Suggestions for keeping the ZJ

[jackjoh]

I have decided to keep the ZJ and not be bothered with buying a new vehicle. It is a 95 Laredo with about 160K miles with the 5.2 V8. I want a mild build because that is all I do now and want to increase MPG if possible with any future changes and have good highway manners. My idea is to run it until something breaks and then upgrade where possible with my end result in mind.
At the last U4 meeting Derek suggested a 2" puck lift so I can put on 31X10.50 tires and still control death wobble.
I expect to replace engine and transmission someplace down the line and want to make changes to them that would increase their MPG and reliability.
Any suggestions will be appreciated especially from those people that have opinions and knowledge of ZJ's.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

There isn't much you can do with that 5.2 to improve mpg without spending more than it's worth, even adding just the k&n FIPK will take 3-4 years to break even on the initial cost. Is your plenum gasket bad? One upgrade I have been reading about is swapping in the injectors from the newer 2.4 Chrysler engines, has a better spray pattern and atomization. Another smart upgrade is the part-time 242 transfer case, it will save your front tires and a tiny bit of gas. As for mild lifts, start here http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...=IROR&Product_Code=IR-Z3FSK&Category_Code=ZLK and upgrade as needed. Your current rear end is a d35, bigger tires+v8+d35=shortened d35 life, but an easy upgrade is just swapping out the running gear from a 96-98 v8. Before you start spending money on parts, let Cody or myself give you some input on things.

 

[Caleb]

Sorry, but lifting (any amount) and putting larger tires on will never increase your mpg no matter what you do.

 

[UPNO4]

When I originally Built my 95 ZJ I Lifted it 4" and put 32 x 11.50's on it and you guessed it the gas mileage was less than acceptable. I installed the K&N FIPK and also installed a Free flow muffler, I used a Magnaflow little less noise, I had gotten it up to about 17 Hwy which I was pretty satisfied with at the time. Then I installed the Jet chip and got it to 18.
I left the Gear Ratio the same swapped out the T/case to a 231 and replaced the CV front axle shafts to U-Joint style and off course got rid of the Double CV Front Drive shaft. The Jeep has been great and very dependable for the last 14 years. The Dana 35 rear axle lasted 11 years as a daily driver and running many trails in Moab including the Spike.

 

[UPNO4]

Oh Just for fun I may regret it but I have never experienced Death Wobble in the 100,000 plus miles I have put on it and 14 years of very satisfied service it has provided for us

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Sorry, but lifting (any amount) and putting larger tires on will never increase your mpg no matter what you do.

Agreed, 21 gallon tank and the gas light comes on right as we pull into town on the drive home from Moab, that's just shy of 14mpg all highway driving. But, if he were to run 3.73's with 31's it will lower his cruising rpm which MIGHT be okay.

 

[phatfoto]

I have a 95 ZJ with 4.0/NP242 and 3.73s. Upcountry, so 1" factory "lift". On 235/75-15s I got 21 MPG average, but I drive a bit like a granny sometimes. From the day I bought it I wanted an additional 2" and 31s. Budget boost gave me the 2" but I also replaced the front control arms with fixed lowers and adjustable uppers. With the 31s, I was down to 18 on average. I now run 30s, which will suffice and I'm still 18 MPG.

 

[jackjoh]

Thanks for all of the above. I have copied your suggestions and put them in a notebook so I can keep like suggestions together with the contact information of suppliers. I will also be contacting suppliers like All Jeep and TeraFlex to get their suggestions and quotes. Thanks again and I will keep this post active as things progress.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Thanks for all of the above. I have copied your suggestions and put them in a notebook so I can keep like suggestions together with the contact information of suppliers. I will also be contacting suppliers like All Jeep and TeraFlex to get their suggestions and quotes. Thanks again and I will keep this post active as things progress.

Actually, I would stick with shops like Iron Rock Offroad and Kevin's Offroad who specialize in ZJ's, most other shops only speak JK and will intentionally inflate prices to keep it that way.

 

[phatfoto]

2" Budget Boost sacers are cheap, hence the "Budget". $20-$30 a pair for the spacers. Cost goes up when adding shocks and such. And I made my front swaybar disconnects when I extended them.

 

[jackjoh]

What about headers, dual exhaust, and crossover pipe for the 5.2? Wife has some problem getting into jeep so how much taller will the Jeep be with a 2" spacer lift and 31" tires?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

What about headers, dual exhaust, and crossover pipe for the 5.2? Wife has some problem getting into jeep so how much taller will the Jeep be with a 2" spacer lift and 31" tires?

The only headers available for the 5.2 are around $790, there is no dual exhaust available, and with a budget boost and 31's you will be around 3-3.5 inches taller than stock. If I were looking at mild lifts with a wife who has difficulty getting into a taller vehicle I personally would go with the Old Man Emu setup and just run some 30x9.50 tires.

 

[UPNO4]

The only headers available for the 5.2 are around $790, there is no dual exhaust available, and with a budget boost and 31's you will be around 3-3.5 inches taller than stock. If I were looking at mild lifts with a wife who has difficulty getting into a taller vehicle I personally would go with the Old Man Emu setup and just run some 30x9.50 tires.

Headers won't give you enough real performance or gas mileage gains for the cost, they are much more valuable when you are going for higher RPM gains HP etc.

I agree with the Old Man Emu kit, that is probably one of the best riding Kits out for the ZJ and cost isn't ridiculous depending where you get it. What ever you do decide look at a higher end shock like Bilstein or OME They are vehicle specific valved and make a world of difference IMO at least. Most Aftermarket shocks are just a common valve stack and a different brand stamped on the body. I have really enjoyed Bilstein since I started using them. 31's on a Budget boost are really tight and will require trimming in most cases another opinion from a few years of experience.

 

[Bart]

What he said.

Headers won't give you enough real performance or gas mileage gains for the cost, they are much more valuable when you are going for higher RPM gains HP etc.

I agree with the Old Man Emu kit, that is probably one of the best riding Kits out for the ZJ and cost isn't ridiculous depending where you get it. What ever you do decide look at a higher end shock like Bilstein or OME They are vehicle specific valved and make a world of difference IMO at least. Most Aftermarket shocks are just a common valve stack and a different brand stamped on the body. I have really enjoyed Bilstein since I started using them. 31's on a Budget boost are really tight and will require trimming in most cases another opinion from a few years of experience.

 

[jackjoh]

Ok, headers are out and Old Man Emu is in but I notice they have more than one. What is reccommended.

 

[gertsch]

2" lift 31's and rock rails for protection/ easier acces into the jeep.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Ok, headers are out and Old Man Emu is in but I notice they have more than one. What is reccommended.

Depends if you tow or not, so either the heavy or light duty springs.

 

[UPNO4]

They have what they call Stock Light Load and Heavy Load, so if you are NOT going to haul around any extra gear or add any extra Protection (ie Sliders, Bumpers or spare parts tools) the Stock/Light Load would be fine, if you will be I would do the Heavy Load Springs. Similar goes for shocks if you are 95% Hwy go Light Valve mostly off road go Firmer Valve.

So just remember the Old Man Springs are not big lift springs as a matter of fact the Catalog states 1" Light and .75" Heavy. If I am not mistaken however they rate that from the UpCountry Suspension Package which was the Factory if you want to call it that Suspension lift/upgrade. That is what my 95 had originally
However I am still a Bilstein Shock fan

 

[jackjoh]

I am talking to them and leaning towards light load. I also like Bilstein.

 

[phatfoto]

For light load and 2", I still suggest the simple inexpensive budget boost. If you LIKE the way the ZJ rides NOW, it will ride the same with the blocks under it. Same springs. Bumps will be a bit more harsh, Budget Boost or 2" springs since the stock length arms are at a steeper angle.

My 95. Upcountry suspension (Factory 1" lift), 2" Budget Boost, 30" tires. If you want to wheel it, you will need longer shocks for a 2-3" lift. And if you decide to get swaybar disconnects, you will want longer brake hoses.

Right after the lift, showing the front control arms I swapped in. Tough Country fixed lowers (for 3" lift) and Teraflex adjustable uppers. THis shows the kind of worn 31s I was running at the time.The front tires did a little "clearancing" of the bumper cover when I had 31s and just the Upcountry. I really like the look of the ZJ at this height, it looks "right". Not that going taller looks bad.

Its the consensus of the ZJ world, that anything over 4" of lift it would be BEST to go to long arm suspension, to decrease or level the control arms as best as possible. The steeper the front arms go with lift, the more you will feel even small bumps as the suspesnion doesn't work as well with short arms and lots of lift. *IF* I get another ZJ or a WJ and my current ZJ is still running good, I may very well go to 6" with long arms and 35" tires. I just see no GOOD reason to take it any higher than that.

Digging back to 2008, when I was still on stock Upcountry with 30s. Really its hard to tell if there was any lift in the Upcountry springs, unless parked next to a stock ZJ with similar sized tires.

I have towed with the lift and without. Jeep did well in all situations. Heaviest load was a dead XJ on a tow dolly. Lightest was UHaul's smallest enclosed trailer filled with household stuff...

Hope thats helpful Jack!!!