What do I need to know about WJ's???

[Tom Schenk]

I need some advice from the WJ crowd. I'm trading in my wife's Ford Exploder for a WJ this weekend. What do I need to know about what has what. We're not going with the new style (IFS type). What are the axle, xfer case, gearing, quirks, and widgits that I need to look for or be looking out for. Leather vs cloth, v8 vs i6, awd vs 4wd. Are some years better than others? So far my only criteria is 4wd and less than 30,000 miles. Tell me what you know! I don't want to go into this blind. I wish I knew what I know now when I bought my TJ (stinkin' D35:eek: ). TIA!

[k7mto]

Tom - you might want to post this over on the JU ZJ/WJ forums...

http://jeepsunlimited.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=51

[pitch]

WJ's:

Stay away from the early 99's... first model run's seem to have more problems. No matter what, go with the v8. It has proven reliability, gas mileage is very comparable to the 6's, they all came geared with 3.73's, and the power is very nice. The skinny 6's came with 3.73's on the tow pkg equipped models, and 3.55's on the rest. Most v8's also came with quadra-drive (Nv247 case) which is an AWD system with LSD's in the rear and 4Lo. These models came with the D44A rear axle and d30, CV jointed up front. You will also get U-jointed driveshafts f/r.

They are harder to come by, but a V8 with a 242/selc-trac case would be nice. Most of these, and all the 4.0 6cyl's come with a non c-clipped dana turdy-five. Which should be OK with up to 33's (un-locked) if you want to build it. The 242-cased dubs usually have CV (razeppa) driveshafts up front which tend to blow when lifted much, but are fine at stock height. All of 'em come with D30's out front.

WJ brakes are notoriously bad. The front rotors warp, and an upgraded Akebono caliper came out in 2002 to help with this issue. It is better, but not good. Cloth vs. leather is up to you. Look for a dub with a tow pkg, as it will have the tranny cooler. Also look for Up Country as it will come with the factory skid plate pkg.

My suggestion: 2001-2003 V8 with the upcountry package, preferably with a 242 case if you can find one.

Good luck with your search. I'd suggest NAGCA.com for other info as well.