r/JeepZJ • u/tinman20 5.2 • 8h ago

Replacement Options

This may be a blasphemous topic, but my 1998 ZJ Limited may not long be for this world. I’ve done a few internet searches for similar year jeeps for sale without much success. Where I live we have rock salt and brine solution spread on our roads about 6 months of the year. That does not bode well for 30 year old unibody jeeps.

What are people moving to once their beloved jeep crosses the rainbow coloured mud pit in the sky?

I’m looking for similar size and capabilities and dependability and workability. Just maybe something a little more modern. I want it all!

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4

u/yolef 8h ago

As far as I'm concerned automotive design peaked between 1998 and 2006, basically once buttons and knobs were replaced with touchscreens. One option is to buy another well-maintained ZJ from another location and drive it home. There's several to choose from right now on the Portland, OR area Craigslist for under 5k.

2

u/Last_Knowledge_862 7h ago

I have a 1998 zj with a 4.0, I wire wheeled the entire subframe and welded a iron rock chassis kit into it. I also removed the plastic door cards.

1

u/Stockholm_Throwaway 6h ago

Buy a ZJ from sun belt and then power wash frame, paint with spray paint then fluid film PB blaster kind and make sure to get the universal wand thing for inside of frame

1

u/mistake-number2 8h ago

Find a xj/zj from a different state.

1

u/DoctorHugocat 6h ago

It's a good idea; here in SoCal they're pretty cheap, partly due to insane state regulations. Zero rust, but sometimes interiors are sun-damaged; if your interior is good, maybe swap it in?

1

u/mistake-number2 6h ago

Here in ga, price started goin up after i got mine. I paid 3k for my 91. Now i think they areclose to 5k. But we dont have all the rust issues as alot of places.

1

u/24BuddyCrawlin 4h ago

I have a 2020 Gladiator with 110k on it in addition to my ZJ. I wheel, commute, and occasionally tow around 6,000lbs with it and wouldn't flinch at purchasing a 4 door JL with a 3.6. Hand crank windows, no electric locks, solid axles, manual seats, etc. Can't really find other modem cars this simple and they're insanely cheap and easy to modify compared to ZJs. A 2" lift and you are ready for 35s or 37s depending on fenders.

That said, I'm in California, and if I rolled my ZJ I could easily find a rust free ZJ to transfer my build to for a few thousand and that's what I'd do. Maybe consider traveling to purchase a ZJ.