Part of the fun of the Rough Start series is trying to work practicality into a project vehicle hunt. It has to be useful, because for a $5,000 budget, chances are good that this is going to be the only vehicle for whoever is buying it. It has to be able to handle driving in all seasons, not sunny car-show weather. The more durable, the better. So yes, when it comes to hunting cheap rides, I’ve been a bit thin in the truck-SUV department. They aren’t the first things that come to mind when I’m searching. So consider this 1993 Jeep ZJ a slap upside my head. This thing is awesome! When these were new, these were the off-roaders for the “too upscale to be seen in the mud” types. Now? The older ZJs are getting close to 25 years old and if you watch recent tough truck races, you’ll see that they are the vehicle of choice because they can take abuse like none other…they run, they jump, and they bounce. And more often than not, they’ll come back for more.
From the listing:
“1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee that was built by Pellett Performance and Off Road in Longview, Texas. They built the custom EXO cage and long arm suspension front and rear. The cage features a swing out spare tire carrier, a Hi-Lift jack mount about the rear hatch, rock sliders, small front stinger, and tube work to protect the seven Pro Comp light pods.
5″ long arm suspension in front with limiting straps.
5” long arm suspension in rear with bump stops.
Rough Country shocks front and rear.
New custom made front track bar, steering link and drag link using Ballistic Fabrication tube adapters and heim joints, 1 ton strength.
Dana 30 front axle with 4.10 gears and Lunchbox Locker. Good brakes with plenty of life left.
Chrysler 8.25 rear axle with 4.10 gears and welded diff. Good brakes with plenty of life left.
197K all original miles
4.0L 6cyl High Output engine
Automatic transmission
NP249 transfer case
33″ Firestone Tires on 15″ Mickey Thompson aluminum classic 8 Hole rims with faux bead lock rings
Pro Comp Explorer Light Pods, seven pods in total, five above roof, two on front bumper, they are controlled by two toggle switches mounted on the dash.
Jeep is Red exterior with cloth gray interior.
Power front seats.
Working Heat and A/C
Clean Texas title
Jeep is not currently registered. It is street legal, but will need an inspection. The Jeep has been used for off road use only.”
Screw the license plates onto the exo cage and get moving already. This urban assault vehicle is waiting, and can be yours for $3,400.
Craigslist Link: 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ
Prepared for what?
No tow hooks on the front of rear. No Winch. Garbage exo cage. A welded 27 spline 8.25.Radiator hanging down with no protection. Locked 30 front = kaboom. Damn Z drag link and trac bar.
Prepared for posing for pictures