WJ Build-up

[pete.wilson]

Hey

cshontz,

Lucky for me, my Grand Cherokee runs great and everything works perfectly except for an intermittent glitch with the climate control (Stupid PO##$%*&%$!!!), usually I just leave the selection of where you want the air to go on where I will use it the most, winter I will leave it in defrost. If it acts up, sometimes I can shut the Jeep off and then restart it and it will work fine. Sometimes not. It has 111K miles and I love the 4.7 v8, good power. I think I'm just going to put a budget boost lift of about 2 inches and just slightly bigger tires.

 

[The Swiss]

Something I have been wondering about is: Do I upgrade the grand or trade it for a standard cherokee since ...

Keep the WJ!! IMHO there is no better working suspension off road than two solid axles and 4 coil springs. The WJ has great combination of refinement, comfort and capability, lot better than my current Commander.
You don't need a monster build up to have a very capable rig. Mild lift and good rocker protection, and you are good to go.
Only draw back of the Grand is that with the V8, it has a "aluminum" Dana 44 rear end. To my knowledge nobody makes a locker for Dana 44 al.

 

[Tanto]

Keep the WJ!! IMHO there is no better working suspension off road than two solid axles and 4 coil springs. The WJ has great combination of refinement, comfort and capability, lot better than my current Commander.
You don't need a monster build up to have a very capable rig. Mild lift and good rocker protection, and you are good to go.
Only draw back of the Grand is that with the V8, it has a "aluminum" Dana 44 rear end. To my knowledge nobody makes a locker for Dana 44 al.

Actually you can get them for the D44a, Aussie has been making them since '05 they go for $260 new. You, don't have to belive me just click the link: Aussie Lockers

Keep the Grand, you'll be glad you did.

 

[calamaridog]

I love the 4.7L V8. Great motor.

I love these sliders on +D's Grand:

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=89676#post89676

I'm not sure about the space available for mounting a second battery, but if you are drawing a bunch of amp hours in remote locations then you may want one. If you are going to run only one battery and use accessories, I'd switch to an Odyssey battery.

I would say the second battery would be more useful than an upgraded alternator. I imagine the stock one is 100amp or so and should be more than adequate.

 

[The Swiss]

Actually you can get them for the D44a, Aussie has been making them since '05 they go for $260 new. You, don't have to belive me just click the link: Aussie Lockers

Keep the Grand, you'll be glad you did.

I believe you! The years I built my WJ really was in '01 through summer '04. Once I was satisfied with the way everything worked, I left her pretty much unchanged until I sold her in '06, so I did not really keep up with all the new gadgets.

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Well I did it. I'm still keeping my WJ for an everyday driver but bought a 94 GMC Suburban for my bigfoot stuff. Even though it's big and IFS; it was hard to beat a reasonable shape sub that 4x4 with a 350 in good shape and 155K miles for 3 grand. So I will fix it up starting with new tires, change of fluids all around and design a layout for the back. I'm adding radio gear, off road lighting next. It has 265/75/16's on it now and I may put 285/75/16's if they fit. I won't need serious hardcore stuff but will add a new bumper and winch also.

Thanks for all the help on the WJ just the same. I still miss my old 86 CJ7 with a 360 v8.

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Well now for an update. With the recent changes in gas prices and my Sub although fitted out nicely will get sold and I'm going back to building the Grand. I have a Garvin roof rack to install and the next item I wantto add is a 2in spring lift and new mud tires ( I have hankook Dynapro M/T's in 235/85/16's on the sub.....good tires). Then I will add a simple brush guard/light bar for two lights. A Small box setup in the back end for gear wil do. The cargo area boxes (w 2batteries/inverter/microwave oven) will go into my 4.5 X 8ft. utility trailer and will use it for camping gear. Mod. suggestions are welcome.

 

[theksmith]

2 resources that i didn't see posted:

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

http://www.mallcrawlin.com

 

[pete.wilson]

Hey

Thanks for the additional information. Right now I've got a few issues, like a leaking rear axle seal, and a front axle pinon seal w/suspect bearing (makes a hum/whine sounds at speed and begins to resonate at 68 and 72mph. Some of my plans are on hold till its fixed. Did I mention new exhaust and tires also and blower motor. Just empty every pocket....but I love my 99 WJ (well except for the plastic front end where you can't mount lights) LOL

Pete Wilson

 

[theksmith]

Hey

(well except for the plastic front end where you can't mount lights) LOL

Pete Wilson

some people have mounted them into the plastic bumper and then used a piece of plate steel on the inside of the bumper to help tie all the lights together and re-inforce the plasctic (maybe some epoxy or JB-weld on the steel bar too).