Tntxj

There is a 2000 gc laredo for sale fir like 1500. Looks good inside and out. Has about 260,000 miles. But it is a in line 6. Was thinking about getting for my daughter. I figured the engine is easy enough to rebuild or replace. Not planning on any lift. Unless i keep it. But was wondering about trans and transfer case. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

dave1123

Just that infamous 0331 head that tends to crack, but since it's got that much mileage on it, you may have one of the good ones or it's already been replaced. Mine just cleared 250K and I have a cracked piston skirt and low compression, but she's still hanging in there. Some people say the 42re transmission is not very reliable, but I haven't had problems with mine because I don't beat on it. You're probably going to have problems with door latches, door wiring, window motors, and corroded electrical connectors and grounds. Check carefully underneath for rust and frame cracks around the control arm mounts. My WJ spent the first 6 years of it's life in a salt free environment and now is starting to show a little rust up here in Upstate NY. Just remember at 260K, it won't last long if you don't take care of it.

The transfer case is probably an NP 242 and is pretty rugged. It's one of the last manually shifted T-cases which is good for simplicity's sake.

Tntxj

Thanks for the reply. Wish I could find her a 99 sport like mine. But folks around here are holding on to the good ones. Just might keep looking. Winters is almost over.( I hope)

dave1123

About the only pristine XJ you're going to find has been owned by an old dude who has had it since it was new and maintained it. It'll probably cost you more than $4000. I personally wouldn't buy a V8 WJ.

peep

$1500 is good cheap price.

4.0L motors are best Your 260Kmi = 420KKm. If your not smoking oil at the tailpipe or knocking from the main bearings, the PO treated it right and it will keep going.
We have 89 755+Kkm, 95 430+Kkm, 02 400+Kkm
How can you kill a motor that runs 6L of oil? (Our Hyundai runs 3.8L of oil with filter change)

I dont like the 42re trans in the grand cherokees, treat is good and it will be ok, abuse it and it will abuse your wallet. Give it a fluid ATF4 and filter change. Trans fluid changes are most often overlooked.
Ive been spoiled by the older AW4 trans in the 89 XJ, simply a god of transmission longevity in my experience.
Test drive the 2000 and see how it shifts. If shifting good through full range, then good to go.

Transfer case fluid is transmission fluid. Easy drain and fill plugs on rear face.

Would not hurt to drain and refill the front and rear differentials oil. Messy, but you will not likely have to do it again, just check it twice yearly.

You Tube videos are free school for mechanics. Watching a few will always reveal a few new tips.

Grand Cherokees are very good daily vehicle for our daughters. Excellent stability in adverse weather conditions. Peace of mind for me wondering if they will get thru the undermaintained rural roads.
We still run four non wranglers in the family. Not knocking wranglers, for me they are on road bling and off road king. But Grand Cherokee are daily on road masters.

You may need new headlight assemblies, on line replacements are of good value and easy to replace with excellent light results.