WJ Grand Cherokee
Discussion
Originally from the UK, I moved over to Canada (North Vancouver) last year. Wanting a car that was vaguely capable off road for mountain biking and camping trips, I also needed something quickly and on a low budget when I arrived last year. I ended up getting Mazda Tribute - with a 3.0l V6 and AWD it did me well, but with high miles it's started to cost me a bit and I'm just not attached to it enough to spend a lot of money on it. I managed to save a bit of money this year and bided my time until something I really wanted turned up, and I think I've gotten myself a bit of a deal.
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 4.0L inline 6, while a V8 would admittedly have been nice, the practical side of me prefers the L6 as they're practically bombproof and very simple and cheap to maintain - something that's important to me as I don't exactly earn a fortune and don't want to spend every waking hour working on it if I can help it. The 4.0L6 isn't exactly the most 'dynamic' engine on the planet, but it gets you where you need to go fast enough for how big the car is, and it handles enough like a boat that I don't really feel the need to drive much faster anyway!
I haggled a very good price as it has a bit of an exhaust leak, but is in otherwise great shape with only 188,000km on the clock and appears to have been owned by an elderly gentleman for most/all of it's life. A couple of cosmetic issues already sorted including defogging the headlamps, repainting the bumpers complete with new rear bumper and OEM hitch for bike transportation. She's looking good! this is my first 'proper' 4WD and can't wait to get out there. Eventual plans would be to fit some bigger tires and a small lift.
Hopefully this is 'PH' enough to warrant it's own thread... Funnily enough though, over here this thing still looks pretty small...
Photos of progress so far:
2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 4.0L inline 6, while a V8 would admittedly have been nice, the practical side of me prefers the L6 as they're practically bombproof and very simple and cheap to maintain - something that's important to me as I don't exactly earn a fortune and don't want to spend every waking hour working on it if I can help it. The 4.0L6 isn't exactly the most 'dynamic' engine on the planet, but it gets you where you need to go fast enough for how big the car is, and it handles enough like a boat that I don't really feel the need to drive much faster anyway!
I haggled a very good price as it has a bit of an exhaust leak, but is in otherwise great shape with only 188,000km on the clock and appears to have been owned by an elderly gentleman for most/all of it's life. A couple of cosmetic issues already sorted including defogging the headlamps, repainting the bumpers complete with new rear bumper and OEM hitch for bike transportation. She's looking good! this is my first 'proper' 4WD and can't wait to get out there. Eventual plans would be to fit some bigger tires and a small lift.
Hopefully this is 'PH' enough to warrant it's own thread... Funnily enough though, over here this thing still looks pretty small...
Photos of progress so far:
Hi, running a 2002 4.l on LPG here in UK. Bought as a shed & tow car with more than 2.5t tow capability - taxi-ing my daughter & horses.
Short of servicing, a new exhaust and radiator it's been bullet proof as you say.
Didn't expect much especially as my previous shed was a P38 Range Rover, but can't complain. Nearly as comfortable and more reliable.
If you've added a tow bar and are towing any weight remember to switch off overdrive if you don't have the gearbox oil cooler. The gearbox oil will overheat - that's why i ended up replacing the radiator
Yours is looking good
Short of servicing, a new exhaust and radiator it's been bullet proof as you say.
Didn't expect much especially as my previous shed was a P38 Range Rover, but can't complain. Nearly as comfortable and more reliable.
If you've added a tow bar and are towing any weight remember to switch off overdrive if you don't have the gearbox oil cooler. The gearbox oil will overheat - that's why i ended up replacing the radiator
Yours is looking good
trevt said:
Hi, running a 2002 4.l on LPG here in UK. Bought as a shed & tow car with more than 2.5t tow capability - taxi-ing my daughter & horses.
Short of servicing, a new exhaust and radiator it's been bullet proof as you say.
Didn't expect much especially as my previous shed was a P38 Range Rover, but can't complain. Nearly as comfortable and more reliable.
If you've added a tow bar and are towing any weight remember to switch off overdrive if you don't have the gearbox oil cooler. The gearbox oil will overheat - that's why i ended up replacing the radiator
Yours is looking good
Thanks for the tip - I had read something about that, fortunately I'll only be using this to carry bikes around, no towing in my immediate future!Short of servicing, a new exhaust and radiator it's been bullet proof as you say.
Didn't expect much especially as my previous shed was a P38 Range Rover, but can't complain. Nearly as comfortable and more reliable.
If you've added a tow bar and are towing any weight remember to switch off overdrive if you don't have the gearbox oil cooler. The gearbox oil will overheat - that's why i ended up replacing the radiator
Yours is looking good
samj2014 said:
Thanks for the tip - I had read something about that, fortunately I'll only be using this to carry bikes around, no towing in my immediate future!
Yes, I think the I6 models have the slightly weaker 42RE gearbox, which doesn't help.I had an Overland (high output version of the V8 and Quadradrive with the trick diffs), and it was a brilliant bit of kit.
Watch out for window regulators, HVAC flaps, and the wiring plug on the heater fan, all common areas to get issues.
I think yours should be new enough to get the improved brake calipers, which is good, the earlier design was prone to seizing.
InitialDave said:
Yes, I think the I6 models have the slightly weaker 42RE gearbox, which doesn't help.
I had an Overland (high output version of the V8 and Quadradrive with the trick diffs), and it was a brilliant bit of kit.
Watch out for window regulators, HVAC flaps, and the wiring plug on the heater fan, all common areas to get issues.
I think yours should be new enough to get the improved brake calipers, which is good, the earlier design was prone to seizing.
Funnily enough my rear brakes seized up this weekend... Stripped the calipers down and put grease everywhere. Is this likely to cause me more headaches? Should I just get new calipers? Is there a recall?I had an Overland (high output version of the V8 and Quadradrive with the trick diffs), and it was a brilliant bit of kit.
Watch out for window regulators, HVAC flaps, and the wiring plug on the heater fan, all common areas to get issues.
I think yours should be new enough to get the improved brake calipers, which is good, the earlier design was prone to seizing.
I had a 4.7 in the UK bought at 38k miles for piston heads and ran to around 115k and then lost to the wife in a divorce.
Great car - 100% reliable and felt unstoppable, no rust, simple mechanics - only things done were a couple of batteries, a starter, motor door locks, 02 sensors & TPS and rear half shaft oil seals..
The car was written off and bought back twice (and repaired) for buttons - apart from fuel was very cheap - probably zero cost motoring.
I was very impressed and now run a diesel WK but still look at the V8's.
Enjoy!
Great car - 100% reliable and felt unstoppable, no rust, simple mechanics - only things done were a couple of batteries, a starter, motor door locks, 02 sensors & TPS and rear half shaft oil seals..
The car was written off and bought back twice (and repaired) for buttons - apart from fuel was very cheap - probably zero cost motoring.
I was very impressed and now run a diesel WK but still look at the V8's.
Enjoy!
samj2014 said:
Funnily enough my rear brakes seized up this weekend... Stripped the calipers down and put grease everywhere. Is this likely to cause me more headaches? Should I just get new calipers? Is there a recall?
Hmm, you've got me now, as far as I'm aware it was the front caliper design that was upgraded, not sure about the rears, so I'm not sure. I suspect it might just be generic "old brakes seize", and you were the one holding it when the music stopped.I love these. I had an XJ with the 4.0 gearbox for seven years and am looking at buying a WJ with the same engine. They are just big enough to be comfortable, but not so big that you struggle to park it. Apparently there isn't much between the 4.0 and the V8, and the 4.0 is more reliable. The gearbox is OK unless it overheats as someone else said, then it's borked.
Edited by nsa on Tuesday 21st July 11:53
Ha! Welcome to North Van!
I've been here 7 years now and have STILL not got around to an interesting car, but had an interesting couple of years of motorcycles.
Funny to see this post because I have been looking at the likes of Grand Cherokees for forest road exploration... I just need to get the wife off the Dodge Caravan addiction. Interested to see your updates and exploration with yours!
I've been here 7 years now and have STILL not got around to an interesting car, but had an interesting couple of years of motorcycles.
Funny to see this post because I have been looking at the likes of Grand Cherokees for forest road exploration... I just need to get the wife off the Dodge Caravan addiction. Interested to see your updates and exploration with yours!
boybiskit said:
Ha! Welcome to North Van!
I've been here 7 years now and have STILL not got around to an interesting car, but had an interesting couple of years of motorcycles.
Funny to see this post because I have been looking at the likes of Grand Cherokees for forest road exploration... I just need to get the wife off the Dodge Caravan addiction. Interested to see your updates and exploration with yours!
Thanks! I just took it to lillooet lake last weekend and explored some FSRs off the main one, it was fun! Unfortunately that was when I discovered the brake issue. I've been here 7 years now and have STILL not got around to an interesting car, but had an interesting couple of years of motorcycles.
Funny to see this post because I have been looking at the likes of Grand Cherokees for forest road exploration... I just need to get the wife off the Dodge Caravan addiction. Interested to see your updates and exploration with yours!
Rear brakes seem good now, right now I'm tearing down the front brakes with new pads/rotors and replacing the tie rod ends with the view to get out for some off roading and mountain biking next weekend - I work at Steed Cycles over on Marine Drive so this is my mountain biking adventure wagon. Thinking Pemberton or the Sunshine Coast next - I love how you can just set off up a random forest road here and pretty much 100% of the time find somewhere to camp. Having a 4WD makes this a little easier.
Funny to find a fellow PHer so close on this side of the world. Give me a wave if you see me around!
The exhaust has been leaking like crazy ever since I got it, the down pipe had a big old hole but since it has two cats in it it costs around $800 minimum, so I patched it with a beer can, exhaust cement and fiberflex, seems to have held up, for now. Replaced the muffler and tailpipe and had to pull the cat out and replace with a flex pipe as I was in a rush to get it ready for a trip tomorrow. I have a cat on order so may fit that when I have time. There are no inspections here in BC so I could get away without it pretty much indefinitely.
New tires on Thursday too - went from some old michelin road tires around 225/70/16 I think to some Yokohaha Geolandar A/T G015 245/75/16. Much bigger and should work pretty well for some mild off roading.
New tires on Thursday too - went from some old michelin road tires around 225/70/16 I think to some Yokohaha Geolandar A/T G015 245/75/16. Much bigger and should work pretty well for some mild off roading.
samj2014 said:
boybiskit said:
Ha! Welcome to North Van!
I've been here 7 years now and have STILL not got around to an interesting car, but had an interesting couple of years of motorcycles.
Funny to see this post because I have been looking at the likes of Grand Cherokees for forest road exploration... I just need to get the wife off the Dodge Caravan addiction. Interested to see your updates and exploration with yours!
Thanks! I just took it to lillooet lake last weekend and explored some FSRs off the main one, it was fun! Unfortunately that was when I discovered the brake issue. I've been here 7 years now and have STILL not got around to an interesting car, but had an interesting couple of years of motorcycles.
Funny to see this post because I have been looking at the likes of Grand Cherokees for forest road exploration... I just need to get the wife off the Dodge Caravan addiction. Interested to see your updates and exploration with yours!
Rear brakes seem good now, right now I'm tearing down the front brakes with new pads/rotors and replacing the tie rod ends with the view to get out for some off roading and mountain biking next weekend - I work at Steed Cycles over on Marine Drive so this is my mountain biking adventure wagon. Thinking Pemberton or the Sunshine Coast next - I love how you can just set off up a random forest road here and pretty much 100% of the time find somewhere to camp. Having a 4WD makes this a little easier.
Funny to find a fellow PHer so close on this side of the world. Give me a wave if you see me around!
We're having more luck with our '05 Chrysler Town & Country. New shocks and brakes on it when we got it a year ago and so far no issues. I love how we can throw bikes / skis / people in the back. I hate.... how it drives! How can a 3.8 V6 have less than 200bhp?!?! At least its less boat-like with decent shocks.
boybiskit said:
Ha! My last bike came from Steed. We're just back from a week exploring around Port Renfrew on Vancouver Island - loved it!
We're having more luck with our '05 Chrysler Town & Country. New shocks and brakes on it when we got it a year ago and so far no issues. I love how we can throw bikes / skis / people in the back. I hate.... how it drives! How can a 3.8 V6 have less than 200bhp?!?! At least its less boat-like with decent shocks.
Hah, amazing. I was wondering if somebody might recognise the shop, people always do! I'm the mechanic with the moustache, FYI.We're having more luck with our '05 Chrysler Town & Country. New shocks and brakes on it when we got it a year ago and so far no issues. I love how we can throw bikes / skis / people in the back. I hate.... how it drives! How can a 3.8 V6 have less than 200bhp?!?! At least its less boat-like with decent shocks.
I'm actually heading to the island for a week today, can't wait.
So a week of road tripping on Vancouver Island and the Jeep performed pretty much flawlessly. Decided to give it a good clean out today and a little maintenance after the trip.
Replaced the spark plugs today. All 6 were a little worn and burnt looking, but the one in the photo here was totally loose - just pulled it out by hand. Glad I checked that out! Definitely seems to run a little smoother now.
Also Got a bit of a click from the front left under light-moderate braking. Replaced caliper bolts today to no avail. Got some new pad springs coming as I replaced the pads recently and had to re-use the old springs. Anyone else got any ideas?
I also picked up a fluid transfer pump and some ATF to change the fluid in the transfer case and just ordered a new transmission filter & gasket and some new struts for the bonnet and boot as they're getting a little tired. Total expenditure this week around $200 CAD.
Replaced the spark plugs today. All 6 were a little worn and burnt looking, but the one in the photo here was totally loose - just pulled it out by hand. Glad I checked that out! Definitely seems to run a little smoother now.
Also Got a bit of a click from the front left under light-moderate braking. Replaced caliper bolts today to no avail. Got some new pad springs coming as I replaced the pads recently and had to re-use the old springs. Anyone else got any ideas?
I also picked up a fluid transfer pump and some ATF to change the fluid in the transfer case and just ordered a new transmission filter & gasket and some new struts for the bonnet and boot as they're getting a little tired. Total expenditure this week around $200 CAD.
This week I took a few days off work and went for a road trip. Initially we just planned for bikes but decided to meet up with one of my colleagues with his Toyota tacoma for some off roading. We did blow down pass near pemberton. This was my first time taking the jeep properly off roading and it was super capable, with a few steep and technical sections, I used the rock guards a few times... the pass ends at around 2000m elevation and is stunning...
She's since thrown an engine code and needs new dampers so the list grows ever longer but heres a photo or two (more to come)... i do really like this car!
She's since thrown an engine code and needs new dampers so the list grows ever longer but heres a photo or two (more to come)... i do really like this car!
If your front brakes are the older Teves style ones, I would dump them and upgrade to the newer Akebono calipers.
The teves calipers have the metal wire to hold the brake pads in, the Akebonos do not.
They are a straight swop, nice and easy.
You'll waste so much time and effort trying to get the older ones to work properly.
The teves calipers have the metal wire to hold the brake pads in, the Akebonos do not.
They are a straight swop, nice and easy.
You'll waste so much time and effort trying to get the older ones to work properly.
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