[chiangku]

So, I decided now was the time to buy a cheap bucket since the economy is down and everyone's liquidating their assets.

Got a 95 GC Laredo with all-time 4wd on the cheap. Everything runs smooth with a couple of minor issues.

1- The front driver and passenger side door make a loud pop/crack noise when closing, presumably as it passes each of the two "steps" in the door.

2- The car has a metallic sounding rattling noise that sounds like it's coming from under the car. Makes this noise whether in park, drive, or neutral, doesn't seem to change with RPM so I don't think it's driveline related. Loose exhaust pipe maybe? I'll check under the car this weekend but I thought I'd give it an ask anyway.

Other than that, can anyone recommend a decent safari rack for the top around the $400 or less mark? What's the maximum dimensions for a roof rack anyway? I don't have a sunroof in the car (Don't know if that was an option).

Also, last question that I couldn't find on here- are the interior dimensions and dash mount points the same on a 95 as a 96 or 97? I'm not a huge fan of the dash in the 95, and the one in the 96 looks WAY better. From a cursory glance, all the equipment seems to still be located in the same places (AC vents, stereo, VIC, HVAC controls, etc), so it appears they just redesigned the dash shell around the same frame.

Thanks!

And pics to follow.

 

[wickerham]

For metal rattle, check for exhaust hanger/clamp broken loose like mine. Heat shield maybe too.

welcome!

 

[country_boy454]

Welcome.

1. Mine do the same. I just spray a little Aero Kroil with Penephite on the hinges. Works for about 6-8 months then I just respray them.

2. The internals to your cat may be broken loose. Had the same problem in both my ZJs.

3. As for roof racks, here is a good one. Little more than what you wanna pay but here is a price comparison. Also the sunroof was an option. I have one!

4. I don't think they are exactly the same. The cut off years were 93-95 and 96-98 for the ZJs. I may be wrong so don't take my word to heart.

 

[Black-ZJ]

Not sure on the other questions but the sound from under the ZJ is probably your cat breakin from the inside. My ZJ did that as well. If it rattles on start up and over bumps in such that's probably it!

 

[TN-95' ZJ]

the metallic rattle could be the cat. My cat has a heat shield surrounding it and the welds broke on part of it causing the rattle. should be pretty easy to spot if that's it. I took mine to our local shop and they just tac welded it down for free. problem solved. . .

 

[Northwoods 5.9]

1. Hinges are worn. Spray them wd-40 every once in a while. Eventually you'll need new ones.

2. Catalyst in converter is most likely breaking apart. Soon enough a chunk will lodge itself in exhaust pipe.

3. I think RockZJ is selling a rack.
http://www.nagca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36931

4. I've heard of interior swaps... Pretty sure it takes some fabrication.

 

[chiangku]

Thanks for the info so far.

Any idea on how to tell which tow group your ZJ is equipped with? Or is there any data on tow-equipped ZJ's? It looks like a factory setup to me, though I'm not sure on the easiest way to tell that.

 

[tcar]

Don't the 96-98 ZJ's have passenger airbags? (Sorry, I don't remember).

The 93-95 do not, only the driver's airbag.

That's a big difference - not interchangable.

For your specs, go to www.jeep.com click on Owners ask for a build sheet-give them the VIN. They'll email it to you in 2-3 days.

 

[chiangku]

I wouldn't be using or installing the passenger side airbag, so that's not really a concern to me. I was mostly concerned with whether or not the interior dimensions (A-pillar to A-pillar) and the frame behind the dashboard were the same. The rest could be easily adjusted/modified, as long as the modifications didn't have to be too drastic.

Thanks for the tip on the WD-40- I doused the hinges with white lithium grease, and they're much quieter and easier to close now, though they still make very muffled "pop" noises at each stop when closing. Much, much better though.

Didn't get a chance to crawl under the car and poke at the cat or the heat shroud, I'll have to see if I can do it this weekend. And hopefully I can get pics then, too.

 

[Jeep96ZJ]

As for the hinges. I had the same problem. I pulled the pins out went to my local true value and bought brass bushings. They were larger than the hole in the hinge but the pin fit in them perfectly. I drilled the hinges out to fit the bushings in nice and tight then put it all back together. $4 fix and a fart would be enough pressure to close them.

 

[tcar]

I wouldn't be using or installing the passenger side airbag, so that's not really a concern to me. I was mostly concerned with whether or not the interior dimensions (A-pillar to A-pillar) and the frame behind the dashboard were the same. The rest could be easily adjusted/modified, as long as the modifications didn't have to be too drastic.

Well, the bodies of all the ZJ's are the same.

I'd be concerned about what's behind the dash - might have to move stuff to get the newer glovebox in.

You'll probably have to get a 'newer' ZJ and measure, or get them side by side.

It should fit into the body, but ancillary stuff, I don't know.

 

[Northwoods 5.9]

Well, the bodies of all the ZJ's are the same.

I'd be concerned about what's behind the dash - might have to move stuff to get the newer glovebox in.

You'll probably have to get a 'newer' ZJ and measure, or get them side by side.

It should fit into the body, but ancillary stuff, I don't know.

Nope. Measure the doors on a 93-95 and on a 96-98. You'll find different sizes. There are subtle differences throughout the bodies.