wallisek Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 So my wife and I are looking at Grand Cherokees 93-98 since I want a ZJ with a 4.0 in it. I've never owned a GC before, is there anything I need to be aware of? Input? Suggestions? We will be selling / trading my wifes 00 TJ for it. Third kid on the way and my 01 Cherokee isn't big enough for her. I tried to convince her to let me buy this sweet Wagoneer I saw on craigslist with a 401 in it but that didn't go over too well. It's large enough for 3 kids, built like a tank, and is a Jeep. What more could you need? lol :yes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 I like the 4.0L, but it feels underpowered in the ZJ. In the WJ it is terrible. I think the general consensus among the grand owners is you should look for a V8 one unless a 4.0L comes up as a screaming deal. Waggys are great other than the whole 8mpg thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glundblad Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 I have owned both but it has been awhile. I had a '96 Laredo with a v8 and a '95 Orvis with the 4.0. I thought the 4.0 was fine. What I didnt like was the groan associated with the 4.0. The 8 sounded smoother. Other than that, I liked the 4.0 just fine. I am glad I got rid of the '96 but I sure wish I kept the '95. My son has a Wj with the 4.0. It is a dog compared to our Tahoe with a big V8 (it seems faster than many cars). But WJ performance seems great to me. I don't know what the weather is like where you live and I really like the Wagoneer BUT, they are rust buckets. It is very rare to see them in Indiana, even in the junk yards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 Watch out for the 42RE tranny in the early 4.0l ZJ's.. know problem tranny... And in the V-8's watch out for the NP249 full-time transfer case. VC goes bad and its a VERY expensive repair. I really like the 5.2 in my 94. When I am hauling, I can't imagine trying to do that with a 4.0l in that heavy of a vehicle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted June 27, 2009 Share Posted June 27, 2009 If the XJ is too small for you, you won't be happy with the ZJ as they really arent that much bigger than the XJ. Especially with three kids. You need something with a third row! The WJ is a little bigger, but with three kids, its going to get hairy in the back seat..... I'm sorry to say, but it may be minivan time! :ack: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windowsrookie Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 Get the V8, they have a stronger transmission than the 4.0's (44re vs. 42re), plus they move a lot quicker. :) You may want to consider a WJ too, much more refined than ZJ's, and with my 4.7L V8 WJ I get 23MPG on the highway, better than the 4.0 gets. Also, the 545RFE transmission in the 4.7L WJs is significantly stronger than any ZJ transmission. And with Quadra-Drive (Front and rear limited slips) you really can go anywhere. I previously owned a ZJ before I bought the WJ, and the WJ is a better vehicle. Everything seems "tighter" in it, probably do to the much stronger unibody over ZJ's. The brakes are better, acceleration is better, steering is better, and the ride is better. Not that ZJ's are bad, I would buy one again if I spotted a great deal, but the WJ is a better Jeep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallisek Posted June 28, 2009 Author Share Posted June 28, 2009 Thanks for all the input. As for the WJ, I don't care at all for the style and they are out of our price range for the moment. I'm also still holding a grudge against Chrysler for discontinuing the Cherokees and then later ditching 4.0. Damn you DC!!!! :fs1: I figured I could always stroke the 4.0 if I needed more power which is the case of my 01 XJ. Not to mention there seems to be a lot more performance mods for the 4.0. I didn't see much in the way of the 4.7. So how does the 4.7 fair with gas mileage if you don't "lay into it"? The WJ is a little bigger, but with three kids, its going to get hairy in the back seat..... I'm sorry to say, but it may be minivan time! If the XJ is too small for you, you won't be happy with the ZJ as they really arent that much bigger than the XJ. Especially with three kids. You need something with a third row! The WJ is a little bigger, but with three kids, its going to get hairy in the back seat..... I'm sorry to say, but it may be minivan time! :ack: Told my wife no way in hell. :brows: I've had the misfortune of owning a van, and trying to work on it. What a PITA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 If the XJ is too small for you, you won't be happy with the ZJ as they really arent that much bigger than the XJ. Especially with three kids. You need something with a third row! The WJ is a little bigger, but with three kids, its going to get hairy in the back seat..... I'm sorry to say, but it may be minivan time! :ack: ^^^^ :agree: Remember, the ZJ was originally intended to be the replacement for the XJ. If an XJ is too small for you, a ZJ is too small for you. Having (briefly) owned a WJ, I don't think it's significantly bigger inside, either. Yeah, some of the spec numbers look bigger ... but not by enough that it'll be great where an XJ isn't big enough. And, frankly, the WJ was a disaster. I owned it for less than a year, Chrysler bought it back to prevent my filing a lemon law case, and I replaced it with another XJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 After searching for an XJ for awhile, and seeing what they were fetching, I dove into ZJ's. I acutally found one that was perfect for me. I found a '98 Limited in torch/flame red with agate leather interior, sunroof, and 4.0L. I went for the 4.0L rather than the 5.2 because I was less worried about high miles on a 4.0L vs. a v8. I paid $3850, with 102K on the clock. While seating is about the same no. of people, I find that the backseat in the ZJ has more leg room for the passengers than that of the XJ, where you usually have your knees buried in the front seats. Also a little bit more room laterally. It is noticeably roomier. I have never had something so decked out either. Even has the radio contols in the steering wheel and climate contol. I know, more to break, but while its working, great. Even tells me when I have a light out and which one :brows: . Here are some pics. My only gripes: AWD. I would rather find a 242 to give me part time rather than the full time only. Ever since I tried to take care of it, and change the t case fluid with mopar stuff, I now have tire scrub. Most likely my VC is toast. I would have also liked to have a 5 speed instead of the auto. And even though I should know better than to mess with my DD, I would still like to see it with 15" black steels, and a 2" budget lift and 31's. :roll: Rob L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 You need to keep your XJ. If WJ's are out of your price range(and they are pretty cheap these days) then buying an older ZJ isn't going to be any better than an XJ. Ya a ZJ has a little more rear leg room, but you got kids with little legs, ya if you have a car seat it will be a little easier to get it in and out of the back of a cherokee. With three kids man you need something with more room. And if you need something cheap I would look for an older used ford taurus wagon or Subaru wagon. I'm not sure what your motivations are for getting a different vehicle other than the XJ. But IMO an older ZJ isn't any better, and your just going to be trading a reliable known vehicle for an unknown vehicle with potential repairs ahead. Unless there is something you aren't telling us. The smartest thing for you to do is keep the XJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicofuentes0224 Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 He's trading in a TJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallisek Posted June 28, 2009 Author Share Posted June 28, 2009 Yeah, I think everyone got confused. I'm not getting rid of my XJ (over my dead body :rotfl2: ). Too much money, blood and sweat into it. It has also been paid off since 2002 so no monthly payments which is nice. We are getting rid of the 00 TJ which just sits in our driveway. Not my Jeep or decision to keep it since my wife bought it before we met. What started this whole "I want to get a grand cherokee" is she drove her friends GC which she liked tremendously. So here I am looking at replacing one jeep with another which doesn't bother me one bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CWLONGSHOT Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 Get the V8, they have a stronger transmission than the 4.0's (44re vs. 42re), plus they move a lot quicker. :) You may want to consider a WJ too, much more refined than ZJ's, and with my 4.7L V8 WJ I get 23MPG on the highway, better than the 4.0 gets. Also, the 545RFE transmission in the 4.7L WJs is significantly stronger than any ZJ transmission. And with Quadra-Drive (Front and rear limited slips) you really can go anywhere. I previously owned a ZJ before I bought the WJ, and the WJ is a better vehicle. Everything seems "tighter" in it, probably do to the much stronger unibody over ZJ's. The brakes are better, acceleration is better, steering is better, and the ride is better. Not that ZJ's are bad, I would buy one again if I spotted a great deal, but the WJ is a better Jeep. :agree: :agree: :agree: I have owned most of these. I like the WJ best of all for looks and driving. But I do like the 5.2 (318) V8 better don't get me wrong, the 4.7 is a damn good motor and works perfectly in the WJ. Its AWEFUL in a RAM BTW. You don't mention a duget, but WJ's are had here for 6-10 grand depending on miles and options. My pop just bought a loaded '02 WJ limited for $7200 out the door. Cash talks, asking price was $9999. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88mjmanche Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 my friend jake owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee with long arms 6.5 inches of lift lockers front and rear and 32 inch superswampers and the thing is awsome. it has 50 inches of front flex :bowdown: :eek: . i will post picts later Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 Yeah, I think everyone got confused. I'm not getting rid of my XJ (over my dead body :rotfl2: ). Too much money, blood and sweat into it. It has also been paid off since 2002 so no monthly payments which is nice. We are getting rid of the 00 TJ which just sits in our driveway. Not my Jeep or decision to keep it since my wife bought it before we met. What started this whole "I want to get a grand cherokee" is she drove her friends GC which she liked tremendously. So here I am looking at replacing one jeep with another which doesn't bother me one bit. Ah gotcha, when reading through it the last thing I read was "Third kid on the way and my 01 Cherokee isn't big enough for her." Which made it sound like thats what you were getting rid of. WJ's can be had here from 3k+, I think you get a lot more vehicle with a WJ over a ZJ, but it also kinda depends on how its optioned. One thing I have to say is look for a 96+ ZJ, I think the dual airbags and other creature comforts that come on the 96+ ZJs are worth it. And of course, theres always the 5.9 ZJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 And of course, theres always the 5.9 ZJ. :agree: :drool: :drool: '98 only, but B.A. Commercial: Rob L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 The 5.9L ZJ has awesome performance, but it'll barely make it from one gas station to the next on a full tank. It is NOT recommended for a family cruiser. My '99 WJ was the 4.7L. Highway mileage was around 20 if I stayed within the speed limit, but it dropped like a rock if you push it faster than 65 MPH. Setting the cruise control for 60 rather than 65 was good for an extra 2 MG ... I guess aerodynamics mean something. But ... although the 4.7L ran well at speed, it is a passenger car engine, not a Jeep engine. It had NO low-end torque. Disregard the numbers. I had one of those light-duty Harbor Freight folding utility trailers that I used to tow behind it. With a gross trailer weight of 1,000 pounds or less, I felt like I was hauling a freight train. My then 12-year old 4.0L XJ 5-speed pulled it better. The 5.2L ZJ V8 IMHO is a much better engine than the 4.7L. Not as modern, but a better engine in the ways that matter to me. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy a 1999 Grand Cherokee. They had innumerable problems. Many were resolved by the 2000 model year but, if I were to ever buy another (highly unlikely) I would look for a 2001. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 I wonder if the guys who keep saying you don't have room in the ZJ for three kids have actually tried it???? What are the ages of your kids??? I have 20 month old twins(in second stage car seats) an 8 year old son and a 13 year old daughter. Three will fit in the back seat of the ZJ. If two car seats are in the back of the XJ.. noone fits in the middle. Not even the 8 year old who is a skinny kid. The kids aren't thrilled about the tightness in the middle of the ZJ, but they can fit in there. And if someone considers the amount of performance parts for the 4.0l compared to the 5.2l(318).. there are even more for the 5.2L than there is for a 4.0l. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallisek Posted June 28, 2009 Author Share Posted June 28, 2009 I've got two boys, 3 and 18 mos so I don't need a huge amount of space at the moment. Right now our budget would be no more than 4k. Around this area in Oregon, that will get me a nice ZJ since the WJ's start around 6k used. I'm not planning on going 4x4'ing or towing anything so the 4.7 seems like a decent choice. Only person that will probably drive is my wife anyways. I've been reading other Jeep forums and it seems like a lot of people are having problems with the NP249 but I don't care for AWD anyways. Going to keep my eye out for a nice ZJ with the 4.0 or 4.7 with a 242 and one of the recommended transmissions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aemsee Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 Here is my old 93 Z with 3" lift and 31's. Nice all around ride. I definitly like the interiors of the 96 to 98 Z's though. If you find one that is AWD (249 t-case), drive it a few miles to get it warm, then turn in tight circles in a paved parking lot. If it buck while turning, the viscous coupler is toast. Not a hard fix, but the coupler will cost a few hundred just for the part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Automan2164 Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 Going to keep my eye out for a nice ZJ with the 4.0 or 4.7 with a 242 and one of the recommended transmissions. ZJ's only had the 5.2 318 for a v-8 option. The 4.7 Came in with the '99 Model Year. Rob L. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted June 28, 2009 Share Posted June 28, 2009 .............ZJ's only had the 5.2 318 for a v-8 option.......... Rob L. And the 5.9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallisek Posted June 29, 2009 Author Share Posted June 29, 2009 k, thanks. How about this one? Still going to sell the TJ but we also have a 2002 Chevy Cavalier that was basically given to us for free. It is worth about the same price and was considering trading for this one. (Assuming it checks out okay) http://salem.craigslist.org/cto/1230642789.html I would put the original tires back on though and get rid of the body lift. Going to contact the seller because he doesn't say what year it is. I'd also like to know what trasnfer case it has. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Sam Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 k, thanks. How about this one? Still going to sell the TJ but we also have a 2002 Chevy Cavalier that was basically given to us for free. It is worth about the same price and was considering trading for this one. (Assuming it checks out okay) http://salem.craigslist.org/cto/1230642789.html I would put the original tires back on though and get rid of the body lift. Going to contact the seller because he doesn't say what year it is. I'd also like to know what trasnfer case it has. LOL@ Bodylift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aemsee Posted June 29, 2009 Share Posted June 29, 2009 I wouldn't buy it just cause the kid thinks it has a body lift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now