Reliability of Grand Cherokee 99-03

The rotor warpage problem was addressed by a TSB

The TSB did not address warping rotors properly, I have third set of rotors in my '01 WJ. Now a stillen set in front with TSB Akebono calipers, hopefully this cures the problem. Thou running change for rotor/caliper set in 05/02 -> manufactured WJ's seems to have helped for most (check the above link).

I would be looking for 02 WJ or newer with V8, and check that it is serviced according to schedule (for example by the VIN number from DCX service database). Vehicle hates negleted service on the long run. The V8 comes usually with full-time 4wd transfer case, occasional SUV abuser is less prone to destroy it than the select-track tcase. In areas where salt is used during winter, I would take vehicle only with factory or aftermarket corrosion prevension. For example: Check the body paint inside the rear wheel well.

I am happy with my 01 WJ,

Marko

FWIW, I had an '01 WJ from 1/02 through 07/04. Bought new, by 22,000 mi it had numerous little issues, fuel gauge nutty (never fixed), trans leak, shift lever at trans fell off (never tightened at factory), differential howl (never attempted to repair since dealer flat rate goons were likely to just make it worse) and finally, rotor warpage almost immediately.

WRT the latter issue, dealer replaced rotors & calipers with 2002 & later spec units. Still had a bit of judder which I traced to warped rears. At that point I cut bait & sold it.

The one I had was a 4.7 V8 Laredo with the full time AWD xfer case (can;t remember what the marketing name is), without the semi-locking diffs. The good, it was very comfortable, well finished, and capable off road when compared to POS Ford Exploreres and the other crap the auto industry now tries to pass off as "4x4s". The bad, it wasn't a particularly reliable vehicle, nor did it have much utility for towing, load carrying, etc.

I was lucky and got an 02 built after the change to Akebono calipers.

If your proposed WJ had warpage problems it has probably been changed to the new calipers under Jeeps 36/36 warranty. It is easy enough to check, just look through the wheel at them. The Akebono's are closed on the sides, the Teves are open.

I've had my 00 WJ Limited for a couple months now (about 5000 miles) and have yet to have a problem, knock on wood. It has the selec-trac and is extremely confortable and has a great ride. Its got about 77,730 on it as of today.

Brandonb

snipped-for-privacy@MSN.COM wrote:

Right, makes paranoid.. Now, after warranty gone and with Stillens, I have a calibrated torque wrench. After any service I check the wheel nut torque again after driving out of the garage. Under warranty 'trusted' five star service to get it right :-) Jeep service has managed to break one locking wheel nut with impact wrench. Winter and summer tire changes I do myself.

For the original post: Check that the vehicle has not been jacked up from rear axle differential. On the long run this costs you at least a new set of rear axle bearings. The quadra drive (full time 4wd) usually comes with dana44 rear axle having aluminium differential covering. And if possible, get the vehilce lifted: Check for leeks in transfer case (telltale: Wiped clean, shiny as new :-), automatic, axle differentials. Also normal things for used vehicle: whether doors, liftgate, hood, lamps and bumbers have normal fitting. If not, crashed?

And either 02 or 03 has the 5y/100000mile drivetrain warranty, you get the priciest parts under warranty.

Marko

Jerry's right on the money on this one. ALWAYS use a torque wrench to snug down wheels on disk brake equipped vehicles, particularly if they have alloy wheels.

When I had the WJ I had all the services done by the dealer, including tire rotations (the tires were some kind of Goodyear Wrangler GSAs or something, they sucked big time off road, puncture city if you ran over a bottle cap). The dealer nitwits always wailed away with their impact wrenches, so I'd retorque them when I got the thing home. The torque would be all over the place, and I was surprised to see Jeep had a spec of something like 85 - 110 ft lbs. Anyway, I'd torque them evenly to 95 ft lbs all around.

My current '04 Ford Super Duty gets a tire rotation at the dealer every 5k miles with its oil change. The Ford dealer's a dope as well, the spec is 150 ft lbs, they never get it even close. I reminded the service manager about this and he got a little embarrassed.

Oh. the Super Duty came with BFG Rugged Trail 31x16" tires, they have been a pleasant surprise. They wear very well and are excllent in snow, mud and even on the trail.

Thanks Folks, I guess its a crap shoot just like buying any used rig. I love my XJ but its getting old. For me it's a toss up between the WJ and 4runner. I'll let you know what happens.

I've had my 2001 JGC for a few years now (bought it used) and the only had a few problems, but nothing that was a show stopper. I always got home. The rotors warped and sucked, but I had that fixed by them shaving it down. I haven't had a problem since. The brakes do squeek at times, but again, that's gone away. There was a problem once where I was in limp-home mode, but I drove it around for about a week or two before bringing it in. My radiator fan went out but changing a chip fixed that. Overall I think this has been one of the more reliable cars I've had. My benz went to the shop more than this Jeep.

My overall impression on the truck is very favorable. Provided the seats suck because it's like sitting on a soft sofa (not good for long periods of driving) and the brakes were sucky at first, but they're nothing that can't be fixed. It's definitely a Jeep and it'll get you places and take you home. Did you look at the newer models?

The girl that bought my '02 new had the seats repadded by a shop in Cincinnati