My new Countryside Cadillac!!! :D

[OldSch88L]

Well, the Ol' 98 Ford Ranger 2WD stepside shortcab has been loyal to me for 12 years as a daily driver, but lately has been sapping more and more of my energy, and Lord knows I ain't gaining some as I age! Sure, it still has some years of life left, but lately, I've grown tired of making new brake hard lines every 2-3 months, replacing a bushing here and a ball joint there, etc. Plus the ride is somewhat harsh, working as a bodyman and heavy equipment mechanic in the last years, I'm having back, leg and sciatic nerve problems, I needed some comfort. Also, trying to put all my groceries on the passenger seat of a single cab was getting old. And finally, having bought a house last summer, I needed something with some power to pull a trailer, which both my 4 banger Ranger and Comanche can't do, and although the 2WD Ranger did well with its 8.8 Trak-Loc diff and great winter tires, I still had a few scares last winter on my countryside roads. So here's my new daily: a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, with the 4.7 HO V8 and Quadra Drive. Funny thing is, it was the first one to catch my eye with the classy silver paint and Avila snowflake wheels. But the guy was asking too much, and I was looking more at japanese trucks like Xterras, Pathfinders or smaller SUVs under 4.0 liters of displacement to avoid the big engine tax in effect over here. Well, if y'all didn't notice, the used car market is just bonkers right now, and you now get a rustbucket for the price that you could get a respectable vehicle a few years ago. All the reasonably priced vehicles got sold hours before I could even get there to see them and they were all local!!!! After a few weeks, that WJ was still there, the guy lowered his price, but was a 1h45min drive away in Montreal; and having lived in the country all my live, I can't stand the city, espescially Montreal which I avoid at all cost like the plague! But it was my last option... So I bit the bullet and went to take a look. It's not a museum piece; it's got its flaws, but is extremely presentable, under 89000 miles, super healthy drivetrain with no warning lights and intact floors and undercarriage. Sure, the old magnet test found a small amount of bondo in the rear fenders and rockers, but like I said, if it would have been 100% intact and original, I would have ended with a second project that only drives in the summer hahaha! And PS, don't dismiss these trucks as a soccer mom vehicle like I did for so many years; it's the most comfortable and well rounded vehicle I've ever driven, and would be my forever vehicle if it was possible. I'm in love!!!!

[Pete M]

you're going to get spoiled.  

[75sv1]

They seem to go cheap. Some really like them. A former neighbor wheeled his. He said the 4.7 isn't a bad motor, just have to keep on top of it and fix the minor issues. Another neighbor's fishing buddy was working on one last few weeks. Unfortunately, the engine was a bit bad. Finding a good used motor might be hard. Doesn't want to put any more money into it. So, probably junkyard bound. Still, yours looks in good shape.

[Smokeyyank]

Nice WJ! I love my WJ and the 4.7HO is a beast. I bought mine with a blown 4.7HO and had it rebuilt, depending on what you'd paid not the worst idea to be proactive and have the heads worked to pin the valve seats since that is what kills these along with the oil drain hole causing issues.  Rebuilds aren't cheap and is an absolute B to get out.  I ditched my 247 for a 242, I lucked out with open axles, not a fan of variloks but they aren't terrible. Just make sure to use the correct fluid in the diffs. If it has dual zone climate control you may eventually have blend door issues. If you have issues with door locks, windows or other random shenanigan's known problem that the wires in the door boots get pinched and cause issues. Otherwise not a lot that happens with them. 

[OldSch88L]

On 8/7/2024 at 12:23 PM, Smokeyyank said:

Nice WJ! I love my WJ and the 4.7HO is a beast. I bought mine with a blown 4.7HO and had it rebuilt, depending on what you'd paid not the worst idea to be proactive and have the heads worked to pin the valve seats since that is what kills these along with the oil drain hole causing issues.  Rebuilds aren't cheap and is an absolute B to get out.  I ditched my 247 for a 242, I lucked out with open axles, not a fan of variloks but they aren't terrible. Just make sure to use the correct fluid in the diffs. If it has dual zone climate control you may eventually have blend door issues. If you have issues with door locks, windows or other random shenanigan's known problem that the wires in the door boots get pinched and cause issues. Otherwise not a lot that happens with them. 

Actually, I only had to put front brakes and control arms, and a muffler and everything else is mint, exept 2 things still persist... A/C doesn't work; compressor isn't seized, clutch works when I feed it direct 12v, changed pressure transducer, checked wiring fuses and relays. I tried to recharge with a refill kit, but the gauge said full right away and won't take any more refrigireant. Second, both heated seats don't work; be it cushions or back rests. The switches tested good and light up, and the fuses are ok. I stopped at checking the module under the seat because the seat bolts are pretty rusted and I ran out of time. Otherwise this thing is an absolute treat, and I've got Toyo Observe GSi-6's going on soon so I'm excited to see what this thing can do in a proper Quebec snowstorm!!!