JGC

There have been a few body styles but it sounds like you mean the WJ Grand Cherokee which was in production from 1999-2004 and which is what I drive. Many changes were made from the previous generation that improve the Grands off and on road performance. One big improvement was the relocation of the spare to below the floor in the back which opened up a lot of interior room.

Drive trains offer Select Trac with full and part time 4wd in 4-Hi and part time in 4-Lo and several all wheel drive versions offered in the different trim levels and as options. These AWD do not offer the use of 2WD and the Quadra Trac-1 does not offer a 2 speed transfer case and is not recommended by some for heavy towing. (See below)

Information about the available all wheel drive drivetrains can be found at the link below. It is from the 2005 model but the basic information is the same

I can send you more specific information about my '02 WJ or some pix just let me know.

Welcome to the group!

Wow thanks for the info, just what I was lookin for

Troy

My model preference would be for a 2002 WJ Laredo or Sport with Select Trac (and posi-traction if you can find it), the factory class III towing package (as opposed to an add-on hitch) which includes the 3.73 axle and tranny cooler. The class IV hitch, if you need it, also includes a power steering fluid cooler.

My V-8 engine preference would be for the standard 4.7L V-8. You will find that most of your driving is done at 2000 rpm or less. (At 2000 rpm my WJ runs at 71 mph on the highway) The hp and torque figures at 2000 rpm are as follows: standard 4.7L 107/207 and 4.7L HO 115/192. As you can see there is not much difference at normal engine speeds.

There are a lot of options available for these 2 models (see differences below) and if you want/need a Hoo Ha or Bling Bling much of it is standard equipment one the Limited or Overland versions.

If you plan to pull your camper off-road there is the 'Up Country' option that gives you taller springs for about a inch extra ground clearance or aftermarket coil spacers can also be used, lifts up to 2 inches do not require new shock absorbers

Probably all the information you are wondering about can be found at WJJeeps.com. Let me know if something more comes to mind.

Troy proclaimed:

The original Grand Cherokee was the ZJ introduced in 93 and reasonably well fixed up by 95. This is a more squared off look, which any true Grand afficiando would consider the most attractive of the series, if somewhat dated. Then the WJ series was introduced. This kinda looks like a ZJ that someone overinflated, suspect this is the bubbly style you speak of. The 4.0 liter 6 is pretty good in the older ZJ, a bit dated for the WJ. The V8s range from the old Chrysler 318 to a 5.9 that arguably may be the best V8 prior to the Hemi. The V8's can tow a bit more.

The Grand Cherokee was gussied up to be a luxury jeep, so the name "Grand" obviously refers to what it will cost you, in particular on the Limited and Overland models, if any of those automated gewgaws decide to turn to magic smoke. A grand here, a grand there, with special caution for the auto temp control models with the Info panel. In practice if it is busted or anything at all doesn't work, run, do not walk, away unless you are handy at replacing under dash components. Some of the WJ's have brake rotors made out of tinfoil that any hamfisted tire jockey can warp. If a proper torque wrench is used, this doesn't tend to happen and the cure is available with any good aftermarket rotor. Some tire jockeys also lift them without checking proper lift points... the axles do NOT like to have themselves hoisted by the pumpkins.

The ride tends to be optimized for hopping really bumpy gravel or baseball sized rock fields, which can be a bit jiggly on the street. Easily cured with the Edelbrock IAS shocks, or if you prefer a really firm ride, the Rancho RS9000SX Adjustables.

Some of the catalysts tend to be a bit shortlived, best replaced under warranty or with a top notch aftermarket.

The crank position sensor gets flakey if you ever get liquid anywhere near it.

Some folks never take care of them, some maintain them meticulously. Avoid any that have signs of abuse. If you feel ANY vibration at 50-60 mph, walk away or be prepared to replace front end parts. If you feel any brake pulsation at moderate stops, walk away or be prepared to fix warped rotors.

I've seen some Grands with heavily oxidised paint, avoid them as it means the owner was a jerk. It is also possible to find a very early model with immaculate original paint.

An extremely high grin factor available the first time you take it onto moderately rough trails. Don't challenge a SWB and you are more likely to appreciate the Grand.

The models with the skid plates and tow packages seem to work pretty well.

Any water or musty smell near the passenger carpet means the previous owner was an idiot, as it is easily fixed. Avoid.

If possible make sure you get a good Jeep mechanic, in particular one familiar with the electronics of the Grand, to perform a good pre buy inspection and if they warn you off of a particular unit, pay attention. There are lots of the things out there at good prices in top condition that will give you years of fun and reliable service, and unfortunately there are a few lemons or abused ones as well.