Watching the Cheap Truck Challenge video inspired me: how hard would it be to find a useable 4×4 that is trail capable yet could possibly be used in an everyday manner in line with the ideals of the Rough Start concept. We like the idea of having a spare rig as well, so this Rough Start works in many different approaches. Whether you just want a tow pig on the side to have fun in or are just starting out and want a cheap trail rig, the Internet is your friend.
In our case, we went for a safe bet and scoured the Phoenix, Arizona area for a decent trail runner and in short order came across this 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ. Sure, it’s a sport-utility vehicle with a small luxury bend, but when the ZJ was introduced, then-Chrysler President Bob Lutz drove the mayor of Detroit in one up the steps of Cobo Hall and through a plate glass. It’s based on one of the last AMC designs, in this case is powered by Chrysler’s bread and butter 5.2L V8, and has plenty of trail cred to it’s name. A minor 2″ lift and 33″ BFGoodrich All-Terrains will let the ZJ roll over most basic terrain that you could find anywhere.
What do you think? For a buy-in of $2800 you get an SUV with room and some basic modifications. An aftermarket front bumper, a winch, and a tire mounting system for the spare tire would bring this Grand Cherokee to where it should be.
Craigslist Link: 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Great choice!
Were it my own money on then line, these would be my upgrades:
– A Junkyard NP231 is a solid upgrade for a ZJ’s stock NP249, which need a rebuild every 100-150K miles and rob power via fluid coupling.
– Another good upgrade is a slip yoke on the driveshaft as opposed to the tail housing, especially given the lift.
– Finally, the u-joints in ZJs tend to be more road-oriented, and worth upgrading. The added stresses of a moderate lift tend to roach ’em pretty quick.
Other than that, a winch, some cheapie homebrew DOM bumpers and rock sliders and you’d have a great offroad platform.
couldn’t find the link. 🙁
I’m guessing maybe the front bumper is off because of rubbing, but I’d need one. A stout one. I don’t judge distance to trees well. How tight will these things turn?
I’ve considered one a couple of times recently, but I’m on the fence over the 318 v. the 4.0 liter.
They don’t turn that tight, but they aren’t awful. As for the 4.0L vs 318, both are bulletproof engines and I think fuel economy is a wash between the two as well. The 4.0L has plenty of oomph for the street, although the transmission behind them isn’t the toughest piece (The 318 got the 46RE).
Link fixed, sorry about that!
Funny, just picked one of these up myself for $500 about 2 months ago. Can’t get over how comfortable this thing is and I’m sure it will kick some ass this winter.
Only downside is, these seem to be pretty bad rusters and also, some parts are becoming hard to find. For example, I’ve searched for 2 months trying to find a 42RE trans pan and nobody has them. Even the Chrysler dealer couldn’t find them anymore and a few sites list them but then I placed an order and after 2 weeks of waiting I just got a refund and no parts.
Down here on NC these are cheap and easy finds.