Allright been out of the desert racing scene for a couple years but jeepspeed intrigues me. I have had toyotas as well as rangers very well built. Well now i'm looking at jeepspeed as with MDR although a toyota could race in the class it wasn't competitive, i feel jeepspeed keeps racers on an even enough platform to where it could be fun. Especially after following the 1.3k this year.

Anyways i like individuality and would like a zj (as that is my current wheeler and i've learned enough about them and their unibody i'd like to stick with them) As far as i understand in the jeepspeed 1700 i can run any zj as long as its a 6cyl.

What i want to know is how complete of a vehicle is worth it to start with? and 4x4 or not? This is my big question my current wheeler is a 2wd to 4wd zj conversion so i'm looking to what is necessary ( or heavily desired). Any input is appreciated but i'm 90% set on starting with a zj but havent found anything usefull to give me a direction.

Thanks

I'm pretty sure if you run a ZJ it HAS to be 4x4, just like the TJ.

see that is where i am lost. I have heard that in way too many posts and discussions yet:

Rule 4.1.6. Drive train; All Wranglers must be 4x4. Only permitted transmissions and transfer cases are those originally supplied in 4 cyl and 6 cyl models

(no mention of zj's)


1.0 Jeepspeed 1. DEFINITION: The JeepSpeed Challenge is for Jeep Cherokee XJ models produced from 1984 through 2001stock wheel base +/- 2" = 103.4", Wrangler TJ max wheelbase 103.4", Wrangler JK 2 door stock wheelbase 95.74" +/- 2"= 97.4", Grand Cherokee ZJ and WJ 105.9" Any option combination (2-door, 4-door, 2-wheel-drive, 4-wheel-drive, 4-cylinder, V6, inline 6, manual transmission, automatic transmission, etc.) is acceptable, as long as it was available in the United States from the manufacturer in that configuration. Dealer installed and aftermarket options are not allowed, unless specifically identified as acceptable herein.

(no 4x4 only mention)


I have a line on two zj's one 2wd and one 4wd and i cant make the mistake and pay for it later especially at the beginning point

I have a lot more questions such as bumpers (manufactured vs building) suspension (manufactured vs. building) based on the rules. But i need my baseline first.

And thanks last nothing like input from baja winners

2wd ZJ is permitted. If you go to baja, go 4wd, statedside 2wd.

ok based on the silt beds in baja i would love 4wd, maybe theres somebody around here who has run both in jeepspeed. Is the weight advantage stateside worth the 2wd vs. 4wd in baja?

I will not race baja in 2008, if baja happens it's 2009. I would like to have a california runner by the end of 2008 though.

The reason this is a dilema is i am trying to clear garage space and wondering what to sell off (if 4x4 i want my front axle and trans transfer parts etc)

Thanks for your input guys, when my fj sells this project will happen but the donor vehicle is critical to me

Quite a few 1700 cars are 4wd with t-cases and 2WD beams in front. (ie switch axles and driveshaft only for different venues)

It is a personal preferance some two some four. If it is already set up as a two, I would build it and run it, if you start having problems geting stuck to often (driver error tire choice or 4x4) fix one of those problems and move on. The cost of changing back to FWD later is nothing compaird to what you will spend just to finish in the top 3.