Grand-Shopping

Where are all the deals?

Posted January 5 2011 03:19 PM by Christian Hazel
Filed under: Used Jeeps, Jeep Enthusiast Culture, Christian Hazel

All I want is a clean interior, no major dents, working A/C, and a V-8 engine that runs smoothly with no knocking, smoking or noise. Oh, and a silver or charcoal paint job wouldn't hurt, either.

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My neighbor's kid has a '95 Grand Cherokee that I help out with from time-to-time. It's pretty roached-out and needs a new T-case, front axle rebuild, and tons more. But I noticed last time I was test-driving it after some repairs that even with almost 250K on the clock, it had some oomph. I think a 5.2L ZJ wouldn't suck. I'd really like to adapt a T-case and five-speed manual from a Dakota into it if possible. I want to row my own gears. Autos are for the birds.

To my knowledge they didn't make many five-speed Grand Cherokees and all of those had the 4.0L. No V-8 manuals. I do know of a factory five-speed '93 for sale near me with the 4.0L, but they want a bit of money considering its condition. It has duct tape around the windshield, for cripes-sake.

Eh, I'll do what I always do when I'm Jeep shopping. Hover over the computer and wait for a killer deal to pop up even if it takes weeks or months. No sense paying full-price when all you're gonna do is replace or upgrade stuff anyway.

Reader Comments:

1. I like where your head's at. But what about a late 80's Grand Wagoneer? Is the smog restrictions too limiting? Now you've got me thinking I could score a boat pulling ZJ cheap...

fjduesel - Posted January 5 2011 03:43 PM

2. For some reason most '80s Wagoneers still pull big dollars (well, $1,200-$2,000) and most need full ignition replacement, new radiator, windows don't roll up, interiors hashed, tranny slips, CAD front axle on some, etc. No overdrive, no injection, and so on. Performance-for-dollar, the ZJ is where it's at. Just gotta find one that's not completely roached.

Christian Hazel - Posted January 5 2011 04:01 PM

3. Well its a proven fact that you're the Master of Craigslist so you'll find what you're after soon enough. Good luck with the search. I've been kind of snooping for a XJ that aint hammered too bad..most are priced in line with current gold prices and the cheap ones would be rejected as too beat for the Sh*%Box Derby.

sduncan86 - Posted January 5 2011 08:18 PM

4. I hear you. I've been checking out Craigslist myself for a nice ZJ in good condition, at a decent price. Actually, if I'm not mistaken, you and I are probably looking around in the same neck of the woods, too! I'm probably 2-3mos away from pulling the trigger on something, though. Gotta sell a JK first.

Rusty2 - Posted January 6 2011 03:39 PM

5. I see, thanks!
I have been dreaming of a 70's Wagoneer that I could toss a smll block in (this week's dream) but there's a nice looking 89 up the block; and, well, it had me thinking.
In college I took a 360 from a '79 J Truck for my CJ and the smog stuff on it was ridiculous, hence the penchant the older trucks.

fjduesel - Posted January 7 2011 02:57 PM

6. I see, thanks!
I have been dreaming of a 70's Wagoneer that I could toss a smll block in (this week's dream) but there's a nice looking 89 up the block; and, well, it had me thinking.
In college I took a 360 from a '79 J Truck for my CJ and the smog stuff on it was ridiculous, hence the penchant the older trucks.

fjduesel - Posted January 7 2011 02:57 PM

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