Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Considering an older XJ. (Maybe ZJ.) Any advice?

Mercedes influenced engine , plus wiring issues were common , would make a WJ a BIG no for me personally . My old supervisior's daughter had a new 05 WJ
it had so many wiring issues , she sold it at a loss because she couldn't afford to pay for it and constantly rent a car to drive . A world class $ 35,000 pile of crap.

Thanks. Kinda suspected that. Seems like more past 2000 you get, more crap they pile on.
The OP asked about ZJs but posted a WJ.

93-98 Grand Cherokee was the ZJ, they offered the 4.0L i-6, the 5.2L V8, and the 5.9L V8 (1998 only). These engines are pretty reliable.

99-04 Grand Cherokee was the WJ, they offered the 4.0L i-6, the 4.7L V8 and the 4.7L HO V8 (2002+ on some trims). The 4.7L V8s were a bit more finicky about maintenance. I've seen many with 200k+ miles on them, but if they are overheated, it's game over as they usually blow head gaskets or drop valve seats shortly after. If you can find one with maintenance records, it will likely be fine, but don't buy a cheap one with zero maintenance history.

Actually I had asked about the XJs. Kind of morphed from there as I have been sounding out the market. I did not realize at first that it was a WJ. Since I had looked, I continued to check it out, but figured it was a bust.

I am so very grateful for the patience and help I'm getting here. Very encouraging.
 
My ‘98 4.0 overheated to the point the engine stalled when the radiator top tank blew while the wife was on the interstate. Replaced the radiator and it’s been running fine for over 10 years.

I've seen some crazy overheated 4.0s that survived. They usually will warp/crack the head and blow the head gasket if it's really bad. If a modern engine was overheated that badly the entire engine would just be trash.
 
I would stay away from 2000 and 2001 models if you have choice. Those 2 years had head cracking issues. 99 and earlier are the best.

I agree, but the cylinder head cracking in the grand scheme of things is not a big deal. I swapped my first one in a day and a half, and after that could do it in a couple hours. There are stronger aftermarket heads available, and to me rust and sawzalled body panels would be a much bigger deal breaker and impact way more XJs.
 
I agree, but the cylinder head cracking in the grand scheme of things is not a big deal. I swapped my first one in a day and a half, and after that could do it in a couple hours. There are stronger aftermarket heads available, and to me rust and sawzalled body panels would be a much bigger deal breaker and impact way more XJs.

Why even buy that model considering it has issues. I find 99 and earlier are pretty much trouble free. My wife bought hers 22 years ago and it still is going strong. [gold one] Sadly I sold my 99 [red one].
99 xj.jpg
realjeep.JPG
 
Still looking at XJs. Figured I might do better after the New Year as folks will be recovering from Christmas overspending and may be more desperate to sell. Also, It's better for me tax wise to wait.

I came across this one. It's been listed for a while but the guy says nobody has gone to see it. He is in a small town north of our city base so maybe nobody has been interested enough to travel up there. If I go look, I'll definitely take a friend or two along.

Here is a link to the Facebook Marketplace listing for some pics...
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/24841826945500848

Any opinions? Granted, I'll have to give it a visual inspection and a test drive, but overall from what's visible here... 🤷‍♂️

These are the translated printed specs along with a translated capture of others:

ETA: Biggest thought, WHERE DO I PUT THE SPARE TIRE? :rolleyes:

1998 Cherokee Sport 👌
Mexican 🇲🇽 with current registration includes sound system 🔊🔊
Automatic 4x4, very powerful 💪
Suspension modified to perfection 💯
35x12.50R15 tires, 7.5" lift👌
Interior in perfect condition, power windows and locks 👌
$8,000usd negotiable with cash 🤲

VillaJuarezCherokeeENG.jpg
 
Last edited:
Are you looking for a daily driver or a toy?
That one has a lot of mods that, to me, would probably be more of a toy than DD.
Also, like has been mentioned, be careful about buying something already modded.
If it was done by a reputable shop and then taken care of, fine, but if it was done in his driveway I'd probably pass.

Edited to add- the ZJ has been mentioned before. If you're looking for a DD, I'd look for a 4.0 ZJ. They are very solid all around vehicles.
 
Are you looking for a daily driver or a toy?
That one has a lot of mods that, to me, would probably be more of a toy than DD.
Also, like has been mentioned, be careful about buying something already modded.
If it was done by a reputable shop and then taken care of, fine, but if it was done in his driveway I'd probably pass.

Edited to add- the ZJ has been mentioned before. If you're looking for a DD, I'd look for a 4.0 ZJ. They are very solid all around vehicles.

I appreciate your feedback. In reply to your comments and questions:

1. DD or toy? Actually, kind of neither and both. I do Christian missions work in remote mountain villages in Mexico. The roads I drive are sometimes very rough, and there is one alternate road that I need to check out that would save me a few hours, but am told that it is in very bad shape.

So, it won't be a daily driver in the sense that I'll be taking it to the office or the local Walmart. It'll get use on a semi-regular basis to head up into the hills. My current TJ seldom sees the pavement and may go a few days at a time without any serious use other than around my village to stretch her legs a bit; this one would do similar duty.

Neither will it be a toy as I am using it for real transportation needs, but I will be driving some roads similar to those folks who use theirs as a toy - though probably not as extreme in most cases as I don't go looking for challenges.

2. Regarding the heavy modification, I appreciate that reminder. Yes, that is a concern that has crossed my mind. This one has a 7.5" lift and 35" tires along with a lot of other mods. Much more height than I'd need for at least 85% of my driving (unless that alternate road checks out). My TJ has a 3" lift with 31" tires and has yet to be less than sufficient for what I have needed (again, barring the possibility of needing more for that alternate route). With that lift and those tires, stability issues cross my mind.

I really need to go check that road out. I should do it first on my motorcycle, but I don't care to make the trip alone. It's hard finding someone who can go with me, though. The road conditions will help me determine what kind of power and clearance I need. If I don't need more than a 3" lift, there is no point in going extreme.

3. The 4.0 ZJ is definitely on my list of possibilities. Less of those in the market, but I am on the lookout for one, as well.

In the next few days I hope to go into the city and do some serious shopping. I'll probably post here in this thread or in a new one if I find something of interest, to see if anybody spots and red flags or has recomendations.

Again, thanks for the feedback. Thanks to everyone who has chimed in on my questions. You have all been a big help!
 
At this point, if I wanted a nicer on-road driver, I'd probably lean towards a WJ if I wanted a grand. Or at least a ZJ with a V8.

Definitely will not be an on-road driver. See my last post before this one. I need something that will take abuse. Comfort is secondary at the most, maybe tertiary.

ETA: Actually, comfort and style are way down the list. I need: 1) dependability, and 2) power, and 3) cargo capacity, the last which is lacking with La Negrita. After that, comfort and style are almost immaterial.
 
Last edited:
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator