99, not so grand, Cherokee Build
 

[EDIT]: Most current assembled pic
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw...8Jg=w640-h0-noClick for full res

Pick up day pic:
[EDIT]: Due to issues with frame rot on the ZJ. DD'ing this:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/X3...9FZ=w640-h0-no


Original post below here:
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Picked up a '96 Grand last night. Quadratrac, 5.2L.
Wife is getting rid of her '94 Saturn and getting my Jeep and I'm getting the new Heap:
(sorry for the night pic)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...0787df59ea.jpg
link

Stock flex isn't better than my Patriot(with swaybars disco'd). might have to cut off the rear swaybar and get disconnects for the front.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...18db4efbd4.jpglink

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...7563a79721.jpglink

Missed driving a V8.

I've researched a lot about XJ's, YJ's, TJ's but only a little on the ZJ's. Any advice is appreciated. Here's a link to my old(yet newer) jeeps build.

Also the rear hatch closes and latches but rattles(same with the drivers door)

and something I'll have to search more on but the blower selector switch only allows the defroster on, no head, foot etc. Ideas?

and the A/C doesn't work but that can probably wait till next spring/summer(hopefully it's an easy fix).

Welcome back to the addiction!

Hehe, check your balls.
But on a more serious note...I've researched the ZJ because that was my #2 plan if a XJ didn't show up. The "good" years are 96-98, so your good there. 5.2, although dated, is way more powerful than the 4.0, good for the extra weight. Many swap the full time TC for a 231, for many reasons. One issue that kept popping up is the transmission, keep it serviced. Put in a fresh filter and fluids now just for piece of mind.
Other than that they seem to be pretty stout vehicles.

Thanks.

I was thinking about a 242, keep AWD for winter, 2wd for fun, and part time and low for the trails. I've read mixed things on whether or not they're stronger than the 231. I had my heart set on an XJ for the longest time but when I realised the ZJ's were the same price or some even cheaper I opted for a V8 and leather seats. Coming from my 4 cyl Jeep it's quite the performance increase.

Edit: Oh and I just found a 1500 page service manual for a 93 ZJ...That should help me track down the vacuum leak...I hope.

I'm amazed how much peppier the XJ is vs. my trailblazer.. Both 6 cylinders, 4.0 vs 4.2 (IIRC) but there's such a weight difference, I could only imagine the XJ with a 5.2... :D
The 231/242 thing is interesting.. Personally cause mine is STILL in the mild not wild stage, I like the 242.. At least the HnT is a legit option..

Found the stoppers you were referring too. Obvious once I was looking at it. Lol of course they're rusty so I put some PB on them will hopefully fix that today along with the 4wd linkage. Supposed to be hot so may hide inside if our window a/c can keep up or go for a drive in the other Jeep.

The stoppers I was referring to are for the hatch. Theres a metal post with a rubber bumper/stopper on either side attached to body.

first trail mod. demufflered(rusted through right after the CAT), man this thing is loud! Took the other Jeep this morning as not to wake up the whole county. Tried getting the 4wd linkage to budge but PB, torch, hammer, 2x4s, c-clamp no luck. Maybe this will be my excuse to buy an air hammer.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...79091bae5c.jpg
link

That rubber part on the right flexes a lot when tugging on it. If it's worn out will it cause it to slip in and out of 4 low? Seems fine in high, just don't want to make things worse. Might try the air hammer on it tonight if I can get it up in there...

Finally got it registered! hopefully I can get it out for some testing this weekend:D.

Found out I need all new ball joints and probably tie rod ends, shop wanted ~$800 for the replacement with Moog lifetime ones...$66x2 for upper and $100x2 for the lower(seems expensive...). Anyone got a D44 front they want to give me?:D Probably will pick a weekend and do it myself...

Edit: and same ball joints from Amazon for $130 all 4...

Click for full Res
 

She's definitely clunky hopefully it's just the bad ball joints. If you hammer it above 45 DW.

Random photo:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ZO...nKM=w640-h0-no
link

As always click for full Res.
 

Got 4 low working! Air hammer paid for itself:D. V8 and 4 low is awesome.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xn...VUQ=w640-h0-no
link
Had to test it while I was waiting for the battery on my Dremel to charge.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/k-...Okc=w640-h0-no
link
Replaced the door hinge pins. One of the bushings holes was elongated a bit so I welded a piece of washer on there to support it a bit more if it does decide to move.

Need to pick some brains. 4wd quit working on me and stranded me 50 feet down a trail, took 1 and an half hours to get out. Low range still works, I just hear a clicking sound(like something's not engaged all the way). Does a CV joint sound like that when they go? the sound stays there continuously even when driving straight down the highway. Hoping it's not the ring or pinion in the front axle but it definitely sounds like it's coming from the transfer case, ring/pinion, or an axle. Any ideas how to diagnose this? Probably bringing it into a shop if I can't figure it out this weekend. I need this up and running smoothly before winter. And a brake line rusted through.