ZJ Grand Cherokee, or 2nd gen 4runner?

[Ether-D]

Toyota. If you like stuff that never breaks.

[BimmerJeff]

I've read that the AWD Grands can be more problematic than the ones with true 4x4, but I thought only the WJ's came in AWD? How does one identify the 231/242 transfer case?

The transfer case selector lever will list 2wd, 4 Hi, Neutral, and 4Lo for the NP231 transfer case (add Full time 4wd for the 242 tc). The AWD ones just have Full time 4wd, Neutral, and 4 Lo. My WJ had the 242HD transfer case which is the only way I'd buy a WJ.

[quikveedb2]

The transfer case selector lever will list 2wd, 4 Hi, Neutral, and 4Lo for the NP231 transfer case (add Full time 4wd for the 242 tc). The AWD ones just have Full time 4wd, Neutral, and 4 Lo. My WJ had the 242HD transfer case which is the only way I'd buy a WJ.

Thanks for that! How reliable are the 5.9 V8's relative to the 4.0?

[dreamchasin]

Fiance had a 4.0, gas hog like a mofo. My aunt had (had because she is currently in a tiny box in ash form) a 94? 4runner, refuses to die, automatic, and is a monster in the snow. On a side note my mom has an 03 4runner and its a million times better in the snow than the several pickup trucks my step dad has had. And he had a few silverados and a 08 tundra. With all that being said, my choice is the 4runner.

[BimmerJeff]

Thanks for that! How reliable are the 5.9 V8's relative to the 4.0?

The 4.0 is a proven engine so its hard to beat the reliability. But most of Dodge V8s are reliable as well. With any of them the various sensors will need replacing as they age. But none of my Jeeps were any worse than my BMW maintenance wise.

[Ratbastage]

3.0 is marginally better powerwise than a 2.4 22re. Add in the aggravation of working on it and its not worth the trouble.

The 3.4 is mucho better.

The 4.0 ZJ is not a bad truck. I had 2, first one went 180K with no real issues and would return 20 driven mildly. Then it got killed by a drunk driver. The replacement was a 4.0 that went 220K without issues on the original dodge trans and one set of rear gears/bearings.

I also own the Zombie, first gen runner with a 22re, 365K and still going.

Unless I was going 3.4 or first gen I'd buy the ZJ.