Not really hardcore tech or anything, but I WILL use it to haul parts for my REAL Jeep, so...

There's a 1997 ZJ 5.9 Ltd. with 42K on it at a local lot and I was wondering if it was worth taking a look at.
Specific concerns:

Does it have the dreaded aluminum-center-section Dana 44?

How sh!tty is the mileage? I realize it'll be sh!tty, but HOW sh!tty?

They're asking 14,995 for it. I was thinking of offering them less. What's a fair price?

Thanks,
Jake
:flipoff2:

It does have the Aluminum centersectioned "Super 44" outback (why they just didn't give it another number, I will never know).

Seriously, I'd ask this question over at Jeepsunlimited.com. Those kids know their 5.9's. That doesn't sound bad - 42k for 14k actually sounds good. Then again, I don't watch those things like Mircrosoft's share prices - JU boys do.

Bob

Umm, that would have to be a 98 5.9 :flipoff2: I like mine for a DD. Works pretty good flat-towing my trail XJ too. They are going for about 14-16K for that mileage, so offer a little less and see if they bite. That mileage isn't too bad, I bought mine for $14 with 78K on it. Haven't had any problems the last 10K I put on it. I get about 16 mpg, but that's about 75% highway, 25% city driving. It does use premium gas though. You could probably get away with 87 octane, but mine just starts to ping when towing up long grades.

... Hmmm. The ad said '97, must be a '98 though because I think you're right that they weren't offered with the 5.9 until then. I'll take a closer look tonight.

As far as JU goes, I don't have an account over there.

Thanks guys,

Jake


Anyone else?

My parents have one, they love it. Sure, not the best MPG, but very fast. When they bought it, the previous owner had had the computer reprogramed to Dodge Dakota 5.9 R/T specs, so it takes 87 gas. Brought the HP and Torque down a little, but not much I'm sure. Add a K&N FIPK to it, and it'll probably be back up where it was. The only thing I'd be leary of, is that Aluminum housing. When my parents bought theirs, it just came back from the dealership getting an new rearend, yes, the whole thing. It was still under warranty, but for some reason, they replaced the whole unit.

I say do it. You'll love the power!

Willis

I got one for my wife in March. I paid $19K with 35K miles including an aftermarket warranty good to 75K (worth about $1500). The power is something else, it's fun surprising the little ricers with 120 foot pounds when you open up 345 foot pounds on them in a 4200# vehicle. The exhaust note is great, wife loves american V8 rumbles.

Our electric fan died(no engine driven fan, saps HP), which caused the radiator to split a resevoir (shitty plastic). Bought a new 3 core rad for $180 from 1888-raditaor. Fan covered under warranty. Engine pings around town, even when cool. This happens at about 1/3 throttle and you can hear it. I will be addressing this soon.

The interior is plush. However, I find my 97 XJ seats more supportive for the long rides. The memory buttons control the seats, mirrors, AC and what radio station you were listening to (cool if you have two people sharing the car).

Our milage is about 13-15. Premium fuel makes it even more expensive. We haven't towed yet, but I was hoping to tow my XJ and trailer (about 5000# which is the max rated on the 5.9, lower than the 5.2s 7000# which I think is because of cooling issues).

JU has a forum dedicated to this (I know, i know:flipoff2: ) with a bunch of people that have been on the learning curve. Lots of mods avail.

Biggest word of advice: Get an extended warranty. The rear ends tend to go, the viscous coupling in the 249 TC tend to go, the CVs in the D30 tend to go. All very expensive if no warranty.

SeanP