After buying the wife a new 2001 Grand Cherokee I've decided that my YJ is going to be semi retired to a trail rig status (but remain street legal).
Now I'm thinking about what to get for a daily driver.

I'm down to 2 choices here. A ZJ with a 5.2L in it, or a Toyota FZJ80.

The plus for the Jeep is that I know about them. Axles, engines, trannies, you name it I know what/where/how to fix/upgrade. The V8 is a nice addition too. The down side is the unibody construction IMO.

The Toyota is a FZJ80 (93-97) with a 6 cylinder. It's got a real frame, solid axles, and factory electric lockers in the diffs. But... I don't know much about the inner workings. Lifts and such aren't an issue, but the rest... I don't know.

Whatever I get needs to be 4x4 and capable of running trails rated in the 2.5-3 range (standard 1-4 scale).

I don't need to tow the Jeep with whatever I get, that's what the RV is for.

XJ, but thats just a biased opinion.

I would go with the Toy. Possibly better gas mileage

Why do you need to run trails with a daily driver if you have the YJ? <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0"> If it were me, I'd chuck both of your ideas & get a 4-cylinder car for 1/2 the price & triple the gas mileage.


TEX

Get the 80! It's a much better vehicle than the ZJ. Who cares if you don't know the inner-workings as well - you don't need to because it's so reliable.

If you want more power you can get a supercharger for it <IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0">

As for trail ability, it has DUAL ELECTRIC LOCKERS.... 'nuff said <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[ 10-03-2001: Message edited by: Vermont_Toy ]

I've got a 95' chero for my daily. That way my wrangler sits at home waiting to be beatin down. Of course I couldnt leave the cherokee alone so know its sporting a reasonble 4.5" lift and protofab bumper... o yea and an exhaust. I would probably get about 16mpg, if I stopped doing burnouts and hauling ass everywhere. great vehicle though. never had any problems with it.

How much is the Toyota FZJ80? What condition? If you don't want it... I may.

My advise: Go w/ the Heep, so I can take the Toy.

Tex, I won't own something that can't find a trail to play on. Heck, even had to get 4x4 on the wife's new one. As for how much and where, I haven't narrowed it that far down yet, but look at www.recycler.com (http://www.recycler.com) for some idea.

Originally posted by FNG:
<STRONG>Tex, I won't own something that can't find a trail to play on. Heck, even had to get 4x4 on the wife's new one. </STRONG>

All the more reason I don't see a need for another <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">


TEX

I'd get the 85 subaru wagon. 4wd and 35mpg. Can't be beat.

Originally posted by TEX:
<STRONG>All the more reason I don't see a need for another <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">


TEX</STRONG>

I'll have to agree with TEX on this one. Why bother, both get shitty gas mileage when copmared to other vehicles that will see just as 'easy' a trail. Try a Suburu!

I look at it this way. If you drive a bigger vehicle that gets crappy MPG then you're paying for insurance at the pumps. Ever seen a suburu after an accident? Thanks, but I'll drive something bigger then a sardine can!!!!

Originally posted by FNG:
<STRONG>Ever seen a suburu after an accident? Thanks, but I'll drive something bigger then a sardine can!!!!</STRONG>

Ever see a Suburu upside down? Statistically speaking, you're more likely to die in a ZJ than a Suburu since (a) ZJ's end up upside down so often, and (b) ZJ's don't fare THAT much better in multi-vehicle crashes. If you're looking for crash protection, better look for something with a FRAME <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">


TEX

Statistically speaking, there aren't enough Subarus left on the road to talk about statistics! They'r all rusted away to nothing by now!

Actually, don't make fun of the sub. We used to wheel a few of them and they were actually quite durable and very capable. Even laid one over on its lid once. Just got 6 guys, picked it up, and set it back right-side-up.

On the other hand, I just picked up an '89 Range Rover for 3k! The thing is perfect in and out, is a luxury ride, and comes with the same full floater axles and V8 that are in my D90. I love only having to stock one set of parts! I say stick with the familiar! You'll be happier in the long run when you can scavenge parts off one to keep the other going!

But that's just me..

-John

What about this:
Soild axles
Rear axle is full float with 3 link.
All Coil spring
ZF 4 speed auto or a 5 speed stick
3.22:1 low range non electric, good old stick.
Full box frame
All aluminum MPI V8
23 gallon tank
Leather is an option ,as is dual A/C and twin power moonroofs, heated seats and heated windshield.
You can get Jump seats in the rear and seat 7
Do you know what it is?
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<IMG width=800 height=382 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/OhPoint.jpg">

[ 10-03-2001: Message edited by: Old Scout ]

I've heard tons of stories of Discoveries having nagging problems <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

John, just drive the YJ LOL.. or make the wife drive the YJ, and you take the WJ.. simple as that.. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">
And Rockbuggy.. you and I both know, the only beating red gets is on the weekends, on the way to the construction site! <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> LOL... see ya later boob.
Scott <IMG SRC="smilies/grinpimp.gif" border="0"><><

Originally posted by Vermont_Toy:
<STRONG>I've heard tons of stories of Discoveries having nagging problems <IMG SRC="smilies/rolleyes.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Mine has been great. My boses 2000 grand is in the shop every month! He is on his third rear axle in 23k.