What to look for when buying a ZR2?

muddpile · 09-18-2009, 08:51 PM

I lost out on one in a local auction recently, and since then I've had the itch, I've gotta replace my first gen Jimmy with a ZR2. My question is, what to look for in these trucks? I know the basics, but are there any problem areas, how much mileage is too much, are any years or options more desireable than others, etc. etc. It would be an ext cab truck this time instead of the SUV, but I can't seem to find how many seats they had? Is it 3 or 4? Any help at all would be great, thanks!

Dukeboy320 · 09-19-2009, 03:15 PM

3 seats

donaldps10 · 09-19-2009, 03:25 PM

some had 4 with only 2 doors

make sure the 4x4 works, the vaccume actuator goes out under the battery...

muddpile · 09-20-2009, 12:09 AM

OK, so 3 seat mostly except on some 2 doors, and make sure it's got functional 4wd. What changed for the better or worse over the years, and did they have any problem areas as the miles get piled on, over and above standard wear and tear items?

Trouble maker · 09-20-2009, 12:22 AM

Fuel pump 150-170000. But other then that they are good.

donaldps10 · 09-21-2009, 02:38 PM

check front differential for leaking around the CV's where they go into the front Diff... those seals can go bad after a while... and if there isn't... check the fluid level in the front diff...
when i bought my Z everything was super dry, come to find out there was no gear oil... both seals were shot big time. and the 4wd didn't work, now that i use the 4wd it's getting harder and harder to engage the front diff... but my truck does have 223,500 on it and everything it pretty much original except the trans.

impulsive-rx7 · 09-24-2009, 10:28 AM

ball joints

ZR2Owner? · 09-25-2009, 11:52 AM

Drive it in reverse and see if the rear diff clicks/makes any nasty sounds.

1/4milecrazy · 10-03-2009, 01:29 PM

cracked frame around the lower control arm mounts, you will need to climb underneath and look around the lca mounts. mine was cracked when i bought it that is how i got such a good deal on it, had it welded and its been fine since. it made a banging noise, when turning and hitting bumps. apparently it is a big problem on the Zs.

09-18-2009, 08:51 PM	#1
muddpile Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 167 Location: User is: OffLine	What to look for when buying a ZR2? I lost out on one in a local auction recently, and since then I've had the itch, I've gotta replace my first gen Jimmy with a ZR2. My question is, what to look for in these trucks? I know the basics, but are there any problem areas, how much mileage is too much, are any years or options more desireable than others, etc. etc. It would be an ext cab truck this time instead of the SUV, but I can't seem to find how many seats they had? Is it 3 or 4? Any help at all would be great, thanks!
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-19-2009, 03:15 PM	#2
Dukeboy320 BLKDOUT Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 289 Location: Heaven User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? 3 seats
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-19-2009, 03:25 PM	#3
donaldps10 bags=fags Age: 23 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 409 Location: Dallas, TX User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? some had 4 with only 2 doors make sure the 4x4 works, the vaccume actuator goes out under the battery...
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-20-2009, 12:09 AM	#4
muddpile Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 167 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? OK, so 3 seat mostly except on some 2 doors, and make sure it's got functional 4wd. What changed for the better or worse over the years, and did they have any problem areas as the miles get piled on, over and above standard wear and tear items?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-20-2009, 12:22 AM	#5
Trouble maker Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 17 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? Fuel pump 150-170000. But other then that they are good.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-21-2009, 02:38 PM	#6
donaldps10 bags=fags Age: 23 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 409 Location: Dallas, TX User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? check front differential for leaking around the CV's where they go into the front Diff... those seals can go bad after a while... and if there isn't... check the fluid level in the front diff... when i bought my Z everything was super dry, come to find out there was no gear oil... both seals were shot big time. and the 4wd didn't work, now that i use the 4wd it's getting harder and harder to engage the front diff... but my truck does have 223,500 on it and everything it pretty much original except the trans.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-24-2009, 10:28 AM	#7
impulsive-rx7 Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 14 Location: Jacksonville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? ball joints
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-25-2009, 11:52 AM	#8
ZR2Owner? Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 63 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? Drive it in reverse and see if the rear diff clicks/makes any nasty sounds.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-03-2009, 01:29 PM	#9
1/4milecrazy good bye red, it was fun Age: 33 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 4,883 Location: New Jersey User is: OffLine	Re: What to look for when buying a ZR2? cracked frame around the lower control arm mounts, you will need to climb underneath and look around the lca mounts. mine was cracked when i bought it that is how i got such a good deal on it, had it welded and its been fine since. it made a banging noise, when turning and hitting bumps. apparently it is a big problem on the Zs.
	[Reply w/Quote]