munyanb

I found a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale, rather cheap. It's a two wheel drive Laredo with an inline 6 in it that is supposed to be blown, I guess it was knocking really bad. Sounds like the oil pump went out and/or the main bearings. But my thoughts since this jeep looks really nice and my 97 Grand Cherokee is dented and starting to rust on the rockers would be a complete drive train and engine swap and possibly the interior. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I already plan on doing an Iron Rock Offroad 3.5 inch lift on the 97 and some other upgrades. Here are some pictures of them both.

munyanb

munyanb

dave1123

Unfortuately no, the drivetrains will not interchange. There was too many changes in the changeover in '99 to the new body design. First and foremost is a change in the engine block to move the motor mounting locations. That was done so the body would accept the 4.7 V8. Then there are subtle differences in the transfer case. The newer ones shift by cable instead of linkage and the vehicle speed sensor was moved to be inside the transmission. Then there is the problem with the electronic control systems, totally changed. I was told there is no transmission control module and the powertrain control module does that function now.

Basically, you have 2 options. Buy the WJ and replace the engine, or fix the body on your ZJ.

OH!!....WAIT!! That's a 2WD WJ. Even if they GAVE you the vehicle, you'd spend way more money than it's worth to switch it over to 4WD.

JMHO, do the bodywork on your ZJ. You'd be a lot happier. I OWN a '00 WJ and I love it, BUT I think I'd much rather have the '97 ZJ I used to own. Mine weighs 4000 lbs and feels like it. The ZJ was lighter and more fun to drive.

munyanb

Thanks for the information. That WJ sure looks nice though. She wants 500 for it if anyone is interested. So what is the difference in the frames? is it not just bolt on stuff? I have changed a 2wd Comanche over to a 4x4 before, it was a lot of trouble but I didn't really have the right shop or tools either. It was even an auto to manual swap as well. I know the Comanche's and older stuff was a lot easier to mess with.

dave1123

The big difference is the engine mounts. Chrysler moved the mounts rearward so the 4.7 would balance right requiring a change in the 4.0's block.

There are aftermarket custom mounts to put the 5.2 or 5.9 in the WJs so I guess they would work for the older 4.0 but you'd have to ask the company that makes them. IDK what the front end suspension is on the 2WD, but you'd have to hang the 4WD axle. Then comes the problem of the electronics. Your ZJ gets it's VSS signal from the t/case and the WJ gets it from the transmission internally. You might be able to work it out.

One other thing. The WJ uses a 3 link rear suspension. Unless your ZJ's ratio is the same, you'll have to convert THAT over, either by using your ZJ's axle and changing the 4-link to 3-link or matching your front axle ratio.

The WJ uses dual piston front brakes, 16" wheels, and a 5X5 bolt pattern. Thing DO get complicated, don't they?

munyanb

Yeah it does get complicated. I really wish I had a big garage, but anyway with all the work it really wouldn't be much benefit over just buying a nice wj, and it probably would cost a lot for nothing gained. It was just an idea, that I found out from you guys is not feasible. Thanks for the knowledge, I do appreciate it.

Bustedback

Here is how you fix the rockers

munyanb

Them guys are good. That is a great idea, do you know what gauge of steel they are using?

Bustedback

Not sure other than they were using 2"x6" boxed steel.

PurpleToxin505

3/16'' or 1/4'' anything thicker is beyond overkill

dave1123

As far as structure goes, 1/8 is a lot better than what's there now. OR was there! LOL.

munyanb

That's what I was thinking , 1/8th or even lighter. I probably will not be rock crawling, I just can't afford to always be broken, lol. I could see running over some logs or bottoming out on a creek bank or ditch. Mostly the frame underneath in the middle will bear the most of anything usually. I don't know though, having the sliders will allow me to pick different paths than before also.