap off the distributor? Or the spark plugs? OMFG....PITA is what you'll say just looking at it.... Back to topic though... If I were in your shoes I'd seriously look at a 4.0 Grand, same styling, less bling, more reliablity, and MUCH cheaper/easier to buy and maintain. Plus you can get the MJ too.....BONUS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 The problems with ZJ transmissions are limited to certain years, and certain models. Unfortunately Chrysler/Jeep didn't use the 'pick one and use it' ideas that AMC had used. Yes, the VC on the 249 isn't good, but if you follow the owner's manual the problems will greatly be reduced. ***mini thread hijack*** Can you give any more info on that? There's a ZJ at the 'yard now they're selling for $1000 but it has "bad trans" written on the back hatch window. The thing is in nice lookn shape, about 140K on it, and it's black-on-black. I was gonna talk turkey with them but am a little concerned about the trans issue. I figured I could just pull another trans from the 'yard for $100 and slap it in, but if all of 'em have issues I think I'll pass it up. I HATE auto trannies, anyways :D Jeff **now returning to your regularly scheduled thread** Sure here is the link to the 'what came in what' of Grand trannies. http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/grandtranslist.htm The 42RE is king of stink-a-roo trannies. BTW, don't worry me with a Hijack. I'm MWC on the Mothership. Hijacks are second nature. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weezel Posted March 24, 2006 Share Posted March 24, 2006 hey everyone, i am new to the forum and this is actually my first posting. i actually own a 5.9 zj. i have to say it has treated me very well, i bought it with 37000 miles on it and it has 107000 on it now. I have had very good luck with it. It is crazy fast, not that bad on fuel when compared to the 5.2. and reaqlly nice to drive. I live in Canada so it sees the snow as well and handles it great. on the other hand i have been looking for a 4x4 MJ for the longest time and i can't seem to find a good solid one with decent mileage. So if anyone is interested in buying a 5.9 zj i have one, and if you have a good Mj you are looking to unload.... i'd like one!!! oh ya the 5.9 has the 46re trans which is the strongest of that series (not saying its a great tranny but better than the other zj transmissions) thanks Weezel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now