I have a following dilemma:

I am at the point to decide what to use as a starting point for my future wheeling. Till now I have been using a sligtly modified XJ (2,1 turbodiesel) 31", 3" skyjacker. But as it it still my DD I have to be very carefull on the trails abou it and so on .... So now I want a trail rig. The biggest tyres I will put on it is 33" and both lockers. The trails here in Europe are mostly forests and some mud, no rocks at all.

I have generaly two possibilities:

I have an YJ ´89 (2,5 turbodiesel) its about 100hp, it sitting in my garage, is all stock. So I can keep it and modify it to fit 33" ( I have a front waggy d44 (vac.disco) and waggy AMC20, or an 8.8 for a swap if it help anyhow)

or

Sell the YJ for about 6000 USD and buy a XJ 4,0 and other one for spare parts for 4000, and some money will remain for upgrades.

I want some opinions about these tho options:
Which one could be more capable on the trail and will the trail capability be significant? (coils front vs. leaves, power of motors 100 vs 200hp)
The ease and cost of maintenance? (2,5td has no wiring at all)
The ease and cost of upgrades to fit 33?

I now that the final decision will have to do by myself but if anybode coul say Their opinions I would be happy.

Thank to all for input!

The TD YJ sounds BAD ASS!!! Build it and you will have the Coolest YJ around. What type of Deisel motor is it?

Its Fiat 2,5TD, one of its kind YJ :) but its HP against 4,0 is low

I am from England, and have always wheeled diesels, besides a few old range rovers.....
i would go with the diesel, like you said, next to no electronics, and lots of low down torque where you need it. there is also less chance of breakage with a diesel, as you dont have to give it the skinny pedal too much...lol
i am a little biased towards diesels, but i think they are the way to go for a low weight wheeling machine......if i could only get a nice little diesel in my YJ...

Go for the YJ then for sure. The horsepower is lower but the low end torque is probably even better than the 4.0(even though it thinks it is a diesel).

I would either swap a real motor in the YJ or sell it. We have a lot of 2.5L TD XJs around here and they are a POS. They have not much power compared to the 4L.

I would either swap a real motor in the YJ or sell it. We have a lot of 2.5L TD XJs around here and they are a POS. They have not much power compared to the 4L.

Yes I know the 2,5td xjs, they suck.

I mean if the weaker motor will be such a handycap when going offroad .....

bump for monday :)